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Enterprise and Commerce

Police Studies HNC

Campus Sighthill Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 7

Study mode Full time

Start date Aug 2025

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Course overview

The HNC in Police Studies is a unique course designed by experienced educators in partnership with the local Police. This course will give you an understanding of a professional policing environment and develop the skills required to operate in such a dynamic and changing sector. You will gain vital industry experience and attend guest lectures from police officers currently on the Force. 

This hands-on course will equip you with the knowledge, skills and fitness levels required to submit a successful application to the Police Service or a similar public body or service industry. Upon completion, you will be fully prepared to take the standard entrance tests for entry into the Scottish Police Services. 

The course will be delivered face-to-face, and on campus.

What you will learn

  • Criminology
  • IT in Business: Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Databases: An Introduction
  • Police Studies
  • Interviewing Skills & Practice
  • Communication: Practical Skills
  • Exercise Principles and Practices
  • Social Science: Research & Methodology

Meta Skills Developed:

  • Integrity
  • Adapting
  • Initiaive
  • Communicaton
  • Collaboration
  • Curiosity
  • Critical thinking

How the course is assessed

  • You will be continually assessed through the submission of course materials, formative assessments and research tasks

Number of days per week

  • 3 days per week

Entry requirements

  • Minimum of two relevant Highers at Grade C or above and a minimum of four National 5s at Grade C  in relevant subjects, this must include English or Communications. 
  • Other subjects may include Social subjects, Science and Sports based subjects or maths

Relevant National Qualifications Group Award at SCQF level 6 or above

Candidates will be considered on an individual basis

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

  • You will be required to attend a group and/or individual interview
  • Skills check, this is to ensure you are on the right courses
  • We will provide you with further information on the course during the interview

English Proficiency Requirements

Minimum 5.5 IELTS

Progression and Articulation Routes

Use the Pathways website to find out your progression options.

Articulation agreement in place to progress onto 2nd year of the following degree with Edinburgh Napier University : BSc (Hons) Policing & Criminology 

Career options

  • Police Officer 
  • Various jobs in the public service and public body sector 

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Sighthill Campus Full time 25/08/25

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