HNC/HND Health and Social Care

This Higher National Diploma (HND) in Health and Social Care Practice is designed for individuals passionate about making a real difference in the lives of others. The course provides a blend of academic study and practical learning, preparing students for a wide range of roles in the health and social care sector or progression to degree-level study.

Throughout the programme, you will explore key areas such as safeguarding, communication, mental health, public health, person-centred care, and professional practice. You’ll gain hands-on experience through work placements in real care settings, helping to build the skills and confidence needed for employment in a variety of roles, from support work to care coordination.

This course is ideal for those who want to work in settings such as hospitals, care homes, community organisations, or social services. It also provides a clear progression pathway into careers such as nursing, social work, or healthcare management through further study.

Studying for a HND Health and Social Care Practice, be that the Social and Community Work pathway, or Healthcare Professions pathway, will give you the opportunity to develop the practical and critical thinking skills required to progress in both your career and Higher Education.

The course comprises 2 full days in college per week plus at least 225 hours of placement/work experience over each year. Additional, independent, study hours should be allowed for to complete course work. All work is assessed on a modular basis.

This course is a degree level qualification which consists of:

Specialist Subject Learning
Professional and Industry Experience
Academic Tutorials and Progress Reviews
Independent Study and Research
Assessment Through Assignments, Projects and Presentations
Development of Academic, Professional and Employability Skills

We offer a range of support services to help you succeed during your studies, including:

Financial support and funding advice
Student finance support
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) guidance and support
Support from our dedicated Higher Education team
Personal academic tutoring and study support
Wellbeing, mental health and safeguarding services
Access to the Student Minds mental health and wellbeing resources
Academic skills development, including research, referencing and study skills workshops
Careers education, information, advice and guidance
Employability support and progression to university or employment

The tuition fee for this course is £6,100 per year for full-time study or £3,050 per year for part-time study.

There are three ways to pay for your course:

Student Finance. Eligible students can apply for a Higher Education Tuition Fee Loan through Student Finance England.
Self-Funding. Students can pay their tuition fees in full at enrolment or spread the cost across three instalments throughout the academic year.
Employer Sponsorship. If your employer is funding your studies, payment can be made directly by them.

Some Higher Education courses may be eligible for funding through the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), subject to eligibility criteria and funding availability. Please contact the HE Team for the latest information and to discuss the options available to you.

If you would like further information about course fees, funding options, or payment arrangements, please contact the HE Team at HEenquiries@nwslc.ac.uk

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by the Higher Education Team and the Course Lead.

In some cases, where applicants have the relevant qualifications and/or professional experience, we may be able to make a decision based on the information provided in the application and issue an offer without the need for an interview.

For other applicants, we may invite you to attend an interview to discuss your previous experience, career aspirations and suitability for the course to ensure you meet the entry requirements. This also provides an opportunity for you to ask questions about the course and ensure it is the right choice for your future.

Please ensure you regularly check your emails, as all updates regarding your application and any next steps will be communicated by the Higher Education Team.