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HNC: Social Services

HNC Social Services, formerly known as HNC Social Care, is for those interested in a career in social care or those already employed within a care setting who may wish to undertake a formal qualification. It involves both practical and theoretical work and will include online delivery supported by face-to-face classroom support. You will undertake a work experience placement during the course.This course meets the criteria for Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registration as a care practitioner. Placements can be in a range of settings, and physically demanding, fitness to practice will be discussed before any placement commences.

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Level:

SCQF Level 7

Duration:

  • One year full-time
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What skills will I learn?

  • This is a 12-credit group award with most of the units applied to work experience and placements. If you are a full-time student, placements will be arranged by the College to ensure that you can be supported in the application of theory and gain experience to evidence competency in the three work-based SVQ units integral to the course.
  • Those already in suitable employment will utilise their work setting to achieve these practice-based units.
  • This course meets the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) requirements for registration for a variety of posts in the health and social care sector.
  •  For those working in or considering a career in residential child care this, plus five other SVQ units, meets requirements (due to change soon).
  • Other skills developed include problem solving, moving and handling techniques, dealing with conflict and communication skills.

What will I study?

  • Care in contemporary society
  • Lifespan development
  • Care practice
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Graded Unit
  • Three SVQ units at SCQF Level 7
  • Optional units

Application Information

What further study options are available?

  • HND: Additional Support Needs: Managing and Supporting the Services SCQF Level 8.
  • It is possible to progress on to a degree at university from this course - see our HE and Degree Pathways guide for more information.
  • Year two entry to BSc (Hons) Public Policy Sociology at Queen Margaret University Edinburgh (Graded Unit at B).
  • Social work degrees at university (some universities will also ask for an English, ICT and/or Numeracy or Maths qualification).
  • SVQ: Social Services and Healthcare SCQF Level 8 (while working).
  • May also be accepted for mental health nursing and midwifery.
  • Degrees in community learning and development.
  • Degrees in social sciences.

What career opportunities are there?

  • Care related services, for example residential schools, day-care facilities for the older adult and resource centres for adults with physical disabilities or learning difficulties.
  • Care home practitioner.
  • Housing support worker.
  • Various job roles in mental health, homelessness, and looked-after children in the statutory sector and third sector.

Related courses

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Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF Level 7 SVQ

This is a vocational qualification which allows candidates to demonstrate competence in job-related skills in their particular area of work. As much of the evidence for the portfolio is generated in the workplace through a portfolio of evidence you will be assigned an individual assessor who will observe your work practice and support you throughout this qualification. You should ideally have been working in your current employment for a minimum of 6 months or volunteering for 16 hours per week before undertaking this qualification. Successful completion of the course will enable you to seek employment and register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) at Practitioner Level. Visit the SSSC website for more information about registration.

Social Services and Healthcare SCQF Level 7 SVQ

This is a vocational qualification which allows candidates to demonstrate competence in job-related skills in their particular area of work. As much of the evidence for the portfolio is generated in the workplace through a portfolio of evidence you will be assigned an individual assessor who will observe your work practice and support you throughout this qualification. You should ideally have been working in your current employment for a minimum of 6 months or volunteering for 16 hours per week before undertaking this qualification. Successful completion of the course will enable you to seek employment and register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) at Practitioner Level. Visit the SSSC website for more information about registration.