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Undergraduate study
Public Services

Public Services FdA

This is a Teesside University award delivered in partnership with Hartlepool College of Further Education. Employment prospects in public services are vast and varied whether in the uniformed or non-uniformed area. This programme integrates work-related experience and the academic knowledge required for a career in public services.

 

Course overview

This programme, studied at a local FE college, provides you with a recognised qualification which enhances your opportunities for potential employment within the police and fire services, the armed forces, local government, civil service, education, prison service and ambulance services. The course develops your knowledge and understanding of the relationship between theory and practice in the public services sector, and introduces a variety of analytical approaches and current issues.

Top reasons to study this course

• Whilst studying this course at your local FE college, you are also a student of Teesside University, with access to many extra-curricular facilities at the Middlesbrough campus.
• You develop your problem-solving and analytical skills to explore and identify solutions to issues.
• You are encouraged to appreciate alternative views and beliefs.
• You develop an appreciation of investigation in the real world.

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Course details

The programme has been designed to reflect the combination of theoretical and practical knowledge and experience required in the public services. The emphasis in Year 1 is on the application of knowledge, skills and understanding, use of conventions in the field of study, use of analytical skills, and selection and organisation of information. In Year 2 the emphasis is on application and evaluation of contrasting ideas, principles, theories and practices, greater specialisation in the field of study, and an increasing independence in systematic enquiry and analysis.

Course structure

Year 1 modules

Contemporary Society and the Public Services

You develop an appreciation of the issues involved society and their effects on public services. You explore culture, family, groups and how they contribute to the structure of society, the development of individuals and groups and the structural influences on society. A wide range of contemporary issues in society and how they can impact on availability and provision of public services are also considered.

Human and Criminal Behaviour

Examine key psychological approaches and theories, relating them to criminal behaviour and causes of crime. Explore behaviour including how people relate to each other and organisations, and how they learn and communicate.

Leadership in the Public Services

By applying current theories, you gain the skills and understanding needed to be a manager or leader in an organisational context. Examine the relationship between management and leadership, and different perspectives in relation to their behaviour in public services. Explore the personal and professional skills needed for effective management and leadership, and the skills and attributes of successful leaders. Investigate situations where different leadership styles are appropriate within public service environments.

Self-analysis and Research

You develop the skills required for information gathering and research in the field of public services within an ethical context. Using a range of research methods, the practical focus means you develop the skills needed to undertake small scale projects. You use both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including statistical analysis. Information technology is used to research and analyse data so appropriate software is essential to complete this module. You review and analyse secondary data, in the area they wish to complete your research project in your second year, looking for gaps in the study and a pathway for your project. You propose a research topic in an area from your chosen public service in agreement with your tutor.

Technology and the Public Services

Effective use of technology is at the heart of the operation of public services in the 21st century. UK governments have invested heavily in the design and implementation of technology projects for specific public service organisations. On this module you will identify the range of technology used by public service organisations, how that technology supports those organisations, their suppliers and customers, enhances the delivery of public services in the UK and the potential for future developments.

The UK Justice System

You are introduced to UK legal systems and their impact on the public services. Examine the differences between criminal and civil law and their effect on non-military services, and the role of the court martial in UK military services. Experience trial processes through a mock trial assessment and explore the public services’ contribution to a trial.

 

Year 2 modules

Criminal Law and the Public Services

Gain an understanding of the significance of actus reus and men’s rea in criminal liability, applying the legal rules for criminal offences including homicide, theft, robbery and criminal damage. You also explore criminal law defences, appreciating how criminal responsibility can be limited or avoided.

Forensics in the Public Services

Study the techniques for locating, recording, recovering and evaluating crime scene evidence and intelligence. Explore investigative practice and forensic strategies to ensure the integrity of evidence. You develop an understanding of the standards for forensics investigators in public services using real-world examples.

Global Issues in the Public Services

Explore major current economic and environmental issues and their impact on the global economy. Investigate current conflicts from around the globe and the causes, impact and involvement of national and international organisations. Examine key international organisations and how they work with differing political systems, developing your understanding of how regime change can occur and how they manage these changes. Explore the impact of communications media on the portrayal of national and global events and the work of public services.

Research Project in the Public Services

Explore the different elements of formal research and the theory underpinning it, including the proposal, research methodologies, action planning, undertaking the research itself and presenting the findings. You develop your area of interest in readiness for future career aspirations.

Theories relating to Crime and Violence

You gain an understanding of criminological theory relating to violent crime, with a particular emphasis on youth, drugs, hate, terrorist, intimate partner violence and sexual assault, as well as that serial murder to develop an insight of what potentially makes people behave in a particular criminal and violent manner. You also examine the impact of such crimes on victims, society and the public services.

Wellbeing in the Public Services

Explore the factors behind mental health and understand its impact on society and the public services. The impact of mental health on offending, self-harm and suicide is explored, and the mental health of victims of crime is also be evaluated.

 

Modules offered may vary.

 

How you learn

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, group work and individual study.

How you are assessed

Assessment is entirely through the production of coursework for each module.


Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services

Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs

 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

A typical offer is 40-48 tariff points.

The entry criteria are based on your ability to succeed and can be demonstrated in a variety of ways including:

  • a range of Level 3 qualifications (NVQ 3, BTEC Award, A level, T level)
  • you can apply for an Accreditation of Prior Learning
  • previous industrial experience will also be taken into account.

We also invite you for an interview.

Because this course is taught at Hartlepool College of Further Education, this course is not accepting applications from Tier 4 international students.

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements


You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL

 

Employability

Career opportunities

This programme will appeal to anyone who is either considering a career in the uniformed public services or who aspires to being involved in a management role in a public-services-related career.

 
 

Full-time

Entry to 2024/25 academic year

Fee for UK applicants
£6,150 a year

More details about our fees


What is included in your tuition fee?

  • Length: 2 years
  • UCAS code: L430 FdA/PS
  • Start date: September
  • Semester dates
  • Typical offer: 40-48 tariff points

Apply online (full-time) through UCAS

 

Part-time

  • Not available part-time
 

Choose Teesside

 
 

Teesside University Law School

At Teesside University Law School we have over 30 years' experience of delivering high-quality education in the field of law and criminal justice.

Find out more

Get in touch

UK students

Email: ssshladmissions@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: 01642 738801


Online chat (general enquiries)

 

Open days and events

College DiscoverUni data (full-time)

 
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