HNC Social Services

Attendance/Duration

Overview

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 meets the needs of employers and registration with the SSSC. College attendance is two days a week. The course includes work based SVQ units that you achieve either on your two day a week placement, or in your place of work for those employed in the care sector and with access to the required learning and development experiences. Job opportunities are numerous and include social care support roles and social work assistant roles. Career progression is supported and progression to university may also be an option.

To be successful you will need to have good communication skills; a genuine interest in working with others; be well organised and self-disciplined.

Entry requirements

For this course you’ll need:

• At least two relevant Highers at grade C or above with Higher English as preferable OR
• A relevant  level 6 course such as Higher Health and Social Care, First Steps to Counselling and Mental Health or Higher Social Sciences.
• To be at least 17 years old by August of the year of entry.
• A personal statement in the application form, 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*

• An SCQF level 5 qualification in maths and/or numeracy is desirable, and may be a requirement for progression to some university courses.

If you do not have formal qualifications a lower level course maybe a more suitable starting point for you. However if you have relevant life or work experience and think you have got what it takes to be successful at the HNC SCQF level 7 please call us for a chat.

*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.

Course content

The course consists of two days a week in college and two days a week on work 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.

Careers and Further Study

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

Skills developed will include:

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

Employers and Industry Links

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

Testimonials

‘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.’

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Articulation Routes

This is a SSSC registerable award meeting the requirements for a wide range of employment opportunities within the care sector.

In recent years, our students have successfully progressed to a range of university programmes, including:

• BA (Hons) Social Work (Exceptional students may be able to articulate to year 2)
• BSc (Hons) Collaborative Health and Social Care (University of the West of Scotland – direct entry to Year 2· BA Childhood Practice
• BA (Hons) Community Education
• BSc Nursing Studies (Learning Disability)
• BSc Mental Health Nursing
• BSc Adult Nursing
• BSc Psychology

Please check university entrance criteria for current details.