Community and Public Services

This programme will give students the knowledge and understanding of the wide and varied social, political and economic environments that community and public services operate in, the processes and procedures of the community and public services, and the role of theory in interpreting these relationships within international, national and regional settings. Students will analyse the role and function of management practices and procedures within the community and public services and demonstrate the ability to critically examine the operational effectiveness and legal requirements of community and public service organisations within a diverse society. Students will examine the aims, attitudes, practices, procedures and operational effectiveness of at least one community or public service organisation based on a period of work-based learning with a community or public service organisation. This programme will also develop the transferable skills of communication, Information Communication Technology, numerical, interpersonal, vocational and employment related and personal skills including those of research.

The programme includes the following subjects: 21st century democracy, crime and justice studies, applied social psychology, developing community and public service competencies, equality and diversity, community and public services, policy and social justice, enterprise and the economy, theory of crime and criminal behaviour, managing in community and public services, rehabilitation and resettlement, contemporary public service issues, managing people, criminology. You will also develop the knowledge and skills to confidently interact with serving members of the public services and non-government organisations, and undertake a major research project for public sector organisations such as Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, Devon and Somerset Fire Service, and the Royal Marines.

Assessment will be on a continuous basis through a range of assessment criteria including presentations, essays and in-class tasks.