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HND in Public Services

Qualification Obtained

BTEC HND Diploma in Public Services (QCF)

UCAS Code(s):

132L

About this Course:

The Foundation Degree in Sports Development is a vocationally based qualification that offers the student an innovative introduction to the concept of sports provision within the community.

Assessment Methods:

The assessment process is designed to support individual learning styles and places the emphasis on a formative approach to coursework and achievement by providing feedback at every opportunity. Course assessment reflects the structure of modules with a mixture of written assignments and case study presentations that are relevant to the module content and learning outcomes.

Progression:

The course will enable students to apply for a post in the uniformed public services with confidence in that they will have undergone a familiarisation process for various public services in terms of the roles and responsibilities applicable to specific branches of the emergency services. Each public service will be placed in context for the student in order to prepare them for a role in providing a service for the community in which they may serve. Students may wish to 'top-up' this qualification by means of entering either year two or three of a BA (Hons) degree in Public Services or similar.

Special Features:

Although the aim is to provide a wide range of teaching and learning experiences, the primary focus will be on lectures, seminars, discussions and tutorials during which students will be encouraged to progressively develop their analytical and critical abilities. Modules will make appropriate use of work experience, industrial visits, visiting speakers, presentations and technology. This mix of practical, theoretical and intellectual development will enable each student to recognise and demonstrate personal strengths. Students will be encouraged to become independent learners with appropriate study skills and an increasing ability to apply research skills within the vocational setting.

Course Options:

The course is a two year, full-time course with eight taught modules per year; there are 16 modules in total and each module must be passed with a 40% minimum grade in order for the Higher National Diploma in Uniformed Public Services to be awarded.

Year One:

  • Managing People in the Public Services provides students with a detailed examination of the role of central and local government in the planning and implementation of emergency public service policies.
  • Managing Physical Activity provides the student with a clear perspective of the demands placed upon individuals and teams within the uniformed public service sector. Students will undertake a fitness regime and be able to measure/test performance levels.
  • Entry and Enquiry in the Public Services provides the student with the research methodologies that are essential to studying public service provision at this level.
  • Financial Resources related to the administration of public services will be examined across the full range of emergency services.
  • Management of Health & Safety prepares the student for a range of incidents where they are often the first on the scene and how they would secure the physical environment.
  • Independent Research Project enables the student to research a specific topic of their own choice in detail by using the skills developed in the study skills module.
  • Criminology and Safer Communities will give students an opportunity to understand the aspects of criminal behaviour and to examine and analyse the major criminal activity theories.
  • Sociological Aspects of the Public Services examines the legislation, local and national government policies and requirements with regard to diversity within the context of equity in British society and the workplace.

Year Two:

  • Psychology and Human Behaviour examines an individual's potential to respond to extreme situations both physically and mentally.
  • Managing Disaster provides the student with various scenarios based upon actual incidents and how the public services dealt with them.
  • Justice and Punishment offers students' the opportunity to explore the justice system and the complex reasons why individuals commit offences.
  • Physical and Psychological Wellness offers the student the opportunity to improve their own physical fitness levels and mental preparedness in preparation for entry into the uniformed public services. Basic assessment tests undertaken by various branches of the public services will be used in terms of assessing basic physical and psychometric fitness levels.
  • Government and the Public Service offers the student an insight into the levels of competency expected of public servants within a variety of specialist jobs.
  • Stress Management in the Public Service will provide the student with the means to investigate the origins of stress and its relationship to the public services.
  • Global Socio-Political Issues will develop the students knowledge and understanding of current global issues, many of which have a direct impact on the public services.
  • Equal Opportunities enable the student to identify and critically discuss the sociological problems caused by prejudice and discrimination within society today.

Teaching Methods:

The course will be taught over a two day period each week throughout the 30 weeks per year. The main focus will be on self-directed study, contextualisation and conceptualisation, discussion and presentation of ideas.

Skills Developed:

The programme is aimed at a range of candidates who represent the wide and varied levels of uniformed public service provision. The student profile may well range from those who wish to join the armed services to those with aspirations to enter the civilian emergency services. The course is designed to offer something for everyone with a flexible approach to module delivery in terms of portfolio building to suit the individual's needs. Learners are expected to be involved in relevant community based projects and/or initiatives throughout their time on the course. A strong commitment is required from students in order to gain generic and specific 'life experiences' throughout the course. A graduate of the HND in Uniformed Public Services will be familiar with the entry requirements for a broad section of the public services, having undertaken both theoretical and practical studies in related disciplines.

How to Apply

Once you’ve decided to apply for a course, you’ll need to work out whether you satisfy our entry requirements (or will have done by the time your course starts). Providing you meet the criteria, you can then apply for your course. Full-time applications go through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), although foundation degree graduates progressing to a relevant top-up programme can (subject to certain criteria) apply to the College direct.

More information about entry requirements and the application process is available within our Higher Education section

Course Occurrences:

Course Code Start Date End Date Location Tuition Fees Attendance Mode
TH1HE10010th Sep 201213th Jun 2014University Centre£6000HE Full Time

Disclaimer

Blackpool and The Fylde College makes every possible effort to ensure that the information published on this web site is accurate and up-to-date, but we accept no legal liability for errors or omissions, and reserve the right to make changes without notice. Where tuition fees are shown they are for one year only and correct only for the current academic year. Fees for subsequent years are subject to review. Some courses have additional costs such as equipment, uniforms, visits, exams, etc details of which can be obtained by contacting us on 01253 352352. Read our full disclaimer here