Social Services - HNC

Start

25 Aug 2025

End

12 Jun 2026

The HNC Social Services program is tailored for motivated and compassionate individuals dedicated to making a significant impact on the lives of society's most vulnerable. Through a blended learning approach that combines practical experience, research, and academic study, you will develop the critical skills and knowledge required to support individuals in leading fulfilling and independent lives. This course provides a pathway to employment in social care and lays the foundation for further studies in social work or related fields, empowering students to contribute effectively and empathetically to community, public, and private support services.

Full-time students in Scotland may have their tuition fees covered, provided they meet residency requirements. Applications should be submitted to the relevant funding body. International students should consult our Student Finance Department finance@borderscollege.ac.uk

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Qualifications

HNC Social Services at SCQF Level 7

Three units at SVQ Level 3

  • Promoting Health, Safety and Security in the Work Setting
  • Develop Your Practice Through Reflection and Learning
  • Promote Effective Communication

Delivery

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

HNC units are assessed by reports and project-based work and closed-book assessments.

SVQ units are assessed by completing a portfolio on your work placement.

Location

Scottish Borders Campus

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Entry requirements

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.

If English is not your first language, you should have a minimum of SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses, and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

Progression opportunities

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 work.

Course Content

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.

Questions?

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

01896 66 26 00