Public Services FdA

You develop an appreciation of the issues involved society and their effects on public services. You explore culture, family, groups and how they contribute to the structure of society, the development of individuals and groups and the structural influences on society. A wide range of contemporary issues in society and how they can impact on availability and provision of public services are also considered.

Examine key psychological approaches and theories, relating them to criminal behaviour and causes of crime. Explore behaviour including how people relate to each other and organisations, and how they learn and communicate.

By applying current theories, you gain the skills and understanding needed to be a manager or leader in an organisational context. Examine the relationship between management and leadership, and different perspectives in relation to their behaviour in public services. Explore the personal and professional skills needed for effective management and leadership, and the skills and attributes of successful leaders. Investigate situations where different leadership styles are appropriate within public service environments.

You develop the skills required for information gathering and research in the field of public services within an ethical context. Using a range of research methods, the practical focus means you develop the skills needed to undertake small scale projects. You use both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including statistical analysis. Information technology is used to research and analyse data so appropriate software is essential to complete this module. You review and analyse secondary data, in the area they wish to complete your research project in your second year, looking for gaps in the study and a pathway for your project. You propose a research topic in an area from your chosen public service in agreement with your tutor.

Effective use of technology is at the heart of the operation of public services in the 21st century. UK governments have invested heavily in the design and implementation of technology projects for specific public service organisations. On this module you will identify the range of technology used by public service organisations, how that technology supports those organisations, their suppliers and customers, enhances the delivery of public services in the UK and the potential for future developments.

You are introduced to UK legal systems and their impact on the public services. Examine the differences between criminal and civil law and their effect on non-military services, and the role of the court martial in UK military services. Experience trial processes through a mock trial assessment and explore the public services’ contribution to a trial.

Gain an understanding of the significance of actus reus and men’s rea in criminal liability, applying the legal rules for criminal offences including homicide, theft, robbery and criminal damage. You also explore criminal law defences, appreciating how criminal responsibility can be limited or avoided.

Study the techniques for locating, recording, recovering and evaluating crime scene evidence and intelligence. Explore investigative practice and forensic strategies to ensure the integrity of evidence. You develop an understanding of the standards for forensics investigators in public services using real-world examples.

Explore major current economic and environmental issues and their impact on the global economy. Investigate current conflicts from around the globe and the causes, impact and involvement of national and international organisations. Examine key international organisations and how they work with differing political systems, developing your understanding of how regime change can occur and how they manage these changes. Explore the impact of communications media on the portrayal of national and global events and the work of public services.

Explore the different elements of formal research and the theory underpinning it, including the proposal, research methodologies, action planning, undertaking the research itself and presenting the findings. You develop your area of interest in readiness for future career aspirations.

You gain an understanding of criminological theory relating to violent crime, with a particular emphasis on youth, drugs, hate, terrorist, intimate partner violence and sexual assault, as well as that serial murder to develop an insight of what potentially makes people behave in a particular criminal and violent manner. You also examine the impact of such crimes on victims, society and the public services.

Explore the factors behind mental health and understand its impact on society and the public services. The impact of mental health on offending, self-harm and suicide is explored, and the mental health of victims of crime is also be evaluated.