Introduction
Welcome to the HNC in Social Services (Academic Units Only)
Are you currently working in the social services sector and hold an SVQ Level 3 in Social Services (SCQF L7)? Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? The HNC in Social Services (Academic Units Only) is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and values, needed to work effectively across a range of care settings and with diverse individuals.
This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of social care, helping you to integrate key values such as empathy, respect, and professionalism into your daily practice.
By completing this qualification, you will achieve the full HNC Group Award in Social Services, a nationally recognised credential that, alongside your SVQ Level 7, is accepted by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) for a wide range of roles within the care sector.
Delivered fully online, the course offers flexibility to study at your own pace, with access to all materials and resources at your fingertips. You’ll also benefit from dedicated tutor support, with regular meetings to guide you through your learning journey.
Take the next step in your career with a qualification that supports your growth and meets the demands of today’s social services workforce.
Course code
SHSU
Location
Online
Duration
Learners are given up to 12 months to complete the course, with assignment deadlines scheduled throughout the year to help structure their progress.
If additional time is required beyond the 12-month period, an extension may be possible; however, this will incur additional fees.
Price
£720.00
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for enrolment, candidates must:
- Hold a completed SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare
- Demonstrate strong communication and organisational skills
- Be confident in managing remote, self-directed learning
All applicants will attend a pre-enrolment interview with the Course Tutor to ensure they understand the course expectations. Final enrolment decisions are made by the Tutor.
Additional Entry Requirements
Important Notice for All Course Attendees To attend and complete the course, you must bring valid photographic identification. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- A valid UK passport
- A full or provisional UK driving licence
Please note:
Failure to present a valid photo ID on the day may result in you being unable to complete the course.
This requirement is part of our compliance procedures and is essential for verifying participant identity.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Course Content
The HNC Social Services – Academic Units programme is structured to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of key areas within the social care sector. Over the course of 12 months, learners will complete eight academic units and one Graded Unit, each designed to build knowledge, critical thinking, and practical application relevant to professional practice.
Core Units:
- Care in Contemporary Society – Explore the evolving landscape of care provision and its impact on individuals and communities.
- Leadership Starts with Me – Develop leadership skills and self-awareness to support effective practice in social services.
- Health, Wellbeing and Safeguarding – Understand the principles of promoting health and protecting vulnerable individuals.
- Lifespan Development: Theoretical Approaches – Examine psychological theories and their relevance to human development across the lifespan.
- Care Practice – Apply values, principles, and legislation to real-world care scenarios.
- Understanding and Supporting Behaviour – Learn strategies for supporting individuals with behavioural challenges in a care setting.
- Mental Health Issues in a Care Setting – Gain insight into mental health conditions and approaches to care and support.
- Social Services Graded Unit – A project-based unit that integrates learning from across the course to demonstrate competence and understanding.
Optional Unit (choose one):
- Understanding Loss and the Process of Grief – Explore the emotional and psychological impact of loss and how to support individuals through grief.
- Supporting Children and Young People with Additional Support Needs – Learn how to identify and respond to the needs of children and young people requiring additional support.
Each unit includes a formal assessment with a set deadline, and learners are expected to manage their study schedule independently. The course is delivered remotely, offering flexibility while maintaining structured academic expectations.
Assessments
Assessment methods include a combination of written essays, case study analyses, and reflective accounts, allowing learners to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical insight.
Additionally, the unit Leadership Starts with Me requires learners to deliver a presentation, providing an opportunity to develop and showcase leadership and communication skills.
Course Contact Details
If you would like more information or to reserve a place on a course, please get in touch.
Telephone: 01387 734199
E-mail:shortcourses@dumgal.ac.uk
Booking Terms & Conditions | Dumfries & Galloway College (dumgal.ac.uk)
Testimonial
David from Sparks of Genius says the following about our course –
“I have recently completed my HNC social services. And I found the course to be very well laid out and a lot of work done on each module to make it easier for the learner, ie, myself, to navigate and learn. The course itself was very enjoyable and has changed my personal life as well as my professional, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you, Ryan, for making an academic out of me !!!! “