Health and Social Care Practice (Social and Community Work) - Level 4 Higher National Certificate

Essentials

Duration: 1 Year Part-time
Start date: 14th September 2026
End date: 4th June 2027

Course fee: To be confirmed

Build a meaningful career supporting people, families and communities. 

The HNC in Social & Community Work gives you the skills, confidence and practical experience to start a rewarding role in the community and social care sector. Delivered through the new 2025 Pearson Higher Nationals, this pathway blends classroom learning with real placement experience preparing you for Social Work, Youth Work, Community Development and more. 

Why Choose This Course? 

• Learn from experienced industry lecturers 
• Practical placement in social care or community settings 
• New 2025 Pearson Higher Nationals curriculum 
• Excellent preparation for further study 
• Supportive environment that builds confidence, skills and professionalism 

Course Content

What You Will Study? 

A modern, practice-focused programme covering a range of areas such as: 

• Professional values & ethical practice 
• Safeguarding & supporting vulnerable individuals 
• Mental health and wellbeing 
• Social policy & community issues 
• Equality, diversity & inclusion 
• Partnership and multi-agency working 
• Communication & relationship-building skills 
• Planning & delivering community-based activities 
• Reflective and evidence-based practice 

Placement 

Practical experience through a mandatory professional placement in settings such as: 

• Community projects 
• Family support services 
• Youth and outreach work 
• Housing & homelessness support 
• Mental health & wellbeing services 
• Supported living & social care 

For those applicants recently in education: 

• Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care, Early Years, Youth work or related area, equivalent to 48 UCAS points OR 
• A Level subjects with relevance to Health and Social care, equivalent to 48 UCAS points.  

In addition, applicants will have: 

• GCSE English & Maths grade C (or equivalent - Essential Skills Level 2 accepted). 

For those applicants wishing to change careers or return to education: 

• Relevant work experience and qualifications will be considered OR 
• If you do not meet the formal academic criteria, there is an option to apply via Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) — i.e. using substantial previous relevant experience or skills instead of formal qualifications.  Where you wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, you should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.

All applicants must: 

• Attend an interview (face-to-face or online) - this may include a short-written assessment. 
• Successfully complete ACCESS NI checks (where relevant). 
• Have the ability to complete a suitable work placement or relevant employment in health and social care to satisfy the course requirements. 

Conditions & Notes 

• Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee a place — selection also depends on suitability (academic + personal) and availability of spaces.  
• If demand is high / programme oversubscribed, the College reserves the right to raise entry criteria. 

Career Opportunities

This qualification leads to roles such as: 

• Support Worker 
• Youth Worker 
• Community Outreach Worker 
• Housing Support Officer 
• Family Support Assistant 
• Mental Health Support Worker 
• Social Care Worker 

Progression 

Degree pathways in: 

• Social Work (subject to interview) 
• Youth Work 
• Psychology 
• Community Development 
• Sociology 
• Health & Wellbeing 
• Criminology