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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 face-to-face classroom teaching and learning and online learning- This will consist of 2 evenings per week on campus and 1 evening per week online. 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.

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Level:

SCQF Level 7

Study Mode:

  • Full time

Location:

  • Kirkcaldy

Start Date:

Aug 2025

Duration:

  • One year full-time
  • Our evening programme will be delivered on campus. This will consist of 2 evening classes per-week on campus and one online evening class per week.

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