Health, Welfare and Social Sciences HNC

Cornwall College

This HNC offers either a one year full time or a two years part time programme of study. This affords students a degree of flexibility to take account of work and family commitments.The HNC has a broad focus which allows students the opportunity to explore a range of areas within health and social care and is therefore suited to students who have not finally decided on their career progression. On the other hand, it gives students the opportunity to focus on one or two areas within health and social care that they may be interested in which may be career-related. Upon successful completion of the HNC students may apply for entry into year 2 of the BSc (Hons) Health, Wellbeing and Social Sciences degree programme.The Social Sciences (e.g. Psychology and Sociology) underpin the wide range of health and social issues which are explored on the programme and links are made with professional practice. Current issues e.g. around equality, diversity & rights are examined and how these impact on the role of the professional.Over the course of the programme there is a focus on developing the key transferable skills which employers are expecting graduates to possess. These include problem solving, decision making, team working, communication skills and knowledge of the sector. These skills are specifically studied within the PESD module. Students are encouraged to explore the possibility of taking other CPD courses relevant to their area of interest, e.g. NCFE in Counselling, End of Life Care Training, Mental Health First Aid Training, British Sign Language.Whilst work experience is not a mandatory part of the programme, there is an expectation that students will be either in paid employment or in a volunteering role. This will develop their employability skills within a work setting and increase opportunities for securing employment upon graduation.