Health Professions & Social Services
Healthcare Practice HNC
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 7
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
HNC Healthcare Practice is an innovative course designed to equip you with essential clinical knowledge and understanding.
This course will prepare you for an undergraduate degree in Nursing and other health-related fields, improve your academic, professional, and employability skills, and be a step towards a rewarding career in the health sector. It combines the required academic knowledge with the skills and competencies gained from a clinical placement within the care sector.
This qualification is also suitable if you want to work as a Health Care Support Worker.
What you will learn
- Clinical Skills for Care Practitioners
- Professional Standards for Care Practitioners
- Safe Working Practice
- The Human Body in Health and Illness
- Sociology and Health in Scotland
- Therapeutic Relationships
- Core and academic skills
Placement information
- You will complete a mandatory placement as part of your course either within the Care Home Sector, or you may have the opportunity to do this through NHS Lothian as a paid placement if you successfully meet the pre-employment checks required. You will be expected to complete a minimum of 288 hours over the time of your course. This will be done through some block weeks and two days a week during most of your course.
- Please be aware that if your placement is outside of NHS Lothian, you may have to purchase your uniform.
How the course is assessed
- Examinations
- Class tests
- Essays
- Case studies
- Presentations and group work
Number of days per week
- Three days per week and have two days per week (maybe one if a 12.5-hour shift)
- Placement (Around October to March).
Entry requirements
- 2 Highers (including English). We will consider the following Higher subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Geography and Physical Education.
- A minimum of Int 2 Biology/ N5 Biology or equivalent 5 Standard Grades at credit level, including Maths or N5 equivalent.
- Mature students without formal qualifications would be required to demonstrate the ability to study at the HNC level.
Your application may be considered if you have completed a relevant NC at Level 6, which includes Biology.
You will also be required to complete a detailed personal statement that demonstrates the following
- skills and qualities
- any relevant experience
- Field of health you want to progress into
- Your reasons for applying
- As you have a work placement in your course, you must provide information on your health status and have a satisfactory PVG.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5, be aware that university IELTS requirements may be higher.Progression and Articulation Routes
- Degree studies at a university in a variety of health disciplines, including Nursing.
Career options
- Nurse
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Full time | 24/08/26 |
