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. Learners 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.

This course is for those who are progressing from HNC Public Services 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 reflects different skills needed in public service sector:

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

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 46: Aviation and Maritime
• Unit 48: Youth Offending
• Unit 49: Applied forensic psychology

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 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.

All higher education students receive termly one-to-one tutorials with their programme leader to support them with their progress on programme. You will also have access to an online tutorial programme which provides guidance on a wide range of topics such as mental health, managing finances, support for single parents, and working online. In addition, you can access a programme of workshops throughout the year to support with topics such as study skills, academic writing, and time management.

We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if it is required, and a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support, and help when needed. All HE students have access to a designated progress coach who can also provide welfare support.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/study/higher-education

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 and curriculum-set task 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://www.wvr.ac.uk/higher-education/higher-education-funding-support/

You will need to purchase a kit which costs of approximate £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 cost. Please note that trips and cost 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.