HNC in Public Services: Blue Lights
Course Overview
The Level 4 HNC in Public Services: Blue Lights is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to pursue a career in emergency services. This qualification focuses on the essential functions and operations of blue light services, including the police, fire and rescue, ambulance services, and other emergency response organisations. The course integrates theoretical learning with practical applications to prepare students for the dynamic and demanding nature of public service roles.
The purpose of BTEC Higher Nationals in Public Services is to develop your professional, self-reflecting skills, knowledge and behaviours to be able to meet the demands of employers in the public services sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them.
The course is delivered full time over one year with progression to the HND year two (top-up) course to achieve the full HND qualification.
At Level 4 (HNC) you will study a total of eight units and develop a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of public services through four core units, which will include one unit assessed by a Pearson-set assignment.
Core units:
- Unit 1: Organisational Structures and Culture
- Unit 2: Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Unit 3: Equality, Diversity and Fair Treatment
- Unit 4: Public Services in Contemporary Society
Pathway units:
- Unit 11: Community Engagement
- Unit 12: Responding to Emergencies.
Optional units:
These can include two of the following, although this list is not extensive.
- Personal and Professional Development
- Crime and Substance Misuse
- Personnel Protection in Civil Protection Agencies
- Care in Custody
- Psychology of Behaviour
- Small-scale Research Project in Public Services.
To study the course, students will need n appropriate Level 3 qualification, or equivalent, e.g. Access to HE, BTEC National Diploma, BTEC National Certificate or A Levels. Applicants without formal qualifications/with appropriate work experience or other qualifications can also apply. An interview with the course tutor is required.
Assessment for the course will be via assignments and project work.
You can progress to the HND in Public Services: Blue lights with a view to accessing a top-up degree. Likely top-up degrees are in Policing, Public Services, Leadership in the Public Sector, Uniformed Services, Fire and Rescue.
You can access a variety of careers in the blue lights sector following your studies on this programme.
This programme is funded through Student Finance England, sponsorship from an employer or self-funded.
For more information on financial support, click here.
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