HNC in Social Care

The HNC in Social Care is a nationally validated and recognised qualification and is considered appropriate vocational training for residential child care staff.*

What does it cost?

The HNC is funded by the Scottish Government through SIRCC and is free for residential child care workers.

The purpose of the HNC in Social Care is to provide an integrated course of practice and theory to equip workers with the knowledge and basic skills to work effectively in a range of care settings through:

• Developing an understanding of the major influences on human development and behaviour
• Enabling the demonstration of an understanding of the value base underpinning work in a social care setting
• Enabling the linking of theory to a range of social care practice settings
• Providing an understanding of law, policy, resources and needs relevant to service users
• Equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to promote the independence of service users in different settings
• Encouraging the development of practice using a process of critical self-evaluation

The HNC in Social Care includes the four mandatory units of the SVQ level 3. In order to meet registration requirements, students must also successfully complete four optional units of SVQ at level 3. This is primarily the responsibility of the employing agency.

The HNC course is delivered by Langside College and RGU, two of the partner organisations of SIRCC. It is also 'sub-contracted' out to other further education institutions. To make the course as accessible as possible, places are available on a number of routes. These include day release, evening classes and blended learning.

Blended learning is a method of study that does not involve attending college classes on a day release basis. Students are timetabled to meet with their tutors 2/3 times for each module and are supported by the use of additional learning materials. Blended learning is more suited to students who have prior experience of studying at a similar academic level. It is also available to students where shift patterns, childcare or geographical location make attending a college course more difficult.

How to Apply

The route for accessing the SIRCC HNC is via the Core Skills Appraisal Project.

* The entry-level qualifications for HNC Social Care are 2 Highers, one of which should preferably be English.