Course summary

This Level 5 Higher National Diploma top-up course is designed to meet the needs and expectations of students aspiring to work in social work, community work and community development. It aims to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the social and community work sector and to be adaptable in a constantly changing world. Applicants for this course should already have passed (or expect to achieve) a full Level 4 qualification in a related field. About the course The Level 5 HND in Social and Community Work top-up course allows a varied approach to assessments and delivery that supports progression to Level 6 (such as a BA/BSc Honours top-up degree), with assessment relevant to the local economy and local needs. Students on this course are required to undertake a placement in two different individual settings to develop social and community work skills, as well as the knowledge and understanding necessary to achieve high performance in the global health and social care environment. Progression from this qualification may also be to the third year of a similar degree or an apprenticeship or MA (further study may be required for an MA dependant on individual applicants). Modules may include: -Reflective practice -Investigating Innovation in Social and community Work -Assessment and care support -Safeguarding -International provision -Team work and coaching This qualification supports progression into a range of careers in social and community work, including: family support work roles, resource officer and personal assistant roles, community development work, public health and community support work, care planning roles, advocacy, social services supervisory or lower management roles, counselling and rehabilitation support roles. Compulsory work placement Students on this course are required to complete at least 375 hours' of work experience across social care and community care settings (or two diverse roles in one setting, covering both disciplines). New City Hub campus The Life Sciences department is based at the college's new £58 million City Hub campus, near Nottingham train station. The campus opened in the Spring of 2021 and features state of the art teaching and learning facilities, science laboratories, reality hospital ward, with a restaurant, cafe and performing arts venue. Assessments Assessment will be a combination of coursework, controlled assessments and case studies. There are no examinations. Bursaries We want our courses to be accessible to students from any background, so we’ve put together a cash support package in the form of non-repayable bursaries to provide financial help where it’s really needed. Details for 2024-25 will be advertised once approved by the university regulator – the Office for Students (OfS). Please check our website - www.nottinghamcollege.ac.uk - for more information. Your progression and careers The Level 5 Higher National Diploma is recognised as meeting admission requirements to many relevant social and community work-related courses, for example: BA/BSc (Hons) in Social Work, BA (Hons) in Social and Community Work, BA (Hons) in Youth Work, BA (Hons) in Community Development, BA (Hons) in Working with Children, Young People and Families, BA (Hons) in Social Policy, BA/BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care or similar; subject to the institution's own entry requirements. This qualification supports progression into a range of careers in social and community work, including: family support work roles, resource officer and personal assistant roles, community development work, public health and community support work, care planning roles, advocacy, social services supervisory or lower management roles, counselling and rehabilitation support roles.