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HNC SOCIAL SERVICES

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

HNC SOCIAL SERVICES

This course is for those who want a career as a senior care worker within a social care setting or to progress to University for Social work or Community education.

Start date – Aug 2025

End date –  Jun 2026

SCQF Level - 7

Mode –  Full time

You will learn how to work effectively in various care settings with different service users; the values and principles of social care; and how to integrate these values with skills and knowledge.

From this course you can move into more advanced study such as a degree in social work, community education or other related social/health related fields.

This course will also provide a registerable qualification with SSSC to gain employment in the social services. 

Please note if you are considering Social Work degree you may require to have National 5 Maths this is not available on the HNC and would need to be undertaken independently as an evening class.

  • Healthcare students

    What the course includes

    • A sociological understanding of society
    • Leadership in social care
    • Key elements of Health, wellbeing and safeguarding
    • Human development across the whole lifespan
    • Psychological approaches that underpin care and support
    • Promoting health, safety and security in the work setting
    • How to develop your practice through reflection and learning
    • The development of various effective communication skills
    • Key methods and approaches in Care practice
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Why choose this course

You will gain experience though an extensive placement which gives you the chance to develop your skills in the care field and to relate theory to practice.

Entry requirements

  • Two Highers at grade C or above, one must be English or equivalent and one other relevant subject or 
  • Foundation Apprenticeship in a related subject along with an additional higher
  • We consider SVQ level 2 qualifications 
  • You must be eligible to join the PVG scheme and must not be barred or under consideration for listing (criminal record check)
  • You must be eligible to register with the SSSC 
  • It is essential you are able to support others

Please note:  Level 5 numeracy/maths is a requirement for entry to some degree courses, for example, social work. 

We consider applications from people who do not have these qualifications. 

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

  • Where it leads

    Education: A degree in social work or community education, offered at various higher education institutions.

    Previous students have progressed onto courses at The University of the West of Scotland, The University of Stirling, The University of Aberdeen, Edinburgh Napier University and Glasgow Caledonian University.

    Employment: Roles in social work, private care, or community and voluntary projects.

    Previous students have found employment with West Lothian Council, Able Scotland, Q2 Solutions, AbbeyCare and The Action Group.

    Please note this course is to prepare you for a career in health and social care.

Interview arrangements

If we invite you for interview, plan to be in college for around two hours.

Please bring evidence of qualifications already gained and a pre-prepared personal statement (maximum of 300 words) which covers:

The interview involves:

  • Information session
  • Individual discussion
  • Group discussion

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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