L5 Higher National Diploma in Public Services FT – September 2024

Funding information: Student Finance HE Loan available, course costs apply.
Duration: 1 Year
Attendance: Full-time Provision

Course Overview

The Higher National Diploma (Level 5 HND) is the second year towards achieving your undergraduate degree. The course is designed to allow you to develop and enhance skills and attributes, as well as the technical and specialist knowledge required to pursue a career in the public services or public sector. One of the main aims of this course is to give you the skills to develop a critical understanding of the subjects. What we seek is an environment where stimulating discussion and intellectual development can take place. You will get the opportunity to research and debate some of the most interesting and pertinent issues on the national and international agenda and we would like to emphasise that you are not here to simply ‘learn’ about your subject, but to engage with it.

The HND in Public Services covers a range of units that will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the main reasons people commit crimes, criminal behaviour, law and justice and emergency planning, as well as gaining an in-depth knowledge of the public sector. The course will give you the time-management, team membership and leadership skills required for success and future employment in the public services professions.

The Level 5 Higher National Diploma is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant public services-related courses, for example:

  • BA (Hons) Criminology
  • BA (Hons) Policing
  • BA (Hons) Public Services
  • BA (Hons) Public Services Management
  • BSc (Hons) Applied Social Sciences
  • BA (Hons) Leadership in the Public Sector
  • BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology
  • BA (Hons) Uniformed and Public Services
  • BSc (Hons) Public Services and the Community
  • BSc (Hons) Fire and Rescue

Course Content

The following units have been carefully selected to ensure all areas of progression can be capitalised on:

  • Serious and Organised Crime
  • Theories of Crime
  • Theories of Crime
  • Offender Management
  • Justice, Punishment and Rehabilitation
  • Reflective Practice
  • Research Project with Theme
  • Work Based Experience

Entry Requirements

HNC in Public Services, English and maths (grade C/4 or above at GCSE or Level 2 equivalent). Mature students with relevant experience will also be considered.

Assessment Methods

  • Practical assignments
  • written assignments
  • presentations
  • coursework

Progression

Successful completion of the HND Public Services can lead on to a wide range of roles including: Youth work, Victim support, Community safety, Police volunteer schemes, Health administration jobs. You could also choose to study an extra year to ‘top-up’ your qualification to a full degree.