Health and Social Care

If you are caring and highly motivated to support the most vulnerable members of our society to lead fulfilling and independent lives, this could be the course for you.

The HNC in Social Services (SCQF level 7) qualification is valued by social care employers where Social Care Workers and Social Workers are in demand. The qualification is registerable with the SSSC with an integrated practice placement throughout. If you are currently working in the care sector, your place of employment can be used as your placement.

To enable you to more meaningfully link theory to care practice, experience of working in a health or social care setting (paid or voluntary) is highly desirable. The course consists of two days in college and two days work placement. Applicants who are already working at least two days a week in the social care sector, and can commit to a further two days a week of college study may also want to achieve this course to gain SSSC registration and career progression. To be successful you will need to have good communication skills; a genuine interest in working with people; be well organised and self-disciplined.

For this course you’ll need:

• at least two relevant Highers at grade C or above - Higher English would be ideal, as would Modern Studies, History, Psychology, Sociology and Care Highers
• as an alternative to Highers you may have a relevant course at SCQF level 6 or their equivalent such as Higher Health and Social Care, First Steps to Counselling and Mental Health or Higher Social Sciences
• an SCQF level 5 qualification in maths and/or numeracy is preferred, and may be a requirement for progression to some university courses
• a personal statement detailing relevant experience as a volunteer or paid employee in a care work setting, your reasons for applying and why you believe you would be suitable
• to be capable and have the capacity to work appropriately in a care setting
• a successful group and/or individual interview and information session, during which you may be asked to complete a written activity
• a satisfactory reference
• to become a member of the PVG scheme*

*Students will apply for membership or an update to join the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. This involves a police check by Disclosure Scotland. You can ask about this at the point of application or interview, and this is highly recommended for applicants who have a criminal history.

The course consists of two days a week in college and two days a week on placement with a minimum of 60 days of care work experience required.

During the course you will learn about:

• care and outcome focussed assessment and practice
• policies and legislation that guide social care work
• reflection in practice and development of the self, including self-management, social intelligence and innovation
• safeguarding, early intervention and trauma informed practice
• psychology and sociology of the individual

Eligibility to apply for a wide variety of social care roles based either in the community, day services, respite services, or residential care settings.

Degree courses including those related to:

Social Work,

Mental Health Nursing

Occupational Therapy

2nd year of the University of the West of Scotland’s BSC (Hons) Collaborative Health and Social Care degree.

Skills developed will include:

• Communication
• Collaboration
• Project work
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Reflection
• Academic
• Sector specific

We have links with employers who support the following needs of individuals:

• Health
• Mental Health
• Learning Disabilities
• Educational
• Care experienced
• Homelessness
• Addictions and Recovery
• Trauma
• Loss and bereavement

“The HNC Social Services course provided me with a solid foundation in understanding the principles of care, and opened up my eyes to the diverse field within the sector. It equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in care, and in my case, has prepared me for University where I have began my journey as a Learning Disability Nurse.” -Issac

Degree courses including those related to:

Social Work,

Mental Health Nursing

Occupational Therapy

2nd year of the University of the West of Scotland’s BSC (Hons) Collaborative Health and Social Care degree.