COURSE INFORMATION

This HND Additional Support Needs - Managing and Supporting the Services is designed to provide you with a specialist qualification if you want to work with children or adults who have additional support needs, with an emphasis on the management of support services. This course is designed for those who are working within the area of additional support needs (ASN) and wish to undertake further professional development. It is also for those who are considering entering this field, who have previously achieved a related HNC award (or equivalent). This is an intensive course of study with 18 SQA credits which are delivered over five full days and therefore requires a great deal of commitment and hard work to achieve.


The HND Additional Support Needs - Managing and Supporting the Services also provides a progression route to BA Learning Difficulties/Disabilities. You will also complete a practical work placement as part of the course (two days per week on the full-time course). Placements can be in a range of settings and physically demanding. Fitness to practice will be discussed before any placement commences. 

  • The HND Additional Support Needs course offers a qualification that is generally seen as equivalent to second-year undergraduate level. During the course you will be introduced to Abertay University and their BA in Learning Disability. On successful completion of the HND Additional Support Needs, you can apply directly to the third year of the BA programme where you will continue your studies to complete the BA in Learning Disability.
  • The HND Additional Support Needs course develops the underpinning theoretical knowledge through direct practice experience. You will develop values and further enhancing skills and understanding gained previously such as leadership and management practices by working closely with other professionals. Enhancing communication and team building skills also form part of the course. 
  • Full-time study is one academic year and includes a mix of online and in person study. Days of study are different dependent on campus.
  • Programme planning
  • Working in an additional support needs setting
  • Communication: business communication
  • Collaborating with other agencies
  • Managing quality
  • Effective leadership and management
  • Graded Unit 2
  • A number of optional units

One of the following:

  • Direct entry into year 2 (HND) requires the full, successful completion of the related HNC with 15 SQA credits.

  • For applicants who do not currently have the full 15 SQA credits, please contact us at info@fife.ac.uk for further support on the options available to you to be accepted onto this HND course.

  • HNC: Additional Support Needs: Supporting the Individual SCQF Level 7.


We will also consider the successfully completion of one of the following:

  • HNC: Care and Administrative Practice SCQF Level 7.
  • HNC: Healthcare Practice SCQF Level 7.
  • HNC: Childhood Practice SCQF Level 7.
  • HNC: Social Services SCQF Level 7.


PLUS:

  • You will need a PVG check through Disclosure Scotland in order to go out on the placement(s) as part of this course.
  • HNC Qualifications must have graded unit at grade C or above.
  • Support worker/manager/supervisor in training or residential settings for people with learning disabilities.
  • Learning support assistant roles.
  • Educational assistant roles.
  • You are required to purchase stationery and textbooks at an approximate total value of £100 and have access to the internet and ICT equipment to complete online study and submit assessments.
  • Please note there may also be a cost for travel to work placement.
  • You may be required to take part in an informal conversation as part of the application process. This group/individual conversation may be an information session, a portfolio discussion, or a skills based exercise.