Health and Social Care

If you are looking for a route into Nursing or the Allied Health Professions this could be the course for you.   

This course could be your step into a degree level programme in a range of nursing disciplines such as adult nursing, mental health nursing, child and learning disability nursing, or into an allied health profession degree programme.   

The HNC healthcare Practice is also an ideal course for people wishing to pursue careers in Healthcare Support Worker roles. 

Through college work and clinical placements you will develop the knowledge and skills required to work in a range of care settings.  

As the course contains a placement element candidates must be eligible to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme; undertake an NHS Occupational Health screening and have Hep B vaccinations. You would also need to demonstrate that you have the ability and maturity to perform and be successful at the HNC level. 

At least two relevant Highers at grade C or above with Higher English as preferable OR 

a relevant level 6 course such as NC Health and Social Care at SCQF level; First Steps to Counselling SCQF level 6 or NC Social Sciences at SCQF level 6.  

Alternative relevant qualifications at equivalent levels and or relevant occupational experience with an ability to study at level 7 may also be considered. Relevant work experience includes paid or volunteer roles within organisations that provide support and/or care. 

• A detailed personal statement on the application form outlining your motivation for studying this course and the skills, qualities and experience you would bring to it.  
• At least 17 years old by August of the year of entry. 
• Applicants whose first language is not English should have a minimum SQA ESOL Higher or equivalent.  
• To be eligible to become a member of the PVG scheme and occupationally fit for practice. Existing PVG scheme members will require an update.  

Desirable 

• An SCQF level 5 qualification in maths and/or numeracy  

Selection: 

• A successful group and/or individual interview and information session, during which you may be asked to complete a written activity.  
• A satisfactory reference on request.  

You’ll spend 2 days in college and 2 days on a clinical placement rotation for work base and learning experience. Placements could include an NHS hospital, local authority care home or private nursing home. Here’s just some of what you will be studying:

• You will gain knowledge of the societal context in which a range of factors may contribute to the health status of individuals in contemporary Scotland. It will offer an introduction to health statistics and epidemiology. Health promotion will be explored, considering how public health and government agenda both from National and International perspectives, tackle inequalities that influence health and wellbeing.
• You will learn about safe working practice and it will ensure that you have the necessary knowledge and understanding to create and maintain a safe care environment through recognising challenging situations and supporting individuals in receipt of care services and recognition and management of medical emergencies.
• You will explore therapeutic relationships and their importance in supporting individuals receiving care. You’ll look at psychological theories of human development and behaviour, and the impact this has on relationships in a care setting.
• You will study the human body in health and illness including body processes for health and wellbeing, body systems such as respiratory and digestive, and types of disease.
• You will learn about the regulations, values and skills involved in professional care practice. You will look at the care planning process and the importance of team work. You will learn and will investigate the extent of poor mental health in contemporary Scotland and shall explore how mental health can be promoted.

Throughout the course, you will hear from a range of guest speakers including representatives from the NHS, University partners and Royal College of Nursing. 

This course is highly valued by both universities and employers. The underpinning knowledge and practical skills support safe and effective care, preparing you for further study or employment. When you successfully complete this course, it provides a recognised entry qualification for progression to university to study at degree level.

Possible programmes include: 

Adult Nursing, Mental Health, Child and Learning Disability Nursing, Midwifery (additional qualifications may be necessary) Paramedic Science and Allied Health Professions.

BSC(Hons) Collaborative Health and Social Care. Direct entry into 2nd year may also be possible.

You may also want to start your career as a Health Care Support Worker at Band 3 within the NHS. 

You will develop the caring skills and qualities essential for working in health and social care and a career in nursing. This will include a range of skills such as: 

• Communication and interpersonal skills 
• Employability skills such as timekeeping and being able to use your own initiative 
• Digital skills which are becoming essential to work and home life 
• Leadership and team working skills. 

Nursing | NHSScotland Careers 

"The HNC Healthcare Practice program prepared me well for my transition to university by providing practical experience in healthcare settings. The support from the staff was invaluable to my studies. From day one, they were genuinely invested in our success, offering guidance both academically and personally, which helped build my confidence and resilience. Every lecturer, along with the LRC team and student support staff, was extremely supportive. 

The lessons were engaging and relevant to future careers in healthcare. All staff went above and beyond to prepare us for university-level expectations, encouraging us to develop critical thinking, research skills, and time management—essential tools for higher education. 

Thanks to their support, my transition to university felt seamless. I felt equipped with both practical and academic skills necessary to thrive in an academic environment. I am truly grateful for the foundation this program provided, and I feel confident as I move forward with my studies and career in healthcare." – Zerena McGurn 

Direct entry to year 2 adult, mental health, learning disability or child nursing degree courses may be possible. This will be something that teaching staff will advise you on in semester 1 of your studies.