Pearson BTEC HNC in Social and Community Work (Social and Community Work Practice)

This course is delivered through a combination of classroom teaching and a 225-hour work placement in a relevant Health and Social Care workplace. This may be your current job if suitable. Both of these elements are a compulsory part of the course. It is the student's responsibility to identify their own placement. Support for this will be provided during induction. This course is suitable for those wanting to work in a health & social care setting.

Academic Year: 2024/25
Course Code: 10639
Campus: Newtownards
Study Type: Part-Time
Education Level Higher Education
Department: Health & Care
Course Structure

The purpose of Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Social and Community Work is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the social and community work sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them.

There is a focus on helping you to develop the knowledge, skills and values necessary for continuing education, employment and professional development within the Health and Social Care sector. You will be encouraged to develop and reflect on your learning within a continuous learning environment.  The mandatory units are outlined as below:

  • Law, Policy and Ethical Practice in Health and Social Care
  • Demonstrating Professional Principles and Values in Health and Social Care Practice
  • Fundamentals of Evidence-based Practice
  • Social Work Principles and Introduction to Practice  
  • Applied Understanding of Human Development and Behaviour
  • Health, Safety and Risk Management in Care Environments
  • Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing

Contact Hours per week

15 hours contact time to include practical classes, lectures, workshops or tutorials.

Mandatory Additional Study

Maximum of 1.5 hours per week average over the academic year.

Personal Study

11 hours maximum studying and preparing assessments in your own time per week, including use of online materials.

Placement

This will require you to attend your vocational placement to complete the 225 hours across 1 year.

Candidates must be at least 18 years old and meet the following criteria:

GCSE English

  • GCSE English Language Grade C or above or Equivalent

GCSE Maths

  • GCSE Mathematics Grade C or above or Equivalent

UCAS

A minimum of 64 UCAS tariff or equivalent which may include:

  • 2 A levels
  • Level 3 BTEC Diploma/Extended Diploma
  • Level 3 CACHE Extended Diploma

Access Diploma

  • Access Diploma in Foundation Studies with an overall average of 58%+

International requirements

  • Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2
  • PTE 51
  • IELTS 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
  • Or equivalent (Examples of equivalent qualifications would be a GCSE in English, Level 3 Programmes, Essential Skills in Literacy – Level 2, ESOL Level 2 or another qualifications gained at an Institution within the UK).

Admissions

  • Successful completion of the admissions process

APEL

  • Provide evidence of ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the accreditation of prior experiential learning. Further details on APEL can be found in the admissions section

Additional Skills

  • Experience of work or placements in the health and social sector are desirable criteria

Students are assessed using a range of different methods. These include examinations, coursework, Project Based Learning, presentations, practical, posters, leaflets, role-play, and exams. This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.

Progression routes include further study or employment in the relevant field. This qualification will give you a minimum of 120 credits which you can use to apply to related Degree programmes. Previous SERC Graduates have successfully applied to Degrees in Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Youth work and Speech and Language Therapy.

The course can lead directly into a career in Health and Social Care, for example previous students have sought employment as auxiliary nurses, community care assistants, and residential support workers.

Students can progress to the Level 5 HND (Management Level which is delivered in the Newtownards Campus as a blended learning course).  Your tutors will discuss this during the Level 4 programme.

This programme will provide you with the skills to enable you to meet the demands of a challenging Health and Social Care sector.

Students must pay for their Access NI clearance, current cost is £33 - please note your own workplace clearance may suffice.

Students will have to pay for production of posters for class presentations. Approximate cost of £30.

Course and Provider regulated by Pearson.

Enquiries Information

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Available Sessions

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Higher Education

Higher Education

If you have just completed your A-Levels, Higher Education is most likely the option for you. HE usually covers HNC, HND & Foundation Degree level of courses including our Higher Level Apprenticeships.

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