Where will this course lead?

This Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care Practice provides a strong foundation for students seeking to enter or progress within the health and social care sector. The general pathway develops essential knowledge, practical skills, and professional values required for effective care delivery across a range of settings.

What will I study?

There are seven modules in this one-year course, six worth 15 credits, and one worth 30 credits - totalling the 120 credits required to achieve the full HNC qualification.

  • Developing professional practice (30 credits)
  • Teamwork and Communication (15 credits)
  • Evidence Based practice (Pearson Set) (15 credits)
  • Compassionate Care and Values based practice (15 credits)
  • Developing Leadership Skills (15 credits)
  • Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits)
  • Caring for People with Dementia (15 credits)

How will this course be delivered?

This is a full-time course delivered over one academic year.

  • College Attendance: Three days per week
  • Independent Study: Approximately 10-15 hours per week, plus attendance at your work placement
  • Placement: Is a mandatory part of the course. A minimum requirement of 225 hours of work placement or experience is required in healthcare, social care, or community settings. Placement is carried out on the days you are not at college.

What qualifications will I get?

You will be awarded a BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care Practice, worth 120 credits at Level 4.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is 100% coursework-based and includes:

  • Written assignments and reports
  • Case studies and scenario analysis
  • Reflective journals and portfolio of evidence
  • Presentations and professional discussions

How do I get a place on the course?

Full-time applications should be submitted via UCAS using the following codes:

Course Code: HS02

Institution Code: S26

Campus Code: Main Site - Blossomfield Campus

What are the entry requirements?

Standard offer: 80 UCAS Tariff points or MMP profile in a relevant subject.

A Levels: BB in relevant subjects such as Biology, Sociology

T-Levels: Pass (C or above on the core) in relevant subject areas such as Health, Healthcare Science grade Merit

Level 3 NCFE CACHE: Extended Diploma in Health - Grade C

BTEC: MMP/MM in a relevant subject e.g. Health and Social Care

UCAS Tariff: 80 points

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 60 credits overall with a minimum of 45 at level 3 with a minimum of 80 UCAS Tariff Points in relevant topic, e.g. Access to Health, Access to Science.

Level 3 Apprenticeship: Successfully achieve an advanced apprenticeship in a relevant subject.

GCSE/IGCSE English Language grades 9-4/A*-C or recognised equivalent. GCSE/IGCSE Maths grades 9-4/A*-C or recognised equivalent

GCSE/IGCSE Science grades 9-4/A*-C or recognised equivalent

What else do I need to know?

Please budget £10 for essential equipment required on the course. Although there is no requirement to buy text books, we do recommend students budget around £50 for books. There may be mandatory trips, please budget up to £50 for these through the academic year.

If you need to re-take a module due to non-achievement, this will also incur a cost.

You may be eligible for the Solihull College Higher Education Bursary (a non-repayable bursary of £1000 to help towards study). For details of eligibility criteria and how to apply see https://sway.cloud.microsoft/fYJIIFPhCwEYgO4E?ref=Link

Full time students with dependants may wish to review the government's Childcare Grant https://www.gov.uk/childcare-grant and Parent's Learning Allowance https://www.gov.uk/parents-learning-allowance Please read our full terms and conditions https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/policies-and-applicant-information/

What can I do after this course?

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in health, social care and community practice, which students can build on if they decide to continue their studies. Upon successful completion of the HNC they can progress onto the HND in Health and Social Care Practice. Students may wish to directly enter employment in the health and social care sector, in careers such as Senior Care Worker, Community Assessor, Care Manager etc.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2026

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee(PA)

£6701

Course Code

HEHEB013BCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

HNC Health and Social Care Practice (subject to approval)

What’s Involved?

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.