Course summary

This specialist pathway will equip students with public service skills, knowledge and the understanding necessary to achieve high performance in the global public services/criminal justice environment. One objective of this programme is to provide education and training for a range of careers in public services, including, for example, local government, Civil Service, public administration, the armed forces, police force, prison service and the charity and voluntary sector. Successful completion will equip students with the knowledge and understanding of culturally diverse organisations, cross-cultural issues, diversity, and values. Successful completion will also provide opportunities for students to enter or progress in employment in public services, or progress to higher education qualifications such as an Honours degree in Criminology, Policing, Applied Social Sciences, Public Services Management, or a related area. The Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a Level 4 qualification made up of 120 credits. It is studied full time over 1 year using a hybrid delivery approach to offer more flexibility to learners. The Higher National Diploma (HND) is a Level 4 and Level 5 qualification made up of 240 credits. It is usually studied full-time over two years (year 1 HNC year 2 HND) again using a hybrid teaching approach. Units HNC: BTEC Higher Nationals (HNC) consist of core and specialist which include: Core units are mandatory, in the HNC you will study the following core units: Organisational Structures and Culture Terrorism and Counter-terrorism Crime Reduction and Community Safety Crime and Substance Misuse Units HND You will study two mandatory units and five specialist units Mandatory: Research Project (Pearson-set Project) Serious and Organised Crime Theories of Crime Youth Offending Offender Management Assessment: There will be a variety of assessment methods including assignments and activities, with a focus on the holistic development of practical, interpersonal, and higher-level thinking skills. The assessment programme is designed so that skills and knowledge can be developed in line with the assessment criteria. During the programme a range of assessment methods will be utilised by tutors to offer formative and summative feedback on your progress. Units are assessed internally and graded Pass, Merit or Distinction. Assessment methods may include presentations, written reports, written essays and case studies, role play observations of practical tasks and peer and self-assessment. Progression: The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them. On successful completion of the Level 5 Higher National Diploma, students can develop their careers in the public services sector through: Entering employment in a range of criminal justice sectors; Continuing existing employment or progressing to university to study Level 6.