Weymouth College

FdSc Public Services

UCAS course code L431
Institution code W66
Duration

2 years
Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location Weymouth College
Apply at UCAS.com

Study in the beautiful surroundings of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. You’ll find our students are some of the happiest in the country. Why? High quality teaching. Strong links with employers. Tuition fees considerably less than the university average. Plus, we also have a tremendous track record of placing our graduates in their chosen careers.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    WEYM1044
    Research and Study Skills

    Students will be introduced to and allowed to develop a range of study skills so as to ensure academic standards relevant to a higher programme are established and maintained. Students will be required to develop planning, reading, writing, communicate and ICT based abilities. This module is essential in giving students the opportunity to develop the required skills needed to ensure success at higher education level.

    WEYM1045
    Health and Well-Being

    The module has been designed to enable students to focus on health-related issues and to do so within a generic approach to understanding and promoting health and wellbeing. Students will consider a range of lifestyle factors and understand how these play an important role in keeping fit and healthy as a member of the Public Service sector.

    WEYM1046
    International Relations

    This module provides an introduction to the theory and recent history of international relations by examining some of the key issues in contemporary world politics since 1945.

    WEYM1047
    Media and Communications in Public Services

    A critical introduction to the key issues of concern and impact of media communication in public service organisations. Exploring the importance of the role of the media in society and how it provides an accessible account of how we get to grips with social communication and the potential influence it can have regarding public services and related political and contemporary moral issues.

    WEYM1048
    Ethics, Values, Diversity and Human Rights

    Develops an understanding of contemporary ethics in the context of public affairs in relation to the provision of public services. Enables learners to identify and discuss the sociological problems caused by prejudice and discrimination within society. Focusses on provisions and protection in current legislation including the implications of Human Rights and anti-discriminatory procedures and practices.

    WEYM1049
    Social Context of Public Services

    This module is designed to give students the ability to gain an understanding of how contemporary UK society has developed, including the role of welfare state.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    WEYM2040
    Criminology and Applied Forensic Psychology

    Investigates concepts and theories relevant to the life course of an offender. Evaluates reasons for crime via psychological perspectives. Looks at investigative techniques to catch offenders and the importance of psychology in a court setting and during the prosecution i.e. eye witness testimony and expert statements. Focuses on the risk assessment and rehabilitation of offenders in custody and in the community.

    WEYM2041
    Major Incidents and Counter Terrorism

    Reviews terrorism using historical perspective to investigate the various terrorist groups and their methodologies. Students will also examine the theories attributed to the root causes of radicalisation and the wider work of the UK Government to counter the terrorist threat. Discusses how the UK public services respond to a diverse and changing portfolio of threats to the UK.

    WEYM2042
    Research Project

    In this module students will achieve subject knowledge and understanding and subject specific skills by way of lectures and seminars, incorporating input from specialist speakers as appropriate. Seminars, tutorials and workshops will enable students to utilize their knowledge, and develop their intellectual and transferable skills.

    WEYM2043
    Teamwork and Leadership through Outdoor Activities

    This module will develop an understanding of the importance of leadership and teamwork within the context of a variety of outdoor activities. Students will build on their skills for communication, engagement, motivation, resilience and confidence in preparation for employment within the public sector.

    WEYM2044
    Work Based Learning

    This module underpins the theory normally covered in lectures, discussions, case studies and through contact with guest speakers and industry visits. Students will also participate and reflect upon work experience within a public sector environment.

    WEYM2045
    Managing the Public Finances

    The module provides an introduction to the management of public finances. As governments face both increasing financial pressure and growing demands for their services, it is vital for students considering a career in public services to understand both the context and management of public money.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding
As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

Our partnership with Weymouth College
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with Weymouth College

Located in Dorset, we proudly hosted the epic sailing events for the 2012 Olympic Games. Large enough to offer choice and diversity, we’re still small enough to welcome you as part of a friendly community.
Plymouth students working on a group project