HNC Public Services

This course is suitable for individuals that are looking to develop essential subject knowledge and skills to progress successfully into further study or employment within the public service sector. As a student on this course, you will study a range of units that are aligned with professional bodies and employers across the public service sectors, which include civil protection, crime and criminal justice, public service management, and blue light services. The programme can be studied full time over one year (attending two days per week) or part time over two years (attending one day per week).

This course is ideal for students progressing from level 3 and looking to go on to higher education, or those in employment looking to extend their skills and knowledge to help them to progress towards roles within the public services.

You will be assessed in a number of formats that reflect different skills needed in the public service sector:

• Written reports and essays
• Practical assessments
• Work-based projects
• Academic posters, displays, leaflets
• Presentations

Working logbooks and reflective journals.

You will gain a wide range of sector knowledge and practical skills, developed through evidence-based practice, personal research, self-study, directed study, and work-integrated learning and experience. Units on the course consist of:

• Unit 1: Organisational structures and culture
• Unit 2: Mental health and wellbeing
• Unit 3: Equality, diversity, and fair treatment
• Unit 4: Public services in contemporary society
• Unit 6: Terrorism and counterterrorism
• Unit 8: Crime reduction and community safety
• Unit 16: Training for fitness and health
• Unit 27: Psychology of behaviour.

Please note that modules listed are indicative and may be subject to change. We do not guarantee that a non-mandatory unit will always run in any given academic year as options may be dependent on student numbers, sector requirements, and staff expertise.

After successfully completing this course, you could move on to a related HND qualification for your second year of study or undertake a related degree in the public services. Alternatively, you may wish to seek employment in the public service sector.

The college has good links with external employers within the public service sector including police, fire and ambulance services, British Army, RAF, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and the RNLI.

The college offers a very high-quality education for HE students. HE student feedback is strong, and students are highly complimentary of their learning experience. HE students have access to specialist facilities and resources to support their programme of study as well as designated HE learning spaces to support independent study.

Here at Warrington & Vale Royal College we have a team of dedicated, experienced staff who can share their extensive knowledge and skills with you. Learning in a friendly and inclusive environment, you will be fully supported to achieve your goals.

You will typically have one of the following:

• A BTEC level 3 or other level 3 qualification in a related subject, minimum MPP or MM
• T Level with overall grade Pass
• A minimum of two A-Levels (A2) with one in a related subject at grade C or above
• Access to HE with relevant options

AND

• A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE English (language or literature)
• A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE Maths

Non-native English speakers who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English need to demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to the levels identified below. This is necessary before being recruited to the programme, as the programme is both taught and assessed in English:

• Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2
• IELTS 5.5; reading and writing must be 5.5.

We welcome applications from mature students who have appropriate work experience in a related sector or role and/or have professional qualifications in a related industry.

All HNC/HND programmes require the completion of a personal statement prior to an admissions interview being offered. You will also be required to provide a reference from one of the following options:

• A previous course leader/teacher (if progressing from a recently attended further or higher education course)
• A recent or current employer
• An appropriate professional who can provide a character reference (if you have not been in recent education or employment).

Students applying to study on a Higher Education course can apply for a HE student loan at www.gov.uk/student-finance

For further Finance support and enquiries please visit https://wvr.ac.uk/adults/higher-education

Cost of kit is approximately £150. Further details will be provided upon application.

Trips and residentials will take place throughout the year, which are linked to the course content and implemented to extend your knowledge and allow you develop experiences within the public service sector. These trips may involve additional cost.