HNC Police Studies

Course Content

This course will provide an understanding of issues relevant to policing and develop an understanding of the skills and capabilities required.

Topics covered: Scottish legal system & criminal law; criminology; physical exercise & programming; communication; ICT; customer care; research; sociology and personal development. You will develop planning, communication, interpretation and research skills.

This 15 credit intensive academic course may allow articulation into a range of 1st or 2nd year undergraduate degrees and a wide range of careers, including the Police Service, Criminal Justice System, Scottish Legal System, Armed Forces and Prison Service, Social Services, youth/community work and voluntary work.

Entry Requirements

Two relevant Highers or one relevant Higher and NPA Level 6 in Criminology or Legal Studies. Advanced Certificate/Level 6 in a relevant course will also be considered. Further selection will be based on a strong personal statement and an interview.

For progressing students - attendance, previous performance and staff references are considered. Relevant Highers include, but are not limited to; English, History, Maths, Modern Studies, Politics, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, Media Studies, Physical Education.

Method of Assessment

Heavy academic and assessment workload. Combination of open and closed book assessments as required by SQA. Graded Unit closed book exam.

Future Prospects

Successful completion of this course can enable progression to 1st or 2nd year entry of many related undergraduate degrees e.g. Police Studies, Criminology, Criminology and Sociology, Criminology and Policing, Law, Social Services, Community Education, Psychology with Forensic Scene Investigation and Social Sciences.

Employment prospects include a variety of opportunities in the criminal justice system and emergency services.