HNC Healthcare Practice: Degree Link at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

The HNC Healthcare Practice: Degree Link is a one-year, full-time course at UHI Moray for students aiming to enter year 2 of the BSc Adult or Mental Health Nursing degree at UHI. It develops person-centred care skills across the life cycle, including end-of-life and palliative care, and includes 18 weeks of mandatory work placement (600+ hours of placement practice to progress), with shift work, night duty and weekends.

Duration: Full time: 1 year | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules are administration of medication, clinical skills for care practitioners, exploring mental health, healthcare practice: graded unit 1, health promotion in a changing society, professional standards for care practice, safe working practice for care, sociology and health in Scotland, the human body in health and illness, therapeutic relationships: understanding behaviour and understanding personal and professional development.

Career pathways

Progression to year 2 of BSc Adult or Mental Health Nursing; careers in the private healthcare sector.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

2 Scottish Highers at grade C or above, or 1 A level at grade C or above, preferably in English or a science-related subject. If these do not include English and Maths, National 5 English and Maths at grade C or above are also needed. Alternatives: an appropriate Group Award at SCQF level 6 (such as NC Health and Social Care) plus 1 Higher at grade C or HN Cluster; or the Foundation Apprenticeship Social Services and Healthcare. Applicants without standard entry requirements are considered individually. A conditional offer follows a successful application and interview. Occupational Health screening and NMC standards of character, conduct and competence apply; immunisation evidence is strongly recommended. Category 1 PVG course. SWAP Access courses are accepted for eligible applicants.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,285 a year (2026/27). Students normally domiciled in Scotland; full-time HNC per year Source

International applicants: GBP 9,460 a year (2026/27). Full-time HNC per year; the course cannot be studied by international students needing a Student Route Visa Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full time: 1 year

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