About the course

The course will prepare you for a career in the Public Services professions, meeting the needs of the aspiring uniformed public service officer, support and administrative professional. It will equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills you'll need to be successful in your future employment in the public services professions.

NOTE: A minimum number of enrolments are required for this course to run.

Entry requirements

2 A Levels, OR A BTEC National Certificate/Diploma, OR Relevant work experience to the total of 64 UCAS points MPP PLUS GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4 or above.

How much does it cost?

£5995 (£4995 if you have already completed the HNC course elsewhere.) 

You may be eligible to a student loan to cover your fees and maintenance. This loan is available from the Government via Student Finance England. The https://www.gov.uk/studentfinancesteps website has full details and you can use their calculator to see what help you may be entitled to. 

If you have any questions our Admissions Advisers are on hand to offer financial advice and guidance. Please email: or call 01279 868100

Uniform – approx £50

Why study?

This course offers an academically challenging, vocational experience. It gives you the opportunity to be creative and to take initiatives to develop yourself. You will undertake public or voluntary sector work experience which will give you an excellent grounding for future career development.

Educational Trips

• Trip to Parliament
• Visit to magistrate's court in Chelmsford Opportunity to visit a Police Station and explore the custody and detention areas
• Residential trip to Wales
• Trip to Police and Crime Museum in London

 Guest Speakers

•  Magistrates
•  Deputy Police Commissioner
•  British Army

Where will this course take me?

Possible careers

• Any UK Armed Forces
• Crown Prosecution Service
• Police Officer
• Social Worker
• HMP Prison Service

We have strong links with local government, the Police Service and Magistrates.

Core modules

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Public Services (Blue Light Services)

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 (Pearson-set)

Year 1 at Level 4 (HNC)

Term 1

• Unit 3: Equality & Diversity
• Unit 12: Responding to Emergencies
• Unit 14: Crime & Substance Misuse

Term 2

Unit 2: Mental Health and Wellbeing

Unit 4: Public Services in Contemporary Society (Pearson-set)

Unit 26: Care in Custody

Term 3

• Unit 1: Organisational Structures and Culture
• Unit 11: Community Engagement  

Optional modules

Year 2 at Level 5 (HND)

Optional units: (8 from)

• Unit 13: Personal and Professional Development
• Unit 14: Crime and Substance Misuse
• Unit 15: Modern Warfare and Conflict
• Unit 16: Training for Fitness and Health
• Unit 17: Entrepreneurship in the Public Services
• Unit 18: Management Accounting in the Public Sector
• Unit 19: Personnel Protection in Civil Protection Agencies
• Unit 20: Event Management and Safety
• Unit 21: Outdoor Skills Development
• Unit 22: Fitness Preparation and Testing
• Unit 23: Third Sector and Public Services
• Unit 24: Work Exposure
• Unit 25: Technology in the Public Services
• Unit 26: Care in Custody
• Unit 27: Psychology of Behaviour
• Unit 28: Small-scale Research Project in Public Services.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment methods will vary for each module but will be a range of written assessment, presentations, discussions, practical assessments, work-based learning and action research.

Will I have to provide anything?

Uniform - approx £100

Recommended texts for each module approx £45 new.

All files MUST be backed up on Harlow College One Drive access will be provided free by the college.