Where will this course lead?

The BTEC Higher National Certificate in Policing aims to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals that can meet the demands of employers in the policing sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. Successful completion of the qualification will lead to progression to the Year 2 of the BA Hons Criminology & Psychology.

What will I study?

Higher National Certificate in Policing at Solihull College & University Centre offers:

· A stimulating and challenging programme of study encompassing some of the key functions and practices of a modern police service, such as Criminal Law, Criminology, Counter Terrorism, Investigation Skills, Leadership and Armed Policing.

· Essential subject knowledge that students need to understand key aspects of policing and progress successfully into further study or the world of work, be that policing, policing support or any other place of work where learned transferable skills can be utilised.

· Content that is closely aligned with policing/employer and higher education needs.

· A variety of approaches to assessment that consider cognitive skills along with effective and applied skills such as simulation-based activities, report writing and podcast creation.

· Opportunity to develop transferable skill acquisition that will support progression through levels 5 and 6 and continuing into employment.

Year 1 Higher National Certificate modules includes:

· Small-scale Research Project in Policing

· Criminal Law- Police and the Criminal Justice Service

· Equality and Diversity in the Police Service

· Roads Policing- Technology and the Police Services

· Criminology - Practical Application for the Police Service

· Command and Control

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated, please contact us for the latest information.

How will this course be delivered?

The modules are delivered by specialist staff using a range of teaching techniques (lecturers, seminars, workshops, 1-1, practical's); the teaching and learning activities are designed to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills for success in either a subsequent higher education environment or in a variety of positions within policing, police staff or other supporting role.

What qualifications will I get?

In order to achieve your Higher National Certificate you must pass all aspects of the course, this will reward you with 120 credits. Failure to achieve the full 120 credits will result in modular accredited.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments are designed and delivered in the context of realistic workplace situations and might include a range from the following throughout the duration of the programme - Presentations, Simulations/role play, Podcasts, Case Study, Seminar Discussion, Essay, Written reports, Research Project. Each unit can be assessed at Pass, Merit or Distinction levels, which are combined at the end of the qualification to give an overall grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction for the qualification.

How do I get a place on the course?

All applications are through UCAS; upon completing your UCAS application, you will be invited for an interview. Places are offered by interview and upon meeting the entry requirements.

INSTITUTION CODE: S26 (Solihull College & University Centre)

UCAS CODE: 7614

CAMPUS: Blossomfield Campus

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application, we can help with this too. https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/student-services

What are the entry requirements?

· A minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points from a full Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject area.

· GCSEs at grades 4 - 9 including Maths and English.

· Mature applicants with relevant experience who do not have the stated entry requirements are encouraged to apply (E.g., Public Service Workers)

· Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution.

· Students with existing Level 4/5 qualifications may be eligible for some recognition for prior learning which can be discussed on an individual

basis. Registered interest in the West Midlands Police Recruitment scheme.

Criminal convictions are disclosable

What else do I need to know?

If you are applying for financial help from Student Finance England, then you should do this as soon as possible to ensure your funding is in place for the start of your course. https://www.gov.uk/student-finance

Attendance on trips is voluntary and does not contribute towards assessments.

Students will be required to pay their own associated trip costs.

Students on the course qualify for free membership at the college gym.

Students are required to provide and self-fund their own sports kit. Photocopying and printing costs. Costs depend on the direction and ambition of your work. We suggest budgeting approximately £250-£300 for materials and workbooks in the first year.

Please note that when you enrol you are accepting that the course content and module descriptions are accurate at the time of publishing and that the course content as described is based on what is possible to deliver under the government advice and social distancing rules at that particular time. In the event of changes made to those rules, by national or local government, the College may need to make further alterations to the published course content. By enrolling with the College, you will be confirming that you are content to proceed with the course as detailed at that time and on the basis that the programme may be subject to reasonable change.

What can I do after this course?

Students may develop their careers in the policing sector through:

Entering the policing family, e.g., as a Special Constable, Police Volunteer or Police Staff (civilian roles)

Continuing existing employment within the Police force

Committing to Continual Professional Development

Progression to university into relevant police-related courses, for example:- BA Joint Honours Criminology & Psychology (Newman University) available here at the College or HND in Policing (available here at College subject to numbers)

Or courses elsewhere including: -

BA (Hons) Policing

BSc (Hons) Criminology and Policing

BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation