Free BA Public Services Top-Up in Wakefield

CostFREE
Duration1 year
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Jan 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime

About this course

Free BA Public Services Top-Up course in Wakefield. Classes run at Wakefield College, full-time during the day.

The course builds on your existing HND or Foundation Degree in a relevant subject. Over one year, you'll study the key concepts, processes and practices of working in the public services. The curriculum is employability-led, using work-based knowledge and real-life scenarios to develop transferable skills for the public sector.

You'll complete the course with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Services.

Who this course is for

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.

The BA (Hons) Top-Up Programme has been designed to include core modules, which cover key generic public service management material following consultation with key stakeholders, professional partners and current/past students. In addition to core modules the programme has two distinct pathways of study. One pathway focusing on careers towards criminal justice sectors including, but not limited to, the Police Service, Youth Justice, Trading Standards and Prison Service. The second pathway focuses on management careers within the broader public sector such as, but not limited to, the Local Authority, Housing, and the NHS. This allows progression from Foundation Degrees.

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. You will also receive directed student support where you will receive pastoral and academic guidance and study skills to support dissertation development.

Entry requirements

HND/FdA in a relevant discipline at Pass level (55 and above average at Level 5).

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

All external applicants must complete a satisfactory interview.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of how public services are organised and managed.
  • You'll explore key processes and practices used across the public sector.
  • You'll apply work-based scenarios to build practical, transferable skills.
  • You'll strengthen your understanding of employability in public service roles.
  • You'll develop the competencies needed for a career in policing, justice, or related services.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom full-time during the day. Learning draws on work-based knowledge and real-life scenarios. All applicants must complete a satisfactory interview before starting. If you have relevant prior learning or experience, you may be assessed through an Accredited Prior Learning process.

What you will need to bring

Wakefield College will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police Constable, entry to the police service typically requires further recruitment and training.
  • Prison Officer, working within the prison and probation service.
  • Youth Justice Worker, supporting young people through the justice system.
  • Public sector manager, overseeing teams or services in local or central government.
  • Community safety officer, working with local authorities on crime prevention.
  • Emergency services coordinator, supporting operational planning across blue-light services.

What you could study next

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), if you want to teach public services subjects in further education.
  • Master's degree in Criminology or Public Administration, for those looking to move into research or senior public sector roles.
  • Police Initial Qualification Programme, the route into becoming a Police Constable alongside or after your degree.

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