Public Services
HND Public Services - awarded by Pearson
Is this course for me?
Are you motivated by a career that makes a difference? Do you want to work in the police, armed forces, fire and rescue, emergency services or other vital areas of the public sector?
This course is designed to develop your understanding of public services in modern society and equip you with the critical thinking, communication, fitness and leadership skills needed to work in this fast-moving and vital sector.
You'll gain real experience, build a strong professional profile and access exciting opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. It's ideal if you're aiming to move into employment, progress to higher-level roles, or complete a top-up degree.
You'll study a mix of core and specialist units that build your understanding of public service environments, operations, and career preparation.
Year 1 - HNC Units (Level 4):
• Exploring Public Services
• Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Ethics
• Planning a Public Services Project (Pearson-set)
• Terrorism and Counterterrorism *
• Government and Politics *
• Crime and Substance Misuse *
• Outdoor Skills Development *
Year 2 - HND Units (Level 5):
• Professional Development
• Research Project (Pearson-set)
• Justice, Punishment and Rehabilitation *
• Serious and Organised Crime *
• Rescue Operations *
• Expedition Planning *
• Applied Forensic Psychology *
The modules listed in bold are core (mandatory) modules. Additional optional modules * are also included to make up the total credits required for your qualification — these are chosen by course leaders and maybe subject to change.
Assessment is through a variety of real-world and academic formats, including:
• Written reports
• Presentations
• Blogs and vlogs
• Practical assessments (e.g. expedition planning, fitness testing)
You'll study full-time, three days a week for two academic years — giving you time to balance work, life, and learning.
You'll require a minimum of 80 UCAS points in a relevant subject area plus GCSE English and maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
We also welcome applications from mature students with relevant experience, portfolios, or employer references.
After completing this course, you can move into a wide range of roles in the public sector:
• Police, fire, prison or ambulance services
• Armed forces
• Civil service and local government
• Community and youth justice roles
You may also choose to top-up to a full honours degree in Criminology, Policing, Public Services, Fire and Rescue, or related fields.
As part of our Higher Education Development Programme, you'll have the opportunity to take additional qualifications to boost your employability, which may include some of the following:
• Self-defence training
• Level 2 CCTV Operations
• Level 3 Close Protection in the Private Security Industry
• Level 2 Bushcraft, Survival and Wilderness Living Skills
• First Aid
• Enhanced DBS support
You'll also be encouraged to take part in professional volunteering with organisations such as the British Red Cross, St John Ambulance, or the Army Reserves.
Experience outside the classroom may include:
• Duke of Edinburgh Award and outdoor expeditions (climbing, mountain biking, abseiling)
• Overseas residential trips (previous destinations have included Europe)
• Specialist self-defence sessions led by industry professionals
You'll be taught by a highly experienced team with backgrounds in the Army, Royal Marines, Special Constabulary, and physical activity. A new staff member joining from the RAF brings specialist experience in Intelligence Analysis.
Step into a role that matters — with the knowledge, qualifications and confidence to make an impact.
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Students aged 16-18 do not pay exam fees.






