Public Services HND
The Public Services HND prepares students for careers in various uniformed public services, focusing on the criminal justice system through modules like Justice, Punishment and Rehabilitation, Counter Terrorism, and practical expeditions, offering a level 5 qualification and career guidance.
Course Overview
- Start Date
- 15 Sep 2025
- Mode of Study
- Full-Time
- Location
- Bletchley Campus
Course overview
Public Services HND is for those who want to build upon their knowledge and understanding of the Uniformed Public Services with specific emphasis on the criminal justice system (Police, Border Force, Prison & Probation Services and Third Sector Voluntary Agencies etc.). It also provides opportunities for Public Service employees to achieve a nationally recognised level 5 vocationally specific qualification.
What will I do?
In addition to studying modules such as Justice, Punishment and Rehabilitation, Counter Terrorism and Serious and Organised Crime, you will further your learning through visits to the Ministry of Defence, the Counter Terror Expo, local public services and more. You will also take part on a three-day 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 services, preparing you for a successful career in your chosen profession. All of the tutors have vast experience in a range of services, and will share their professional knowledge with you.
Other modules you will study include:
- Research Project
- Justice, Punishment and Rehabilitation
- Serious and Organised Crime
- Counter Terrorism
- Contemporary Sociological Issues
- Applied Forensic Psychology
- Reflective Professional Practice
What’s next?
This course will prepare you for a career in a number of the Public Services. Each of the Services have their own entry routes, the details of which you will learn about throughout this course, helping you to decide your next steps. Whatever your decision, you will be supported by the College with advice, applications and more. Previous students have moved into roles in the Prison Service, the Police, the Armed Forces, and more.
Is it for me?
Have you got discipline and determination? Are you able to work just as well in a team as you are independently? Do you want a career that brings protection, aid and justice to our society? If you want to work in the likes of the Police, Border Force, Prison & Probation Services, Fire Services, Armed Forces and others, this course will offer you knowledge and understanding of what these careers will entail. With specific emphasis on the Criminal Justice System, you must have an interest in relevant topics, and be ready to work hard to achieve your goals in this rewarding and incredibly important sector.
Entry requirements
You require a HNC in Public Services and grade C/4 GCSE in English & maths.
How will I be assessed?
Each unit is assessed separately by a number of different methods to include: reports, presentations, research projects, practical and oral assessments.
How will my progress be monitored?
Progress is monitored through attendance at lectures, completion of assessment work and through 1:1 meetings with your tutor(s).
What level is this qualification?
This HND qualification in Public Services is at level 5.
How much will I have to study each week?
For the HND you will attend lecturers for approximately 15 hours per week over 2-3 days.
You will then be required to study in your own time for an additional 5-10 hours plus a week, in order to further research the units and complete assessments. You will also be required to undertake small scale research projects.
Why study at Milton Keynes College?
- Expert teaching by specialist teaching staff
- High quality specialist resources and accommodation
- Great opportunities to progress to further study / employment
Do I need to purchase anything?
It is advisable that you invest in the following equipment in order to keep yourself well organised:
- Books – recommended reading list to be provided upon enrolment and start date
- One/two level arch files for each year
- Dividers/plastic wallets
- Pens and pencils
- A packet of highlighter pens
Want to know more?
Please contact the course leader Cathy Rutledge via email cathy.rutledge@mkcollege.ac.uk or attend one of our open events throughout the year.
How can I pay for my course?
There are a variety of ways in which you can get help with fees and funding while studying. Get advice on applying for funding and assessing your eligibility for financial aid here.
This course attracts funding for eligible students, so please check with the admissions team about your own circumstances.
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Public Services HND
(4762-1/1)- Start Date
- 15 Sep 2025
- Location
- Bletchley Campus
Fees- 16 – 18
- £6000 Per Year
- 19 – 23
- £6000 Per Year
- 24+
- £6000 Per Year
- Overseas
- £6000 Per Year
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