Social Science HNC

Course overview

Social Science HNC is an innovative course designed to teach you a range of disciplines from the social science field. During this course, you will explore different perspectives and theories from Psychology, Sociology, Politics, History and Criminology and gain an essential understanding of research methods.

This course will enhance your employability and higher education prospects and give you transferable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and presentations, which are essential to progress to university. 

Most of our students gain a 2nd year place at university.

Students are on campus 3 days a week.  It is a full-time course, students will be required to study independently when not in college. 

If you receive a conditional or unconditional offer, it is strongly recommended that you attend the preparation course in June.  This course will help you to bridge the gap between Highers and an HNC. 

Due to high demand we have now closed this course for applications.

What you will learn

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Politics
• Research and Methodology
• History
• Communication
• Literature 1

How the course is assessed

• You will be continually assessed through essays, examinations, reports and presentations. 

Number of days per week

• 3 days per week

Entry requirements

• Higher English at Grade C or above
• One higher at Grade C or above, from the following list: Modern Studies, History, Sociology, Psychology, Geography, Economics, Politics, or RMPs
• A strong personal statement in support of your application

Some univerisites require N5 Maths.  This is not included on this course.

Or

• Pass at Social Science Level 6 and a grade C in Higher Sociology
• Recommendation from the Level 6 academic team
• A strong personal statement in support of your application

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• You may be given a conditional or unconditional offer based on your application, but you may be invited for an interview.

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• You can progress to university to study a wide range of subjects including
  • Psychology
  • Sociology and Social Policy
  • Criminology
  • International Relations
  • History
  • Politics 
• Some universities will allow you to progress to the second year 
• All courses in the humanities scheme at the University of the Highlands and Islands: 
  • BA (Hons) Social Sciences, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Sociology and Theology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Criminology and Theology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Politics and Archaeology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Politics and Criminology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Politics and Theology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Sociology and Politics, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Literature, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Literature and Criminology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Literature and Politics, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Literature and Sociology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Literature and Theology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Gaelic Scotland, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) History, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Scottish History, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) History and Archaeology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) History and Criminology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) History and Literature, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) History and Politics, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) History and Sociology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) History and Theology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Scottish History and Archaeology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Scottish History and Criminology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Scottish History with Gaelic Studies, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Scottish History and Literature, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Scottish History and Politics, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Scottish History and Sociology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Scottish History and Theology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Archaeology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Archaeology and Criminology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Archaeology with Gaelic Studies, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Archaeology and Literature, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Archaeology and Sociology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Archaeology and Theology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Philosophy, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Philosophy & History, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Philosophy & Literature, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Philosophy & Politics, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Philosophy & Sociology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Philosophy & Theology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Theological Studies, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Culture and Heritage, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Culture, Heritage and Archaeology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Culture, Heritage and Criminology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Culture, Heritage with Gaelic Studies, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Culture, Heritage and History, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Culture, Heritage and Literature, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Culture, Heritage and Politics, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Culture, Heritage and Sociology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Culture, Heritage and Theology, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Culture, Heritage and Scottish History, year 2 entry 
  • BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics and Economics, year 2 entry 

• Social services
• Local government
• Police 
• Criminal justice system
• Social work
• Teaching