Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

25th Aug 2025, 1 year

Location

City Campus

Applications from International Students Welcome

Overview

The HNC Police Studies is recommended for you if you’re planning a professional career in policing. The course is specifically designed to equip you with the necessary legal skills and physical fitness, to be successful in the policing industry. It is ideal for someone wanting to progress into the Police and will provide all the necessary skills to enable you to be fully prepared for the Police Scotland Entrance Test (PSET) – please refer to their website for full details on the entry process.

This course is not specific to only the Police, it can also be applied to the Armed Forces; Fire Service; Prison Service and Youth Work.

The course will consist of lectures, tutorial, practical fitness and exercise classes, and practical tasks such as mock trials and crime scenes; visits to Glasgow Sheriff and High Court to observe, learn and discuss real live cases and visits to Police Scotland to get a ‘real’ look into what it is like to be arrested.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

• Two Highers at Grade C or above, one in English, the other a relevant* subject; OR
• Higher English at Grade C or above and NPA Legal Studies; OR
• NC Legal Services (Level 6); OR
• Other equivalent qualification or experience.

*relevant subjects include Economics, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Studies, Physical Education, Psychology or a Science subject.

Additional selection requirements

You'll be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you're interested in this subject area or we'll make an offer based on your application form.

ESOL entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

What you study

• Scottish Criminal Law.
• Scottish Legal Systems.
• Police Studies Graded Unit.
• Scottish Criminal Procedure.
• Youth and Community Justice.
• Sociology.
• Criminology: The Accused’s Journey.
• Personal Development Planning.
• Principles of Fitness.
• Communication.
• Criminal Justice System in Scotland.

After the course

Careers

Candidates can apply for policing roles.

It can also be applied to the Armed Forces, Fire Service, Prison Service and Youth Work.

Continuing Study

• HND Legal Services.
• BA in Criminology and Policing.
• BA in Law.
• BA in Criminology.
• LLB.

Teaching

How the course is taught

Assessment methods