COURSE INFORMATION

The HNC in Police Studies has been designed to give you an understanding of the issues that are relevant to a policing environment, as well as developing your understanding of the skills and capabilities required to work in policing. The course covers academic and practical subjects including the Scottish legal system; exercise principles and programming; communication; using information technology; sociology and personal development.

  • Team working 
  • Communication 
  • Understanding the Scottish criminal justice system 
  • Working within a diverse community 
  • Understanding and promoting health and fitness 
  • Numeracy, information handling, and problem solving
  • You will develop your planning, interpretation and research skills
  • One year full-time
  • The course is delivered on campus using a variety of classroom activities and in partnership with external organisations to allow you to experience the real life aspects of policing
  • Scottish legal system
  • Sociology for social care practice
  • Personal development planning
  • Exercise principles and programming
  • IT in business
  • Social science: research and methodology
  • Contemporary policing
  • Creating a culture of customer care
  • Scottish Criminal Law
  • At least one Higher at level C or above in relevant subjects (e.g. Business, English, Modern Studies, History, Admin & IT, Religious, Moral & Philosophical Studies, Computing, Geography, Maths or Science based subjects)  plus four National 5s at Grade C or above.
  • Advanced Certificate: Business Enterprise (with Administration , Accounting or Legal Services) to include 12 SQA units at SCQF Level 6 or above).
  • Advanced Certificate: Tourism, Events and Business (to include 12 SQA units at SCQF Level 6 or above).
  • Relevant experience and/or other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.

Successful completion of all units within HNC, including Graded Unit, (in addition to entry requirements) can lead to university entry for the following areas:

  • Policing
  • Social science
  • Criminology

It is possible to progress on to a degree at university from this course - see our HE and Degree Pathways guide for more information.

  • Police Services
  • Other emergency services 
  • A contribution to the costs of any outside visits undertaken as part of the course.
  • Satisfactory personal statement.
  • You may be required to take part in an informal conversation as part of the application process. This group/individual conversation may be an information session, a portfolio discussion, or a skills based exercise.
  • In the case of Fife school leavers, the College will request a Transition Form from your school.