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NRC Logo

Course Code
YHPN1276A1
Level
Level 4
Course Type
Higher Education
Study Mode
Part-time
Duration
1 Year
Start & End
14 September 2026 - 4 June 2027
Location
Newtownabbey
Interview Required
Yes

Build a meaningful career supporting people, families and communities. 

The HNC in Social & Community Work gives you the skills, confidence and practical experience to start a rewarding role in the community and social care sector. Delivered through the new 2025 Pearson Higher Nationals, this pathway blends classroom learning with real placement experience preparing you for Social Work, Youth Work, Community Development and more. 

Why Choose This Course? 

  • Learn from experienced industry lecturers 
  • Practical placement in social care or community settings 
  • New 2025 Pearson Higher Nationals curriculum 
  • Excellent preparation for further study 
  • Supportive environment that builds confidence, skills and professionalism 

What You Will Study? 

A modern, practice-focused programme covering a range of areas such as: 

  • Professional values & ethical practice 
  • Safeguarding & supporting vulnerable individuals 
  • Mental health and wellbeing 
  • Social policy & community issues 
  • Equality, diversity & inclusion 
  • Partnership and multi-agency working 
  • Communication & relationship-building skills 
  • Planning & delivering community-based activities 
  • Reflective and evidence-based practice 

Placement 

Practical experience through a mandatory professional placement in settings such as: 

  • Community projects 
  • Family support services 
  • Youth and outreach work 
  • Housing & homelessness support 
  • Mental health & wellbeing services 
  • Supported living & social care 

Career Opportunities

This qualification leads to roles such as: 

  • Support Worker 
  • Youth Worker 
  • Community Outreach Worker 
  • Housing Support Officer 
  • Family Support Assistant 
  • Mental Health Support Worker 
  • Social Care Worker 

Progression 

Degree pathways in: 

  • Social Work (subject to interview) 
  • Youth Work 
  • Psychology 
  • Community Development 
  • Sociology 
  • Health & Wellbeing 
  • Criminology 

For those applicants recently in education: 

  • Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care, Early Years, Youth work or related area, equivalent to 48 UCAS points OR 
  • A Level subjects with relevance to Health and Social care, equivalent to 48 UCAS points.  

In addition, applicants will have: 

  • GCSE English & Maths grade C (or equivalent - Essential Skills Level 2 accepted). 

For those applicants wishing to change careers or return to education: 

  • Relevant work experience and qualifications will be considered OR 
  • If you do not meet the formal academic criteria, there is an option to apply via Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) — i.e. using substantial previous relevant experience or skills instead of formal qualifications.  Where you wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, you should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.

All applicants must: 

  • Attend an interview (face-to-face or online) - this may include a short-written assessment. 
  • Successfully complete ACCESS NI checks (where relevant). 
  • Have the ability to complete a suitable work placement or relevant employment in health and social care to satisfy the course requirements. 

Conditions & Notes 

  • Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee a place — selection also depends on suitability (academic + personal) and availability of spaces.  

Course Fees

Year Fee Reduced Fee*
Year 1 £1388 £844
Total

*For eligibility criteria, visit our fees and funding page.

Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees. 

Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.

If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer, you must upload an approved Employer Consent Form to the online admissions portal.

Payment Options

You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan.  For further details visit our fees and funding page

Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk

Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk


Funding Options including Scholarships

There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships.  For further details visit our student finance page


Additional Mandatory Costs

Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.

These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.

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