Cornwall College

Higher National Certificate in Health, Welfare and Social Sciences

Institution code C78
Duration

2 years
Course type

Part-time
Study location Duchy College (Rosewarne)
From campuses across Cornwall and Devon, including at the Eden Project and in Newquay, we offer a wide range of university-level specialist courses, designed with employers and delivered by industry professionals, in subjects ranging from counselling, ecology, horticulture and marine biology to zoology. Recognised with a TEF Silver award for teaching and student outcomes, our courses emphasise professional technical skills, and benefit from direct one-to-one access to lecturers and personal wrap around support.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Optional modules

    CORC1252
    Developmental Psychology

    This module will examine different theoretical perspectives on the development of personality across the life course and how people respond and adapt to change. Consideration will be given to social and developmental influences on the formation of the self. It will discuss key concepts of identity and attachment.

    CORC1253
    Sociological Perspectives

    This module will examine some of the major perspectives in Sociology, e.g. Marxism, Functionalism, Feminism, Symbolic interactionism, Postmodernism. Consideration will be given to research methodologies and methods in order to explore different approaches to research and explanations of social issues. Structural and cultural factors such as age, race, gender and class will be considered in relation to social issues.

    CORC1255
    Safeguarding and Promotion of Welfare

    This module examines the historical and political context of abuse that affects children, young people and adults at risk. Types of abuse and signs and symptoms are considered. There is an examination of the reasons why people abuse and the effect of abuse. Examples of how people can keep themselves safe are discussed. The legal framework, including the process of reporting abuse, is identified.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    CORC1254
    Professional Practice

    This module will examine the importance of ethics and values in health and social care work. Consideration will be given to how service users needs are identified and met with an emphasis on the importance of communication skills. The module will also identify some of the key professional and personal skills required of professionals working in this sector.

    CORC1256
    Equality, Diversity and Rights

    This module will examine key issues around equality, diversity and rights such as Protected Characteristics, prejudice, discrimination and justice and discussed in the light of professional practice. Strategies to combat discrimination within the profession will be explored. Current and relevant legislation, policies and guidelines will be examined.

    CORC1257
    Health, Welfare and Social Policy

    This module will examine the social construction of needs in society and consider the implications of policy responses to meet those needs. This will involve an exploration of the changing relationship between State, market and familial responses to need in the mixed economy of welfare. Issues of social exclusion, discrimination, equal opportunities and poverty will also be explored.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding
As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

How to apply

For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the college's admissions team directly using the contact details below. 

Our partnership with Cornwall College
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with Cornwall College

Looking to study a specialist subject at university level? Want to do it in one of the most beautiful places in the world? Our wide range of courses gives you the chance to pick up the skills and experience you’ll need for your chosen profession.
Plymouth students working on a group project