Social Science HNC

Course overview

HNC Social Science is an innovative course designed to teach you a wide range of disciplines from the social science field.

During your studies, you will explore different academic perspectives and theories from Psychology, Sociology, Politics, History and Criminology. You will use contrasting theories and research evidence to present coherent arguments in order to deepen your understanding of real-life issues.  

You will also gain an essential understanding of research methods and will conduct your own primary research. 

Throughout the HNC course, you may decide that you would like to study for a degree that allows you to focus on shaping policy, addressing inequalities, supporting others, working in the criminal justice service, teaching social sciences in schools/colleges, or analysing data to explore societal trends. The choice will be yours!

What you will learn

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Politics
• Research and Methodology
• History
• Criminology
• Communication: Practical Skills

This course will enhance your employability and higher education prospects by developing transferable skills in critical and analytical thinking. Meta-skills are also embedded throughout the course.

How the course is assessed

• You will be continually assessed through essays, closed-book assessments, reports and presentations. 

Number of days per week

• 3 days per week on-campus.
• You are expected to study independently for an additional 2 days per week.

Entry requirements

This is an academically challenging course. It is essential that you have the resilience for the physical and mental demands of this course. In order to succeed, you must carefully consider if you have the motivation and time to commit to this level of study.

• 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 (this must be written in your own words)

Some universities require National 5 Maths. This is not included in this course, although you may choose to study N5 Maths in the evening.

Or

• Pass at Social Science Level 6 and a grade C in Higher Sociology
• Recommendation from the Level 6 academic team (level of engagement, quality of assessments, organisational skills, motivation and attendance will all be considered)
• A solid personal statement provided in support of your application (this must be written in your own words)

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• You may receive a conditional or unconditional offer based on your application, and you may be invited to an interview.

If you receive a conditional or unconditional offer, it is essential that you attend the 3-day preparation course in June. This course will help you make the transition from Highers/Level 6 study to an HNC (equivalent to the first year of university). It will also help you to determine if this is the right course for you. You will be given short tasks to complete over the summer.

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

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

• You can progress to university to study a wide range of subjects, including
  • Psychology
  • Social Anthropology
  • Philosophy
  • Geography
  • Sociology
  • Social Policy
  • Criminology
  • International Relations
  • History
  • Politics
  • Literature
  • Law
  • Business
  • 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 

Studying the social sciences will open doors for you in the following areas of employment:

• Social services
• Local and central government
• Data analysis
• Research
• Police 
• Criminal justice system
• Social work
• Community work
• Teaching
• NGOs
• Charities
• Housing

and many more opportunities.