Soldiers in uniforms are lined up, with a close-up view of their shoes in formation.

Public Services (Foundations of Military Leadership) - HNC

Summary

This course is for those who want to build upon their knowledge and understanding of the Uniformed Public Services with specific emphasis on the Armed Forces (Commissioned Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer in the British Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy).  It also provides opportunities for Public Service employees to achieve a nationally recognised level 4 vocationally specific qualification. This course is designed to meet the needs of students wishing to pursue a successful and ambitious career in the Armed Forces. You will develop a firm understanding about the core themes in management and leadership to maximise officer recruitment to the armed forces.

The Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Public Services provides a specialist, work-related programme of study that covers the key knowledge, understanding and practical skills required in the Public Services sector and also offers particular emphasis through specialist units tailored to your chosen careers pathway. The course provides a nationally recognised qualification offering career progression and professional development for those already in employment or wishing to seek public sector employment.

The course will provide:

  • In depth study of public service operations within the Armed Forces
  • Opportunities to find out about careers available in these services and prepare yourself for their entry procedures
  • Regular contact with public service workers and visits to public service providers
  • Practical assignments and projects directly related to the contemporary public service scene

  • Practical work on community projects

    *Subject to validation. For more information, please visit our dedicated validation page.

     

  • Course code TH1HE198
  • UCAS code L231
  • Duration 1 Year
  • Day/s of week Wednesday and Thursday
  • Time 09:00 - 15:00

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
08 Sep 2025
Bispham Campus
1 Year
  • £35,800 average annual salary in this sector
  • Well established links with local public services
  • 5,540 annual job openings in the North West

What Uni Reviews

It's an amazing way to improve employability as well as personal development, can be at university around work and family commitments. Foundation degree is a great way to get a degree without 3 years commitment. *****
- Anonymous
Knowledgeable staff, great support, excellent facilities. *****
- Kim Taylora
Fab. *****
- Rebekka Foy

Student case study - Justin

Why did you choose B&FC?
As I was already a student here, it made sense just to continue.

What have been the benefits of studying here?
The tutors are really supportive and the smaller class sizes have made such a difference. Everyone gets more one-to-one time which I know wouldn't be the case if I'd gone elsewhere.

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

The skills you will learn from this course will enable you to:

  • Pursue a career in the armed forces (Commissioned Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer in the British Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy)
  • Progress on to a higher education programme including the HND Public Services and from there onto a BA(Hons) top up through B&FC
  • The enrichment activity on this programme is also planned to be focussed on roles within the armed forces, enhancing opportunities for students to enter the officer route

Key information

Entry Requirements

The academic requirement for students entering this course is normally 64 UCAS points:

  • A BTEC Level 3 qualification in Sport or uniformed Public Services
  • 64 UCAS Points = BTEC Extended Diploma: Grade MPP or BTEC Diploma: Grade MM
  • A GCSE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCSE subject
  • 64 points = 2 x A Levels at Grade C

Mature students will be considered if you can demonstrate:

  • Other related Level 3 qualifications
  • Related work experience in a relevant role

All potential students must have GCSE or L2 Functional Skill English and maths or be actively working towards it.

Qualification obtained

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Public Services

Fees and funding

Please click here to find out more about tuition fees for this course.

Extra costs and equipment

Every course has day-to-day costs for basic books, stationery, printing and photocopying. The amounts vary between courses.

There will be the opportunity to go on a variety of trips, these are optional and you will be expected to meet any costs.

A Disclosure and Barring Service check may be required for this course and will incur an additional cost (£44 plus a yearly update service of £13 per year).

Please note, all fees are subject to change.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Pearson

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

An extra curricula (enrichment) calendar will be made available at the start of the academic year. This will include trips to local Army Reserve Units and local Infantry Engagement Teams. Students will also participate in dedicated fitness development sessions with fitness professionals, this will include regular fitness testing in line with pre-entry test standards. There will also be opportunities to develop leadership skills using realistic scenarios relevant towards the armed forces, for example expedition training.

There will be a wide variety of opportunities for participation, however, some are not mandatory. The costs will vary according to activity and will be available to you at sign up.

  • Modules at level 4

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Modern Warfare and Conflict TH4MD350 15 No
    Terrorism and Counter Terrorism TH4MD351 15 No
    Outdoor Skills Development TH4MD352 15 No
    Organisational Structures and Culture TH4MD353 15 No
    Mental Health and Wellbeing TH4MD354 15 No
    Equality Diversity and Fair Treatment TH4MD355 15 No
    Public Services in Contemporary Society TH4MD356 15 No
    Technology in the Public Services TH4MD357 15 No

Study Support - at a glance

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group study support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support
Discover available Study Support

Programme Specification

Download our Programme Specification for this course.

How will I learn?

The emphasis of this course is on developing leadership, team-building, communication and organisation skills as well as building a solid awareness of the public services landscape.

In addition to studying modules such as Modern Warfare and Conflict and Expedition Leadership, you will further your learning through visits and guest speakers by the key partners such as the Ministry of Defence, Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and the Outreach Team North-West (Army Elite Skills Academy).

You will also take part in an outdoor skills expedition, focusing on leadership and mentoring, giving you a chance to demonstrate what you’ve learnt. You will come to understand exactly what life is like in the public services, preparing you for a successful career in your chosen profession. All of the tutors have vast experience in a range of Armed Forces and will share their professional knowledge with you.

During the year you will study eight units specifically chosen to provide you with the skills you need in to progress into employment or onto Higher Education.

This programme will be delivered on one full day per week, with a range of workshop and practical activities on a second day to add enrichment and develop appropriate skills and behaviours to work within the armed forces.

Learning Methods

Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Scheduled 396 0 0
Independent 804 0 0
Placement 0 0 0
Total 1200 0 0
Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

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How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

All units on the BTEC Higher National Certificate level courses are worth 15 credits, the eight modules you will study may include:

  • Modern Warfare and Conflict
  • Terrorism and Counter-terrorism
  • Expedition Leadership
  • Organisational Structures and Culture
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • Equality, Diversity and Fair Treatment
  • Public Services in Contemporary Society
  • Technology in the Public Services

To gain the BTEC Higher National Certificate each module must be successfully completed. Assessment is by a combination of coursework, assignments, projects or an examination. All assessments are externally verified by Pearson.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 100% 0% 0%
Exam 0% 0% 0%
Practical 0% 0% 0%