Public Services & Criminology
Are you looking for an exciting, fast paced career, where no two days are ever the same and you head home knowing you’ve made a real difference to people’s lives? A career in public services and criminology could be just what you’re looking for.
From police officers and soldiers, if you want to make your mark on the world, give yourself a head start by beginning your journey at The Manchester College – the No.1 Further Education College in Greater Manchester for achievement* – then look no further.
*As per the latest Government National Achievement Rates Tables (NARTs)
3 reasons to study Public Services and Criminology with us
Frontline focus
Courses designed around the needs of Greater Manchester’s growing sector including policing, fire and rescue, armed forces, probation and border security
Operational skills
Build resilience through emergency simulations, command-and-control exercises, rescue simulations, boot camps, and outdoor expeditions
Career ready
Gain experience through work placements, employer-led projects and visits to public service organisations
Available courses
Where you'll learn
You’ll be advancing towards your new career in our Openshaw campus, which has benefitted from a £25m investment to upgrade its facilities.
You have to be fit to succeed in most public services and criminology roles, so you’ll have access to extensive sports and leisure facilities including state-of-the-art, fully equipped gyms, where you can push yourself on resistance and cardiovascular machines. Plus, you’ll be able to see how much you’re improving using our wide range of high-tech testing equipment.
In many public services and criminology roles, you’ll spend a lot of time outside, so we’ve designed outdoor practical areas to help you master military style fitness tests, drills and routines.
Our facilities include:
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Fitness and performance testing lab with Douglas bags, Cortex Metalyzers, and other specialist equipment
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Full-size, floodlit FIFA-approved 3G pitch with changing and officials’ rooms
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Fully equipped fitness suite with treadmills, rowers, bikes, free weights and squat racks
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30-station gym and strength and conditioning room.
Where a career in Public Services and Criminology can take you
Police officers (Sergeant and below)
Average Salary £43,514
Fire service officers
Average Salary £37,992
Prison service officers (below principal officer)
Average Salary £33,151
Zuha Hussain • Level 3 Public ServicesThe course is very tailored to my career plan and the College has outstanding facilities. My tutors have constantly pushed me to achieve my best in and outside of class and because of their advice and guidance, I have now secured a role as a special constable within Greater Manchester Police. This will allow me to become a full time police officer once I graduate. My next goal is to complete a Criminology degree
More about Public Services and Criminology
About our courses
Our courses are designed to prepare you for your future career and give you a greater insight into the careers open to you, equipping you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to enter the workplace.
To do this you’ll take part in boot camps with the army and cadets, simulations and careers talks with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, talks and activities with the police, border force and other employers in the industry and hear first-hand accounts of what it’s like working on the front line.
Plus, you’ll spend at least 35 hours gaining vital work experience in the industry or in a role that will help you develop key skills required in the public services and criminology sectors.
Our range of courses cover everything you need to start a successful career in the police, fire service, armed services and other public sectors. Whether you’re getting ready to pass the recruitment and selection process, or you’re just starting on your journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We have courses from Entry Level through to Level 3 designed to provide anyone will the skills and abilities to succeed in the public services and criminology sector – whether you want to work in the police force, fire department or armed services.
You’ll get to explore the skills needed for water and land-based adventure activities, take part in re-creations of major incidents, and learn how to operate a command and control centre!
Do you have an EHCP or SEND need?
The Manchester College is committed to ensuring all our students receive the support they may need to achieve and enjoy college. We do this in a number of different ways including:
- Student Experience Support Team
- Careers Employability & Welfare
- Pastoral Support Officers
- Supported Learning
We also offer a bespoke transition service to new applicants with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), accessibility or medical need.
Find out more
Find out even more about our Public Services and Criminology department in our subject area guide or on our YouTube playlist:
Meet the team
Interested in progressing to higher education?
Make a difference with a career in the Justice Sector. Explore our degrees in Criminology & Social Justice.
Related news
165 Uniformed Services and Criminology students from The Manchester College raised money for this year’s Poppy Appeal following a guest lecture by RBL.