Course summary

This course will give you the skills and knowledge required to begin a career in the Public Services and criminal justice sector. You will explore criminal psychology and behaviour, law and justice and crime reduction, as well as gaining an in-depth knowledge of the contemporary social and political issues affecting today’s criminal justice system. Through this course, you will develop essential skills such as time management, teamwork, self-motivation and leadership. Topics in year one include: Organisational Structures and Culture; Mental Health and Wellbeing; Equality, Diversity and Fair Treatment; Public Services in Contemporary Society. Additional units include: Law and the Legal System; Psychology of Human Behaviour; Crime Reduction and Community Safety; Small-scale Research Project in Public Services. Topics in year two include: Research Project; Reflective Professional Practice. Additional units include: Serious Organised Crime; Justice, Punishment and Rehabilitation; Theories of Crime; Understanding & Leading Change; Blue Light Collaboration. The assessments are split 50/50 for Observation and Written Assignments, supported by coursework. Additional requirements: You must be able to take part in overnight camping expeditions, day walks, water sports and physical fitness sessions. You should have the potential to pass the fitness and health requirements for your chosen public service career. Where next? On successful completion of the HND, depending on your grade, you may be able to complete a second or third ‘top-up’ year of a suitable degree. Alternatively, you will be well placed to pursue a career in a range of uniformed and non-uniformed public services. Example job roles: Police Officer, PCSO, Fire and Rescue Officer, Armed Forces (RAF, Army, Navy), Prison Officer, Revenue and Customs Officer, Boarder Force, Youth Worker, Probation Officer, Local Authority, The Criminal Justice System