HNC Social Services at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

The HNC Social Services is a nationally recognised qualification for people who want to work in social service settings supporting individuals with varying needs. It develops an understanding of the values and principles of social services, including anti-discriminatory practice in line with the National Care Standards and Scottish Social Services Council Codes of Practice. It includes a 60-day work placement, which can be replaced by relevant work experience.

Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time (structured) | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Mandatory units are Care in contemporary society, Leadership starts with me, Health wellbeing and safeguarding, Lifespan development theoretical approaches, Promote effective communication, Promote health safety and security in the work setting, Develop your practice through reflection and learning, Social services graded unit 1 and Care practice, plus one option from Administration of medication or Understanding loss and the process of grief. The placement allows completion of three units of the SVQ Social Services and Healthcare (SCQF level 7).

Career pathways

Successful completion enables access to employment in social service settings. Graduates can progress to degrees such as BSc Adult or Mental Health Nursing, BA (Hons) Health and Social Studies, BA (Hons) Social Sciences, BSc (Hons) Psychology and BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology, usually from year one, after interview.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally 2 Scottish Highers at grade C or above, or 1 A level at grade D or above, preferably including English; alternatively a relevant NQ or NC level 6 award, or completion of the Foundation Apprenticeship Social Services and Healthcare. Applicants should also have experience in a social service or similar setting, voluntary or as an informal carer. Applicants without the standard qualifications are encouraged to apply and are considered individually; an interview may be required. Category 1 PVG course (PVG Scheme membership required). Access route: NC level 6 Group Award including Higher Care or a similar Higher. Not open to international students who need a Student Route visa.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,285 a year (2026/27). Full-time per year. Scotland-domiciled students with a Scottish term-time address (includes EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status and EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status) Source

International applicants: GBP 9,460 a year (2026/27). Full-time per year, students not normally resident in the UK (including EU/EEA/Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status) with a term-time address in Scotland. Part-time study is not open to those needing a Student Route visa. The course canno Source

Intake: September

Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time (structured)

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