Public Services Level 4

Make a real impact with a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Public Services (Criminology). Gain the knowledge and skills to understand crime and justice, and prepare for roles that protect and serve your community.

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Course Overview

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Prepare for a career that serves and protects. Develop leadership, resilience, and relevant skills for public service roles.

The HNC in Public Services is delivered by experienced professionals from the industry, ensuring you gain real-world insight throughout your studies. This course is designed to build both your theoretical understanding and practical skills, giving you a comprehensive knowledge of the Public Services sector.

Learning outcomes include the development of public service skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary to achieve high performance in the global public services environment, as well as the ability to meet the demands of employers in the public services sector and adapt to a constantly changing world.

The HNC is awarded by Pearson Education Ltd, a globally recognised leader in education. This ensures your qualification meets rigorous quality standards, is respected by employers and universities, and provides clear progression routes into higher study or industry careers.

What will I study?

At USP College, we use active learning methodologies to create an engaging and immersive educational experience. Our teaching approach includes:

  • Practical scenario-based learning
  • Interactive workshops
  • Real-world case studies

We also incorporate guest lectures and workshops from industry professionals, including representatives from the police, probation services, and youth justice teams.

To ensure students develop a well-rounded skill set for careers in crime and criminal justice, assessments will include:

  • Written reports and case studies – analysing real and theoretical criminal cases.
  • Solo and group presentations – delivering findings on legal systems, crime trends, and justice approaches.
  • Portfolios – compiling evidence of learning, including reflective logs and analysis.
  • Academic poster displays – presenting research on key topics such as rehabilitation and policing strategies.

This varied assessment approach ensures students gain essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and professional practice, preparing them for a successful career in the field.

 

Modules

Core Modules

  1. Exploring Public Services
  2. Mental Health and Wellbeing
  3. Theories of Crime
  4. Criminal Law and Justice
  5. Crime and the Media
  6. Inclusion and Diversity in the Public Services
  7. Project Planning
  8. Crime and Substance Misuse (optional)

Entry requirements

  • 96 UCAS points
  • Maths and English GCSE Grade C/4

I aspire to be in the police in the future and the college is helping me achieve many areas of work experience such as working with the Metropolitan Police service last year.

Amelia Hamilton, 2025 Student

Why should I choose USP College?

Stay local while earning a Higher Education qualification in a supportive environment where your tutors know your name. Benefit from smaller class sizes, personalised teaching, and hands-on experience with industry-standard technology. Plus, enjoy lower tuition fees and graduate ready for your career.

  • Stay local and save on living costs
  • Smaller class sizes and personalised support
  • Lower tuition fees compared to university

You will also benefit from exclusive guest lectures delivered by industry specialists, including:

  • MET Police representatives (Emergency Response Sergeant, Chief Inspector etc)
  • Drugs & Alcohol Worker at Yellow Door
  • Youth Justice and Probation Officers
  • Professionals from the criminal justice sector

These insights provide real-world perspectives and valuable networking opportunities.

Based on the latest FE Learner Satisfaction Survey, our students rated us 100% for teaching quality, accessibility, and support well above national averages.

  • Explanation Quality: Our staff scores 100%, well above the national average of 91.1%.
  • Accessibility: We offer 100% ease of contact, surpassing the national average of 85.5%.
  • Support for Learning: With 100% support, we exceed the national average of 85.7%.

Additional costs

Course fees are £6,185 per year.

We understand that the costs of college may be daunting, but we are here to support you. View our financial support information

 

What could I do next?

The Pearson HNC course is highly valued by employers and can lead to careers specialisms. Successful completion of this course will enable progression onto a relevant Level 5 qualification or open doors to a variety of careers in the criminal justice and uniformed protective services sectors, including (but not limited to):

  • Justice Services – Youth Justice / Probation Officer
  • Police Officer (not a direct entry route from 2020 but beneficial for progression)
  • Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
  • Criminal Intelligence Analyst
  • Major Crime Team Investigator
  • Scenes of Crime Officer
  • Crime Analyst
  • Detention Officer
  • Fingerprint Officer
  • Prosecution File Preparation Officer
  • Prison Officer
  • Probation Services Officer
  • Security Service Personnel

Employers we work with on this course

Employer

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