Ofqual-regulated
Level 2 Diploma in Care
Entry pathway into adult social care — Ofqual-regulated, fully online.
From £950 · 6 or 9 months
View courseScotland
Health and Social Care Courses in Edinburgh
Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Diploma — study online from Edinburgh
Health and Social Care in Edinburgh
Edinburgh's health and social care sector is regulated by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), which requires all social care workers to hold or work towards a relevant qualification. The Scottish Living Wage — currently £12.00/hr — applies across all Edinburgh care providers, making Edinburgh salaries among the highest outside London. NHS Lothian employs over 24,000 staff across its integrated health and social care services.
Scottish Living Wage of £12.00/hr applies to all Edinburgh care roles
SSSC registration required within 6 months of starting work in Scotland
Care Worker Salaries in Edinburgh (Scotland)
| Role | Typical pay |
|---|---|
| Care Worker | £11.00–£12.50/hr |
| Senior Care Worker | £13.00–£14.50/hr |
| Care Home Manager | £31,000–£43,000/year |
Source: Skills for Care Workforce Intelligence, 2024/25
NHS and Care Employers in Edinburgh
Our Level 3 Diploma is recognised by NHS Lothian (one of Scotland's largest NHS Boards) and by City of Edinburgh Council Health and Social Care Partnership for adult social care roles. Employers across Scotland specify Level 3 as the standard qualification for career progression.
Popular courses for Edinburgh learners
All programmes are Ofqual-regulated, assignment-based and fully online.
Ofqual-regulated
Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
The standard qualification for senior care and NHS band 3 progression.
From £950 · 6 or 9 months
View courseOfqual-regulated
Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care
Advance into supervisory practice and higher-responsibility care roles.
From £950 · 6 or 9 months
View courseOfqual-regulated
Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management
Management and leadership for care coordinators and aspiring managers.
From £950 · 6 or 9 months
View courseFrequently Asked Questions — Edinburgh
Do I need SSSC registration to work in Edinburgh? ▼
Yes. All social care workers in Scotland must register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and hold or be working towards a relevant qualification such as our Level 3 Diploma.
Does the course qualify me for NHS Lothian roles? ▼
Our Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Diploma is accepted by NHS Lothian and Edinburgh's integrated health and social care partnerships. Most band 3 support roles at NHS Lothian specify this level of qualification.
Is the Scottish Living Wage guaranteed in Edinburgh care homes? ▼
The Scottish Government has funded the Scottish Living Wage (currently £12.00/hr) for social care staff employed by councils and commissioned providers across Edinburgh. Private care providers vary, but the majority of Edinburgh employers now pay at least this rate.