Course Overview

With more than five million employees the public sector is the UK’s largest employer and offers a wide range of opportunities. Successful completion of the HND will allow students to gain the experience and qualifications to help gain employment within the uniformed or non-uniformed public service industry as well as progress to criminology level 6 top-up options.

This course has been designed to provide a wide range of knowledge and skills that will enhance an individual’s employment opportunities both within and external to the public sector including military, emergency services, prison services, criminal justice or youth work.

The lecturers delivering the course are highly qualified with industry experience and provide expert knowledge in their specific area. The course provides a number of exciting excursions including university visit.

The HND is offered on a full-time basis; each year is divided into two semesters with knowledge and skills being continually assessed. You will be enrolled on a face to face course delivered two days a weeks for year 1 and 2.
Studying in a smaller cohort of students ensures that academic learning is supported by a personal tutor from the academic staff team. Subject specific learning advisers supplement the library and information technology facilities at the College.

Entry requirements

You will require 48 UCAS points, or an equivalent Level 3 Public Services related qualification and five A - C GCSEs (grade 4 or above) including English and maths.

Mature applicants are welcome to apply and will be assessed on an individual basis and may be asked to complete a short task to demonstrate the required level of knowledge to meet the demands of the course.

All applicants will be asked to attend a formal interview to assess suitability and commitment to the programme of study.

Course Modules

In order to prepare you for your chosen career the following units provide you with a wide range of transferable skills and knowledge. You will study subjects such as;

Level 4

Unit 401 - Exploring Public Services
This unit provides an in-depth understanding of the structures, roles, responsibilities and funding models of the public services. The unit also explores the performance targets, accountability mechanisms and quality control measures used to assess the effectiveness of public services. Students will learn how public services collaborate, external and internal impacts on performance, how they are held accountable and how they deliver high-quality services to meet the needs of diverse service users. The unit also examines emerging threats and future challenges, from technological advancements to climate change, and how these factors will shape the future operations of public services. On successful completion of the unit, students will understand how different public services operate, how they are funded, how they support their workforce and service users, how they remain accountable through performance measures and what services they are able to offer, and the changing needs of society.

Unit 402 - Mental Health & Wellbeing
The primary aim of this unit is to explore the various aspects of mental health and wellbeing that are crucial for individuals in the public services. Students will investigate mental health topics such as stress management, coping mechanisms and resilience. They will study physical health subjects related to mental health, including fitness and nutrition. By integrating these two dimensions of health, students will be prepared to face the unique challenges inherent in public services, fostering a holistic approach to personal and professional wellbeing. They will address strategies that can be used to promote positive mental health and wellbeing for individuals, families and communities. Each topic is designed to build on the previous one, providing a cohesive and progressive learning experience. On successful completion of this unit, students will have developed a robust set of skills related to mental health and wellbeing in public services and will have also developed their independent and collaborative research skills. They will be able to identify and address mental health issues, implement effective stress management strategies and maintain physical fitness.

Unit 403 – Equality, Diversity, Inclusions & Ethics
This unit aims to equip students with a deep understanding of how legislation, organisational policies and ethical considerations work together to support equality, fair treatment and ethical decision making within public services. In addition to focusing on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), this unit introduces the concept of ethics, encouraging students to explore the moral principles that guide behaviour in public service roles. Students will critically examine the relationship between ethics, EDI and public service operations, understanding how values shape the actions and decisions of professionals. On completion of this unit, students will have obtained a thorough understanding of the legislation that is currently relevant to EDI considerations today. By looking practically at EDI policies used in public services, they will gain an appreciation of the requirements of what needs to go into a modern EDI policy.

Unit 404 – Planning a Public Service Project
The research process is a fundamental aspect of developing effective public services projects. Understanding the various methodologies, tools and techniques involved in research allows public service professionals to create informed, data-driven solutions to complex issues. This unit is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the research process, from the initial stages of project planning to the presentation of findings. By exploring different research methodologies and their applications, students will be equipped to develop and present solutions that address specific public services project briefs. The aim of this unit is to give students an opportunity to demonstrate the research skills required for developing a deeper understanding of public services and the ability to use data and evidence to inform decisions. Students will undertake independent research and investigation of a theme set by Pearson.

Unit 405 – Criminal Law & Justice System
Students will develop a thorough understanding of criminal law principles and the workings of justice systems. There will be exploration of the key components of criminal law, including notable legislation, court structures and the roles and responsibilities of essential agencies and professionals within the system. By critically evaluating the effectiveness of justice processes and examining contemporary challenges, students will gain the skills necessary to navigate and influence the criminal justice landscape. The unit will cover essential topics such as the foundations and principles of criminal law, the organisation and operational working of criminal courts, the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement and legal professionals, and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the justice system.

Unit 406 – Theories of Crime
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the major theories of crime, providing them with the tools to analyse and evaluate these frameworks critically. It covers a range of explanations for crime, including biological, psychological, sociological and contemporary critical theories. Students will examine the relevance of these theories in explaining modern-day criminal phenomena such as cybercrime, white-collar crime and terrorism. On completion of this unit, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the core theories of criminal behaviour and will see how these theories can be applied to a range of real-world case studies. Students will see how these theories help to shape crime prevention policies, law enforcement strategies and criminal justice interventions.

Unit 407 – Crime & the Media
The aim of this unit is to enable students to critically examine the portrayal of crime in media, evaluate ethical issues in crime reporting and understand the societal and judicial related impacts of media narratives. By engaging with media theories and practical strategies, students will learn to assess how media can influence public perception, policy and law enforcement practices, and develop skills for effective media engagement in public services. The unit includes an analysis of crime representation across media formats, ethical principles in crime reporting, and the application of media theories such as agenda setting and moral panic. Students will study methodologies for media content analysis and develop strategies for engaging the media in promoting crime prevention and awareness campaigns effectively.

Unit 412 – Crime Reduction
This unit aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed to assess crime types, analyse police tactics and evaluate inter-agency collaboration. Students will critically explore the nature of crime and the approaches used to address it. They will develop the skills required to gain awareness of crime-reduction initiatives at local, metropolitan and national levels. The unit covers a broad range of topics, including the classification and impact of crime, police strategies for crime reduction and inter-agency collaboration in dealing with crime across different scales. Students will learn to develop and propose strategic frameworks for crime reduction for a given scenario. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and the application of best practices in crime prevention and response

Level 5

Unit 501 – Professional Development
The purpose of this unit is to give students a comprehensive foundation in the essential professional practices necessary for success in public services. Students will engage with ethical frameworks, reflective practices, critical reasoning and the importance of continuous professional development (CPD). These components help students develop a clear understanding of what it means to act professionally in high-stakes environments. Through practical applications of theoretical knowledge, students will analyse and improve their own professional conduct, ensuring they meet the rigorous standards expected in their respective fields. Students will also explore the process of reflection, addressing its challenges and understanding how reflective practice can support personal and professional growth. This unit covers a variety of key topics critical for advancing professional practices in protective public services. Students will engage in reflective practice to evaluate their actions and decisions and explore how critical reasoning can be applied to problem solving in real-world scenarios.

Unit 502 – Research Project
The aim of the unit is to develop students’ skills of independent enquiry and critical analysis by undertaking a sustained research investigation of direct relevance to their higher educational programme and professional development. The topic of research depends on the student, the context of their area of learning, their focus of interest and the anticipated outcomes. The unit draws together a range of other areas from within the programme to form a holistic piece of work that will make a positive contribution to the student’s area of interest. Students must also apply and reflect on the theory that underpins formal research. Students should seek approval from their tutors before starting their research project. On successful completion of the unit, students will be confident using research techniques and methods. This will include the elements that make up formal research, including the proposal, a variety of research methodologies, action planning, carrying out the research itself and presenting the findings.

Unit 503 – Justice, Punishment & Rehabilitation
This unit has been designed for students to develop an understanding of how justice is achieved through the application of appropriate and effective punishments, including accredited rehabilitation programmes. Students will explore a range of topics, including the different types of justice, the aims and purposes of sentencing, the range of sentencing options available and the use of sentencing guidelines and rehabilitation programmes for the treatment of offenders. The effectiveness of justice and punishment will also be assessed through the exploration of current key issues. On successful completion of this unit, students will have examined the types and principles of justice and sentencing; explored the aims and types of punishment; discussed the rehabilitation options available for the treatment of offenders; and investigated how public services ensure that justice, punishment and rehabilitation are carried out effectively.

Unit 504 – Serious & Organised Crime
The unit gives students an understanding of the types, structures and societal impact of organised crime and explores the legal and strategic frameworks that public services use to combat it. Through case studies and analysis, students will examine the global and legal implications of organised crime and evaluate the effectiveness of crime-fighting strategies. Students completing this unit will gain skills in crime analysis, understanding legal frameworks and evaluating public service interventions. The knowledge and understanding gained in this unit can be applied to roles in law enforcement, security analysis, criminal intelligence and public policy.

Unit 505 – Forensic Methods & Applications
The aim of this unit is to give students a comprehensive understanding of forensic science’s role in criminal investigations. They will explore evidence collection principles, including protocols such as chain of custody and contamination prevention, to appreciate the legal and ethical significance of safeguarding evidence integrity. Students will explore the use of specialised tools and techniques for crime scene investigation while assessing how these methods aid in suspect identification and scene reconstruction. Through theoretical and practical application, students will understand the intricate processes that support reliable and admissible forensic evidence. The unit covers a range of topics critical to forensic science. Key areas include principles of evidence collection, techniques for preserving evidence types and strategies for managing a crime scene. Each topic builds on the last, emphasising the importance of meticulous evidence handling and scientifically valid methodologies in criminal investigations

Unit 509 – Community Policing & Antisocial Behaviour
The primary objective of this unit is to give students a comprehensive understanding of antisocial behaviour and the strategies employed to combat it. Students will explore the theoretical underpinnings of antisocial behaviour, its manifestations and its broader societal impacts. By analysing the role of the police and other agencies in managing these issues, students will develop a nuanced perspective on the effectiveness of various interventions. The unit covers a range of topics essential for understanding and addressing antisocial behaviour. Students will investigate the different types of antisocial behaviour, from environmental and personal misconduct to substance-related issues. The unit also covers strategies utilised by police and inter-agency collaborations, including community engagement, restorative practices and technological integration. Students will critically analyse evidence-based community policing methods and their impact on reducing antisocial behaviour, exploring both challenges and successes in diverse community contexts

Unit 521 – Work-Based Experience
This unit aims to give students the opportunity to consider, plan, undertake and review a work placement in order to develop key skills such as communication, problem solving and adaptability. Students will gain the knowledge and experience that will help them gain first-hand exposure to teamwork and creative thinking. They will consider aspects of professional conduct and health and safety, and explore employer expectations. On successful completion of this unit, students will gain several employability skills. They will have gained theoretical knowledge which they can apply to real-world situations. Students will be able to set and review their goals and make accurate judgements on their performance and future work. They will have developed a broad set of interpersonal skills which allows them to enter the workforce of both the military and public services better informed.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through written assignments, reports, case studies, practical assessments, individual projects, individual/group presentations and time constrained assessments. In year 2 you will be required to undertake a detailed research project related to your chosen area of employment and engage in work related placements or volunteering.

What can I do next

Public Services is one of the most exciting industries and has such a diverse career pathway.

The HND in Public Services (Criminology) will provide you with the foundation knowledge required to build a career in the prison service, criminal justice, probation service or youth work. Graduates have secured employment within Her Majesty’s Prison Service, the Royal Air Force and the Police Force.
Students can also progress on to Level 6 top-ups in criminology.

This course provides a wide range of opportunities due to the variety of contemporary topics studied.