Entry requirements
- Completion of HNC Social Sciences with Criminology.
Why take this course?
This advanced level course will strengthen your existing knowledge and understanding when it comes to human behaviour and human society. You will use critical thinking to analyse different issues and build valuable evaluative and problem solving skills. You will also develop sound research skills – a vital component in the understanding and study of social sciences.
Please note: This course is the second year of HND Social Sciences only. You can only apply for this course if you are currently studying, or already hold, HNC Social Sciences with Criminology. For those looking to study with us at SCQF Level 7 in August 2026, we are offering HNC Social Sciences with Criminology (NextGen). From August 2027 our HND programme will change and successful students will be able to progress to HND Social Sciences (NextGen), a one-year course at SCQF Level 8.
What you will experience
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Politics
- History
- Research Issues
- Graded Units
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
What you will get
HND Social Sciences.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time advanced course (HNC, HND or above), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place on Saturday 14 March from 10am – 2pm.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
This course is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme. This means that you are required to have access to your own laptop computer, netbook or similar device in class each day that you are in college.
If you do not already own a suitable device you can apply for a student loan from SAAS, if eligible, to fund the cost of purchasing a device.
College transport to Fraserburgh
A bus is available to Fraserburgh Campus from a number of locations for a fee. Please contact collegetransport@nescol.ac.uk for more information.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
University
Our university partnerships ensure a smooth progression to further study. Subject to meeting conditions, entry to the following degrees may be possible after completing this course:
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) Applied Social Sciences - Year 3
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) Applied Sociology - Year 3
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) Applied Psychology - Year 3
- University of Aberdeen - MA History - Year 3
- University of Aberdeen - MA Sociology - Year 3
- University of Aberdeen - MA History and Sociology - Year 3
- Queen Margaret University - BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology - Year 3
- Queen Margaret University - BSc (Hons) Public Sociology - Year 3
- Abertay University - BA (Hons) Criminology - Year 2 or 3
- The Open University - BA (Hons) Social Sciences - Stage 3
- The Open University - BA (Hons) Social Sciences (Sociology) - Stage 3
- The Open University - BA (Hons) Social Sciences (Geography) - Stage 3
- The Open University - BA (Hons) Social Sciences (Politics) - Stage 3
- The Open University - BA (Hons) Social Sciences (Religious Studies) - Stage 3
- The Open University - BA (Hons) Social Sciences (Psychology) - Stage 2
- The Open University - BA (Hons) Social Sciences (Philosophy) - Stage 2
- The Open University - DipHE Social Sciences - Stage 2
Student Stories
Caelsa Sim
Social Sciences
HNC Social Sciences
“I wanted to show my son that anything is possible, and I got a great sense of achievement from attending classes, studying, and learning something new.”
Read more about Caelsa's story
Shania Anderson
Social Sciences
HNC Social Sciences
“It’s been a journey to get to where I am, even becoming a mum in between, but I’m so happy I’ve done it!”
Read more about Shania's story
Jackie Thompson
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I met a lot of lovely people on the course, some were adult returners like me, but I also got on well with a lot of the younger students and we had some excellent discussions and debates. “
Read more about Jackie's story
Aiden Barney
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I really came out of my shell throughout my years of studying and have made many memories!”
Read more about Aiden's story
Charlie Third
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I’d advocate the brilliant experience that is North East Scotland College to anyone thinking about returning to learning. “
Read more about Charlie's story
Zoe Frieslick
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“NESCol gave me the knowledge, skills, and most importantly, the self-belief to continue my studies at university.”
Read more about Zoe's story
Robyn Blacklaw
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I absolutely loved my time at NESCol. It was a much better fit for me than school and a great environment to learn in.
Read more about Robyn's story
Kirsten Koss
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I’m so glad that I came to NESCol because it really has been a life changing experience. I think Social Sciences is a great place to be if you’re curious about the world or if there’s something that really frustrates you about the system and you’d really like to see it change. Studying an HND in Social Sciences really helped me to see the world in a better light. The department has such down to earth, friendly, normal staff and I would jump at the chance to finish my studies at the college if I could. Choose College – it really is a wonderful place!”
Read more about Kirsten's story
Hollie Dunn
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“My time at college helped me see that I actually wanted to study psychology at university rather than a more broad-based social sciences course. If I hadn’t gone to college first, I wouldn’t have had the chance to discover that so I’m really glad I had the opportunity to properly explore the subject area before making a final decision.”
Read more about Hollie's story
Dean McGlynn
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I found my time at college to be the perfect link between leaving school and starting university. The course was interesting, the assessments were rigorous and gave me the skills to work alone, as well as part of a group, which served me well at university. The lecturers were engaging and treated students as adults which created a good atmosphere for learning.”
Read more about Dean's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
Apply now
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once submitted, this will be processed by our Admissions team.
Aberdeen City Campus
StartsAug 2026
Course CodeC01041
Qualification PortionHND Year 2
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application and send it to us.
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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