HNC Social Services (Next Generation) - Part One (Evening)

This course isn’t currently open for applications, but you can still register your interest.

More information

Attendance/Duration

01 September 2026 to 15 January 2027

Overview

If you are currently employed in social services and highly motivated to support the most vulnerable members of our society to lead fulfilling and independent lives, this could be the course for you. It will promote your learning and development, enhance your practice and support career progression. The qualification is registrable with the Scottish Social Services Council. It will prepare you well for more advanced study should that be of interest to you.

Part one of the course will run from September 2026 to July 2027.

Part two of the course will run from September 2027 to December 2027.

It consists of a Tuesday evening on campus during term time, when you will benefit from the diverse range of experiences and mutual support provided by your classmates and college tutor. You will also complete around five hours a week of directed study at a time that is convenient to you. The course includes four SVQ units that you will achieve by applying your developing knowledge and understanding to your care practice, writing reflective accounts and having an SVQ assessor observe your practice.

To be successful you will need to be caring and compassionate. You will also need to have good communication skills; be well organised and self-disciplined.

Entry Requirements

You should be employed in a social services role that involves you supporting individuals and working with others as part of the care planning process. Your employer will need to support your application and be willing to work with you to ensure you have sufficient opportunities to relate theory to practice.

You should be able to demonstrate evidence of having achieved relevant qualifications at SCQF level 6 and or have significant relevant experience and can demonstrate at interview an ability to complete a written task and communicate at the required level.

Relevant qualifications include:

At least two relevant Highers at grade C or above with Higher English as preferable OR
A relevant level SCQF 6 course such as NQ Health and Social Care; First Steps to Counselling or NC Social Sciences.
Alternative relevant qualifications at equivalent levels may also be considered.

You should also:

Have good interpersonal skills such as active listening, clear communication, and the qualities of acceptance, genuineness and empathy.
Be least 17 years of age by August of the year of entry.
Work with the college to obtain a PVG update.

Desirable:

An SCQF level 5 qualification in maths and/or numeracy could support your transition to university degree courses.

Selection:

A successful group and/or individual interview and information session, during which you may be asked to complete a written activity.
A satisfactory reference on request.

Course Content

In addition to your regular care practice, the course consists of one evening on campus and around five hours of directed study. Part 2 of the course will start in September 2027 and end in December 2027.

During the course you will learn about:

Care and outcome focussed assessment and practice.
Policies and legislation that guide social care work.
Reflection in practice and development of the self, including self-management, social intelligence and innovation.
Safeguarding, early intervention and trauma informed practice.
Psychology and sociology of the individual.
SVQ units.

Course fees will be £771 for part one and £514 for part 2.

Careers and Further Study

Eligibility to apply for a wide variety of social services roles based either in the community, day services, respite services, or residential settings.

HNC Counselling
HNC Healthcare Practice

Degree courses including those related to:

Social Work.
Mental Health Nursing.
Occupational Therapy.
2nd year of the University of the West of Scotland's BSC (Hons) Collaborative Health and Social Care degree.

Testimonial

"My HNC Social Service evening class is going exceptionally well. It makes balancing work life, personal life and study so easy and manageable! The supportive learning environment that our lecturer provides myself and my classmates makes the course so much more enjoyable. The course materials are engaging, the class discussions are meaningful, each session leaves me feeling more confident in my knowledge and skills relating to the course. I’m gaining real insight into social care practice, building strong relationships with my classmates and steadily progressing towards my goals. The class so far has been a motivating and empowering experience!"

Rachael, HNC SS student 2025-26

Cost