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.


Course Code: P10639
Campus: Newtownards
Study Type: Part-Time
Education Level Higher Education
Department: Health & Care

Available Sessions

We have 1 sessions available for application on this course in Newtownards.

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

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 is 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

General Entry Requirements 

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application.  You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment.  Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process. 

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

  • GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification

AND

  • GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification

AND

  • Passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics as above) at GCSE level (grades A* - C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

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%+

Accreditation of Prior Learning 

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).   Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.

International Students English Language Requirements

International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

  • IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
  • PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)
  • Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk

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.

Available Sessions

Title Campus Start Spaces Fee Apply or get more information
Pearson BTEC HNC in Social and Community Work (Social and Community Work Practice)
Y10639ND1A-25/26-PT
Newtownards
15/09/2025
Day: Tuesday

Time: 10:00-17:30

18 £1107.00

Please select a campus from the list above to view the 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.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

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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