Public Services - FdA Public Services

The course is available at Wakefield from September 2026.

The programme offers an academically and vocationally focused curriculum which develops a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the key concepts, processes and practices of working within the Public Services. This provides a challenging, employability-led curriculum, that uses work-based knowledge and real-life scenarios, allowing development of a range of transferable skills, abilities and competencies necessary for a successful career in the public sector.

The programme offers a broad base of subject knowledge for you to draw on in your working life, providing the opportunity to explore legal, theoretical and political application and acquire an understanding of strategic management processes used within public sector organisations.

Employability is a key theme of the programme and the team are currently working closely with a number of public services for students to undertake voluntary work to complement their academic programme.

You will learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, case studies, simulations/role play, work-based projects, self-directed study and research. Guest speakers and industry visits will enhance your learning and application of this into work-based situations.

You will be expected to undertake 10 hours per week of self-directed study per module. Also included will be student support where you will receive pastoral and academic guidance and study skills.

Modules studied dependent upon pathway include:

Level 4:

• Criminal Justice System
• Organisational Culture & Climate
• Introduction to the Political Environment
• Understanding Crime & Criminal Behaviour
• Study Skills
• Employability

Level 5:

• Criminal Law & Crime Reduction
• Mental Health & Stress Management
• Research Skills
• Multi Agency Working
• Offender Rehabilitation
• Decision Making in Government

The programme includes a varied range of academic and vocational assessments designed in line with employer consultation to provide you with the key skills and attributes necessary for public service working life. These include (but are not limited to); reports; essays; presentations; open book exams; simulations; discussion forums; and dissertation.

• 48 UCAS Points including GCSE Grade 9 - 4 or equivalent in English Language and Maths
• An Access to HE Qualification

Those with previous experience or learning that is relevant may be eligible via our APL process for accreditation towards this course.

All external applicants must complete a satisfactory interview.

Students successfully completing the Foundation Degree in Public Service Management can continue internally onto a Level 6 top up degree in BA (Hons) Public Service Management or BA (Hons) Business Management. Students can also progress onto a Level 6 top up degree externally in a relevant discipline.