Health and Social Care Practice - HNC & HND (Level 4 & 5)

Our student-centered Higher National qualifications provide a flexible, unit-based structure designed to develop the practical, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills essential for success in employment and higher education. Aligned with the latest professional standards, these qualifications equip students with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for a career in health and social care.

This course offers a clear pathway to further study or career progression, allowing learners to top up to a full degree, advance in their current role, or move into new employment opportunities.

A career in Health & Social Care opens the door to a wide range of roles, and at Herefordshire College, we help you explore your options. Throughout the course, you’ll engage with evidence-based, contemporary issues relevant to the sector while gaining hands-on experience across different roles.

Students will develop essential skills such as reflective practice, self-awareness, and interpersonal communication, all of which are vital for success in health and social care settings.

This two-year course supports both:

Those new to the field seeking to enter the health and social care sector.
Current professionals looking to enhance their careers or progress into management roles.

Students will gain practical experience across diverse care settings, including schools, community centres, hospitals, and care facilities. Our strong partnerships with local organisations enable students to secure meaningful work placements as part of their learning.

The course offers flexible study options as follows:

Level 4 Higher National Certificate (1 year)

Level 5 Higher National Diploma (2 years)

Top-up degree opportunities at The University of Worcester in fields such as nursing.

On completion, students would be guaranteed a conditional offer for the Applied Health and Social Care top up degree at the University of Worcester.

You will be taught by a team of experienced academics and industry professionals, including senior practitioners and work-based learning tutors. Teaching is informed by research, industry insights, and real-world practice, ensuring that all lecturers bring current expertise to the classroom.

Graduates progress into employment or further study in roles such as:

• Care services

• Advice & guidance services

• Police & probation services

• Advocacy & rights-based roles

• Preventative health & welfare services

• Housing support services

• Healthcare provision

Popular modules include:

• Developing Professional Practice

• Teamwork and Communication

• Evidence-Based Practice

• Compassionate Care & Values-Based Practice

• Establishing Professional Practice

• Leadership, Mentoring & Coaching Others

• Innovation & Improvement Through Participatory Action Research