Social Services HNC @ SCQF Level 7

Dumfries and Galloway College

Introduction

The award is specifically for learners who are currently working within the field of health and social care but who have not yet been able to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as practitioners. It will allow them to integrate the theory and their current practice to provide an informed approach to health and social care.

The main aim of the HNC is to provide an integrated course of values, skills and knowledge, to equip learners to work effectively in a range of care settings. It also aims to provide an award flexible enough to meet the needs of employers.

The award also consists of three SVQ units which can assist learners in gaining the joint award of SVQ level 3 in the future. Learners who may already have gained the SVQ3 Health and Social Care award are only required to complete the theoretical units to achieve the HNC award and will, therefore, be based as part-time.
You must be able to cope with the demands of this level of study, and practical placement whilst also supporting people who may be at a vulnerable time in their lives. Attendance is expected at 100% at both college and placement.

Progression

• This is a Professional Award and is a requirement by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) to work within social care. This award can be used as a stepping-stone to a degree in social work a degree in nursing and a pass with an A in the graded unit is required to be considered for direct entry to year 2 of the MA Health and Social Policy. A pass with a B in the graded unit allows entry to year 1 at Glasgow University on the Crichton Campus.
• Learners may progress to higher education, such as a degree in Social Work, MA Public Services. An A in the graded unit plus attending at the required summer school can be considered as direct entry onto the UWS degree in Social Work.
• The qualification will also provide learners to become registered as Practitioners with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
• This qualification should open up a range of degree studies in social work, nursing and community education or other subject areas.

Career Prospects

It should enhance your career prospects in a range of health and social services settings. Possible employment Includes: Care Service Manager, Family Support and Development Worker, Senior Care Assistant, Health Care Support Worker, Support Practitioner, Team Facilitator and many more diverse roles.