HNC in Social and Community Work

L4 Level 4
Full Time
15 September 2025 — 22 May 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

The purpose of Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Social and Community Work is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the social and community work sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them.

What you will study

At Level 4, students develop a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of the social and community work sector through four Core units, which include one unit assessed by a Pearson-set assignment. The units are:

Law, Policy and Ethical Practice in Health and Social Care

Demonstrating Professional Principles and Values in Health and Social Care Practice

Mental Health and Wellbeing – a Whole Person Approach Fundamentals of Evidence-based Practice (Pearson-set Project)

Social Work Principles and Introduction to Practice

Youth and Community Work

Contemporary Social Issues

Course fee per year

Tuition Fees: £6,000.00

Entry requirements

3 A levels or equivalent in relevant subjects, or a level 3 qualification - Access diploma or Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care or Childcare. Enhanced DBS check must be completed prior to commencing the course, through the CAVC disclosure process.

Teaching and assessment methods

Learners will be assessed on this course through a combination of workplace observations and a Professional Learning and Development Portfolio, along with an externally set research project and unit assignments.

Learners are required to undertake a work placement of at least 225 hours per year in a suitable setting, which requires a fully enhanced DBS check on commencing the course. 

Facilities

The city centre campus is CAVC’s biggest campus and has a wide range of facilities for learners to enjoy.

Students on this course will have access to a HE Unit that includes a high specification LSC, a social area for HE students, access to IT facilities and a quiet study zone.

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

15 September 2025

End date

22 May 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

14 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

ACCC4F03
L4

Qualification

HNC in Social and Community Work

Career prospects & further study

103,500

Currently, there are almost 103,500 people employed within this sector in the Cardiff Capital Region, with employment numbers expected to reach 105,000 by 2027 (Lightcast 2022).

Candidates who achieve these qualifications may go on to study further academic and professional qualifications or embark on a support worker career. 

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE