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HNC SOCIAL SCIENCES

  • Start date:   August 2025
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 7
  • Course Type:   Full-time

HNC SOCIAL SCIENCES

Please be aware this course is now full. Alternatively, you can explore other courses on our website or email choosecollege@west-lothian.ac.uk if you wish to speak to a member of staff.

This course is for those who want to learn about competing views, perspectives, theories and evidence in social science subjects such as psychology, sociology and philosophy.

Start date – August 2025 
End date –  June 2026 
SCQF Level - 7 
Mode –  Full time  

On this course, you will explore the historical development of these subject areas and investigate specific topics and apply your knowledge. 

Read about Marissa Smith's West Lothian College experience here.

  • What the course includes

    • Psychology   
    • Sociology  
    • Criminology  
    • Politics  
    • Research methodology 

Why choose this course

You will have the opportunity to develop skills that will fully prepare you for higher education at university e.g. critical and evaluative thinking, problem solving, communication and presentation skills.  

The course will also include opportunities to attend subject specific conferences, go on visits and meet people who are working within the sector. 

Entry requirements

  • Two Highers – One Grade C and One Grade B. 
  • One of the Highers must be English or equivalent, and one other relevant subject for example, RMPS, psychology, sociology, modern studies, history, geography  
  • Already achieved a level 6 social science course.
  • We also encourage those with relevant experience to apply. 

If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course.   

  • Where it leads

    Education: HND Social Science at another college or Degree courses in Psychology, Sociology, Politics or Social Science-oriented Degrees such as Criminology. This may give access to other degree areas not listed here. 

    Employment: A variety of employment roles as a result of the transferable skills developed in this qualification. This could lead to roles e.g. in the health, civil services, criminal justice and the third sector. 

Interview arrangements

If you are invited for an interview, plan to be in college for around two hours. Please bring evidence of your qualifications and the following prepared personal statement (maximum 300 words):  

  • Qualifications  
  • Work experience/volunteering experience/life experience  
  • Personal qualities and interests  
  • Reasons for applying for the course

The interview involves:  

  • Information session  
  • Individual interview 
  • Written task and numeracy task

This course is taught by a highly qualified staff team with a vast range of teaching experience and knowledge across a variety of Social Science subjects. 

This course will give learners the opportunity to visit Livingston Sheriff Court, the Scottish Parliament and a local prison.

Fees, Finance & Funding

There may be help available to assist with your study related costs. Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds. Click here to find out more

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Take that next step in your career and apply for this course today. If the course is not yet open for applications, feel free to ask any questions by clicking make an enquiry.

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