HNC/HND in Healthcare Professions’ Support for England

• Core Units Level 4 (HNC): Law, Policy and Ethical Practice; Demonstrating Professional Principles and Values in Health and Social Care Practice (a 30-credit unit involving practical placement work); Supporting the Individual Journey through Integrated Health & Social Care; Fundamentals of Evidence-Based Practice; Principles of Health Education; Effective Healthcare Practice Using Maths; and Applied Anatomy and Physiology

• NB: There are no optional units at Level 4 (HNC), all units must be passed. Note: The 30-credit practice unit requires compiling a Practice Learning and Development portfolio during real work experience.

• Work Placement: At HNC level, students must complete at least 225 hours of work placement in appropriate healthcare settings as part of their training. This practical experience is integrated into the curriculum (especially the 30-credit Professional Principles & Values unit) and is essential for developing hands-on skills.

• Level 5 (HND): The HND comprises the Level 4 units plus seven additional Level 5 units which are a mix of core and one optional. The units delve into advanced and specialised topics such as Innovation and Improvement through Participatory Action Research (a 30-credit Pearson-set research project). Reflective Approaches in Implementing Person-Centred Practice; Planning Care in Practice; Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Long-Term Health Conditions; Team and Individual Leadership: Mentoring and Coaching Others; End of Life Care Planning and Support.

• Level 5 (HND) Optional Unit: students can choose from a range of subjects to suit their career goals, such as Health Psychology, Managing Quality in Care Environments, Supporting Individuals through Significant Life Events, Facilitating Change in Healthcare, Holistic Approaches to Health Promotion, Pharmacology and Medicine Management, and others. This allows some specialisation in areas like public health, mental health, or management within healthcare. The HND program also requires a total of 450 hours of work placement across the two years (including the 225 from HNC) to ensure ample real-world experience

• Across all pathways, the HND curriculum totals 240 credits (120 at Level 4 + 120 at Level 5)

• GCSE English and Maths at C/4 or above
• Level 3 qualification (such as BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care or A-Levels in related subjects) or possess equivalent industry experience to ensure they can successfully engage with the coursework.
• International or non-native English speakers should have an appropriate English proficiency since the qualification is taught and assessed in English
• Suitable work-placement in the relevant setting
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check (or equivalent background checks)

You can apply using our online application form and clicking the Apply Now button at the top of the page.

Upon successful completion of this course you could gain employment across a wide range of pathways including Nursing (Adult, Child, Mental Health), Allied Health Professions or Social Work