HND Public and Emergency Services

In a nutshell

This course will give you a strong practical and academic grounding in the organisation, management and operation of public services.

This course is for you if...

... You aspire to work for the emergency services
... You work well under pressure
... You want both practical and theoretical skills

What will I be doing?

We rely on public and emergency services, not only for major disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes, but also for more local concerns, such as anti-social behaviour in our community. Often, the emergency services work together with other public services to plan for emergencies, like a terrorist attack, or try to solve difficult complex problems.

To ensure you have a good understanding of how emergency and public services operate, you’ll study several core modules where you’ll gain practical skills and put your leadership skills to the test on an expedition in or near the Brecon Beacons.

To make your learning relevant to the workplace, you’ll have real life examples of relevant issues. For example, in one module you’ll have the task of identifying how to motivate and manage people in the public sector. In another you’ll see how legislation and changes in society can impact on the ways that public services are delivered.

You’ll learn through a range of methods, usually a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops. At later stages of the course, you’ll have the chance to work on projects, either individually or in groups.

Outside activities are also built into the programme, as well as visiting speakers and project work. There are a variety of assessment methods, and whilst most modules are coursework based, there are some exams. Coursework includes real life projects, essays, group work and presentations.

What is expected of me?

To enter the course, you’ll need a minimum of three GCSEs at Grade C or above including Maths/Maths Numeracy and English Language (Or equivalent), plus:

• 48 UCAS points - UCAS tariff calculator https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
• Or Access to HE where you have achieved a Pass Diploma with 45 Passes

Please note that if you do not meet the grade criteria, then age and experience may be able to be taken into consideration.

What comes next?

This course is a valuable qualification if you want a career in the police, fire or ambulance service, the armed forces, prison and security services, HM Customs and Excise, or community service organisations.

You can also progress to the final year of the BA (Hons) Public Services degree at the University of South Wales.

Additional information

This course is delivered over two days and is franchised by the University of South Wales (subject to validation).

The UCAS code is: 534L

You'll also need to purchase the following kit for your course:

• Walking boots, £40, mandatory
• A full set of waterproofs, £40, mandatory
• A 10 litre day sack, £10, mandatory