HNC Police Studies (Schools)

Course description

***PLEASE NOTE - only pupils who will be at school during session 2024/25 can apply for this course***

HNCs are made up of 12 unit credits of study, each taking a notional 36 hours of class attendance (although you will need to study outside of class as well.) Each unit is valued at 8 SCQF credit points at level 7 totalling 96 SCQF credit points. For comparison, a Higher is valued at 24 SCQF credit points at level 6 and an Advanced Higher is 32 credit points at level 7. So a HNC is equivalent to four Highers (but at a higher SCQF level) or three Advanced Highers.

HNC Police Studies is a nationally recognised qualification which provides students with an understanding of the current sociological perspectives and legal systems which underpin society today. The programme has been developed through ongoing partnership with Police Scotland and this award will aim to prepare students for entry into employment as they develop the skills appropriate for working in this field. This course will support students with their next steps with guidance for applications and interview techniques.

The fundamental principles of being part of a public service will be developed along with the knowledge, theory and practice to equip candidates to progress in this area. All students will be encouraged to access our gym facilities as part of the programme recognising health and wellbeing in preparation for potential fitness testing.

HNC’s are designed to meet the needs of employers both locally and nationally. Employers highly value the employability skills developed through HN study, as it equips learners very well for the realities of the workplace. HNC’s demonstrate to all employers that you have the skills and the ability to succeed in their industrial sector.

You would have the opportunity to experience higher education level study through this programme. This can give you an advantage when progressing to university or applying for an apprenticeship and will add value to your CV or UCAS application personal statement. It may also provide you with the opportunity to apply for 2nd year entry into a BSc in Policing degree course or a Social Science degree with a Policing Pathway within some Scottish universities.

You will study for 12 unit credits (due to the integrative nature of the qualification these will be delivered over both years) over the 2 year programme. In addition to this you will be required to undertake workplace preparation and workplace practice.

Year 1 and 2:

Scottish Legal System
Sociology for Social Care Practice
Personal Development Planning
Exercise Principles and Programming
IT in Business
Social Science: Research and Methadology
Police Studies: Graded Unit
Creating a Culture of Customer Care
Criminology

Delivery Methodology

• Small staff team
• Tuesday/Thursday (1.30pm-4.30pm)
• Course will end mid-June
• Candidates will not miss classes due to prep for prelims, only for assessments during class time.
• Focus on accessible assessments and contextualisation

Learning outcome

Career paths:

The HNC Police Studies qualification has been identified as appropriate for individuals who may wish to consider a career in policing or the emergency services. This qualification supports progression to degree study.