Social Services - HNC

The HNC Social Services is a SCQF Level 7 qualification. In addition to theoretical units, students will undertake 3 SVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care Units, which are connected to a practical placement experience.

Theoretical units include:

• Care in Contemporary Society - examine how policies, values, and social attitudes shape current care practice.
• Health, Wellbeing and Safeguarding - develop an understanding of physical and emotional wellbeing, protection, and risk management within care settings.
• Lifespan Development: Theoretical Approaches - explore theories of human growth, development, and change across the lifespan.
• Leadership Starts with Me - build leadership skills, self-awareness, and personal responsibility in professional care roles.
• Understanding Loss and the Process of Grief - learn how to support individuals experiencing change, bereavement, and emotional distress.
• Understanding and Supporting Behaviour - develop positive approaches and strategies for supporting individuals whose behaviour may be challenging.
• Mental Health Issues in a Care Setting - recognise and respond sensitively and compassionately to a range of mental health needs.
• Care Practice & Graded Unit - apply knowledge and skills through practical tasks, projects, and reflective assessment.

Full-time 36 week course, 2 days per week in College, 2 days per week on placement.

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To apply for the HNC Social Services Programme, you should have one of the following:

• Social Care Higher Course or 2 Highers (one must be English), including Literacy or Communications at Level 6, with relevant work experience.
• A Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare or Children and Young People.
• Significant relevant work experience along with evidence of previous study at SCQF Level 6. Applicants in this category must provide a supporting reference from their care workplace.

Additional Requirements:

• Interview: Applicants will be invited to attend an interview session.
• Preparatory Course: A preparatory course may be required for some students before starting the HNC Social Services Programme.
• PVG Check: All students will be required to complete a Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) form.

The HNC Social Services is a highly regarded qualification that can lead directly to paid employment or serve as a pathway to further study. This course prepares students with the knowledge and skills for a social care role or further study at the university level, providing a pathway to a rewarding career in social works range of fields and graduates will be eligible to register with the SSSC.

Find more information by copying this link to a browser: https://www.sssc.uk.com/

Testimonials

• 'Studying HNC Social Services at Borders College opens a path for me to study Criminology and Sociology at The Open University' - Marcin Kowalewczany


• 'I enjoy studying the HNC Social Services here because it is very inclusive' - Laia Reid


• https://youtube.com/shorts/ShRU1-3ZAxo

Online application and interview process.

What you will experience

• Safeguarding and wellbeing of individuals
• Social policy
• Leadership and collaborative working
• Care practice and personalisation of practice
• Understanding individual and social behaviour
• The graded unit provides an opportunity to plan, develop, implement and evaluate a plan for the care of an individual supported by the learner over time in their placement setting

Requirement to attend placement two days per week for a total of 14 hours.

Get in touch for further information, we’re here to help.

01896 66 26 00

enquiries@borderscollege.ac.uk