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Public Services

Course details
  • Higher National Diploma
  • 2 Years
  • Full-Time
  • September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Wigan
Awarded by:
Pearson EDI

Course summary

IS THIS COURSE FOR ME?

Are you motivated by a career that makes a difference? Do you want to work in the police, armed forces, fire and rescue, emergency services or other vital areas of the public sector?

This course is designed to develop your understanding of public services in modern society and equip you with the critical thinking, communication, fitness and leadership skills needed to work in this fast-moving and vital sector.

You’ll gain real experience, build a strong professional profile and access exciting opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. It’s ideal if you’re aiming to move into employment, progress to higher-level roles, or complete a top-up degree.

WHAT CAN I PROGRESS ONTO?

After completing this course, you can move into a wide range of roles in the public sector:

  • Police, fire, prison or ambulance services

  • Armed forces

  • Civil service and local government

  • Community and youth justice roles

OTHER INFORMATION

As part of our Higher Education Development Programme, you’ll have the opportunity to take additional qualifications to boost your employability, which may include some of the following:

·       Self-defence training

·       Level 2 CCTV Operations

·       Level 3 Close Protection in the Private Security Industry

·       Level 2 Bushcraft, Survival and Wilderness Living Skills

·       First Aid

·

·       Enhanced DBS support

You’ll also be encouraged to take part in professional volunteering with organisations such as the British Red Cross, St John Ambulance, or the Army Reserves.

Experience outside the classroom may include:

·       Duke of Edinburgh Award and outdoor expeditions (climbing, mountain biking, abseiling)

·       Overseas residential trips (previous destinations have included Europe)

·       Specialist self-defence sessions led by industry professionals

You’ll be taught by a highly experienced team with backgrounds in the Army, Royal Marines, Special Constabulary, and physical activity. A new staff member joining from the RAF brings specialist experience in Intelligence Analysis.

Step into a role that matters — with the knowledge, qualifications and confidence to make an impact.

Modules

Year 1 Modules

You’ll study a mix of core and specialist units that build your understanding of public service environments, operations, and career preparation.

  • Exploring Public Services

  • Mental Health and Wellbeing

  • Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Ethics

  • Planning a Public Services Project (Pearson-set)

  • Terrorism and Counterterrorism *

  • Government and Politics *

  • Crime and Substance Misuse *

  • Outdoor Skills Development *

*Could be subject to change

Year 2 Modules

  • Professional Development

  • Research Project (Pearson-set)

  • Justice, Punishment and Rehabilitation *

  • Serious and Organised Crime *

  • Rescue Operations *

  • Expedition Planning *

  • Applied Forensic Psychology *

*Could be subject to change

Assessment method

Assessment is through a variety of real-world and academic formats, including:

  • Written reports

  • Presentations

  • Blogs and vlogs

  • Practical assessments (e.g. expedition planning, fitness testing)

How to apply

This course has restrictions on who can apply.

This course is not accepting applications from students requiring a Student visa. For more information, please contact the course provider.

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
PS21
Institution code:
W67
Campus name:
Wigan

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff
Offer: 80

Mature students with experience, a portfolio of work and employer references will be considered.
Students must also possess a Grade 4 or above in English at GCSE or equivalent.

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland£7500

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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