HNC in Public Services

The HNC/D Protective Services and Criminal Management course is taught by experienced industry professionals and the aim of the course is to develop your theoretical and practical knowledge of the Public Services. This can lead to subsequent studies in higher education institutions or employment in the Public Services’ sector.

Discipline, motivation, determination, and the ability to work under pressure are all essential attributes for anyone looking for a successful career in the uniformed public services. During your studies, the content of this course will help you to focus on your future career goals. If you would like a career in the police, prison and probation services, fire service, armed forces to name but a few, this course will offer you knowledge and understanding of what these careers will entail.

You will also develop a firm understanding about major incidents, human psychology and sociology, diversity, criminology health and safety, your own personal efficiency and development in all situations where public services are utilised.

As you progress through your HNC/D, the experienced teaching team will offer enrichment activities that supplement the work you do in the classroom. Examples of this include considering how to plan for and respond to major incidents at some of the UK’s biggest public spaces such as Christmas markets, sports stadiums, concert arenas and hospitals, as well as visits to the Crown Court to observe trials from the public gallery. There will also be an opportunity to participate in an overseas trip to visit historic war locations during your studies. Recent learners have visited the Auschwitz memorial site to pay their respects as part
of their trip to Krakow.

The course is made up of units at Level 4, with credits awarded for each unit. These units are:

• Organisational structures and culture
• Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Equality, Diversity and Fair Treatment
• Public services in contemporary society

Units that make up a general pathway of study:

• Crime Reduction and Community Safety
• Third Sector and the Public Services
• Counter Terrorism
• Psychology of Behaviour
• Responding to emergencies

In addition to the course it is recommended that you seek out other relevant work experience and qualifications that will help you gain employment.

Typically, you'll need a relevant Level 3 qualification and at least 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above (including English and mathematics). You must have 64 UCAS points. All students will be interviewed and assessed individually.

The course is accredited by BTEC. There is no final written examination as you achieve your qualification through continuous assessment. This involves carrying out assignments, project work, case studies and practical based assessments in which you collect evidence of your competence until you have gained a Pass grade in all units and skills. If your work is outstanding you may be awarded an overall Merit or Distinction grade. It is imperative that all units are achieved on the programme in order to be awarded the qualification.

Attend one of our virtual or on campus open evenings. You can make an application and be invited into a welcome evening for an interview or alternatively feel free to email Marie Marsden at marie.marsden@nscg.ac.uk

The HNC is equivalent to the first year at university and is a recognised Level 4 qualification. On completion of the HNC, students may choose to progress onto a HND (Level 5) which is is equivalent to the second year of a Bachelors degree. The HND course is offered subject to numbers and could be offered at either Newcastle or Stafford campuses.


Following completion of the HND you can progress onto a ‘top-up’ degree at Wolverhampton University in Policing and Intelligence. Alternatively you can progress directly into employment in a variety of careers in the uniformed and non-uniformed public services.

There are two types of loans to help students cover the costs of their higher education course in college: tuition fee loans and living cost loans (also called maintenance loans). You pay these loans back when you finish your course and earn over £25,000. If you earn less than that, you won’t have to repay anything. If you’re earning more than that, we’ll work out your repayments at 9% of your income over that.

If you have any queries with regards to the funding of your course, please contact Charlotte Robertson on 01782 254141 or email charlotte.robertson@nscg.ac.uk