HND Public Services

This course is 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. You will study a range of units that are aligned with professional bodies, universities and employers across the public service sectors that include applied forensic psychology, cyber security, youth offending and blue light services.

Thanks to our link with the University of Chester, upon successful completion of this course you are offered direct entry on to the university's Policing, Law and Investigation Level 6 top-up programme, where you can complete your degree. 
*Subject to entry criteria. 

This course is ideal for those who are progressing from the HNC Public Services and are looking to progress on to university, or those in employment looking to extend their skills and knowledge to help them to progress towards roles within the public services sector.

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

• Written reports and essays
• Practical assessments
• Work-based projects
• Academic posters, displays, leaflets and websites
• Presentations
• Working logbooks and reflective journals

Choosing to study HND Public Services at our college will also give you the opportunity to progress on to the University of Chester's top-up programme in Policing, Law and Investigation (subject to criteria).

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

• Unit 29: Research project
• Unit 30: Reflective professional practice
• Unit 38: Blue light collaboration
• Unit 43: Cyber security
• Unit 48: Youth offending
• Unit 49: Applied forensic psychology
• Unit 50: Offender management

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 successful completion of the HND programme students have the opportunity to pursue a final top-up year to obtain a full degree. The college has a strong relationship with the University of Chester, and students who complete the HND can progress directly on to their Policing, Law and Investigation Level 6 top-up programme (subject to criteria).

The college has excellent 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. Higher education 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 must have the following:

• A HNC in Public Services, as the HND one year programme is a direct follow on from the HNC.

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 is also recommended.

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.

All HNC/HND programmes require the completion of a personal statement prior to an admissions interview being offered. Further information on this will be provided to you upon receipt of your application. 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

You will need to purchase a kit which costs approximately £150.

Trips and residentials will take place throughout the year which are linked to the course content and implemented to extend students' knowledge and apply skills and develop experiences within the public service sector and may involve additional costs. Please note that trips and costs are subject to change depending on the academic year.

The college provides all students with £3 print credit, any further printing will incur a cost.