Public Services FdSc

The programme covers topics relevant to a wide variety of public service careers, including those in the emergency services, armed forces, county councils, probation and prison service, voluntary sector, and private sector organisations. You will undertake a 60 hourwork experience placement and research project and benefit from the college’s strong links with local voluntary and public service organisations. The programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to be of immediate value as a public services or private sector employee, or if you are already working in any of these sectors and are looking for professional development.

You will gain valuable insight into the public services from a range of guest speakers and lecturing staff with service experience. Teaching will include lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations and guided research. Employers will be involved in practical activities and assessments and you will visit a variety of public service organisations.

Topics will include:

Year one modules –

• The English Legal System
• Introduction to Social Policy
• Personal and Professional Development
• Political Economy – Governance and Policy
• Organisational Behaviour
• Diversity: Values and Rights

Year two modules –

• Understanding Deviancy, Crime and its Effects
• Health and Wellbeing
• Communication and Customer Care
• Contemporary Issues
• Public Sector Performance Management
• Research Project

This programme is awarded by the University of Plymouth.

Click here view the Programme Quality Handbook for this course

Completion of this programme allows you to progress on to the following options:

• BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Stage 3 (Exeter College)
• BSc (Hons) Public Services (Top-up) (Exeter College)
• BSc (Hons) Emergency Sector Management and Interoperability (Cornwall College – Bicton)
• BSc (Hons) Community and Public Services Management Stage 3 (CCP)

You will need 64 UCAS tariff points (minimum) from AS, A Level or AVCE programmes, BTEC National/Extended Diploma/Certificate – grades MPP/MM, GNVQ Advanced, an appropriate NVQ at Level 3, an Access qualification or other qualifications deemed equivalent to the above. GCSE Maths and English is required at grade C (or 4) or above (or equivalent O Level).

You will have access to a learning centre, college gym and cafes, plus higher education study and social areas.

Other costs would include the purchase of recommended textbooks, any travel expenses to and from Exeter College, any costs arising from visiting, for example, public services, courts of justice, special events, Plymouth University campus.