BTEC Higher National qualifications in Public Services - Pearson-set Theme Release - Unit 501 Research Project - 1st September 2026 to 31st August 2027

Oct 20, 2026

Pearson-set theme release for BTEC Higher National Unit 501 Research Project, covering 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027. The theme focuses on the increase in the UK state pension age and examines impacts on public service leadership, demand management, budgets, and an older workforce. Guidance supports learners in selecting a research objective or question, shaping feasible and ethical investigation, planning evidence and outcomes, and engaging employers while sharing good practice and using appropriate resources.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time35 min

AccessFree to download

Table of Content

1. Introduction to theme

2. Choosing a research objective / question

3. Project evidence / outcomes

4. Employer engagement

5. Sharing of good practice

6. Resources and useful links

BTEC Higher National qualifications in Public Services Pearson-set Theme Release 1st September 2026 to 31st August 2027 Unit: 501 Research Project First Teaching from September 2025 First Certification from September 2026 For use with the following qualifications: Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Public Services Edexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualifications Edexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualifications are awarded by Pearson, the UK’s largest awarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications that are globally recognised and benchmarked. For further information, please visit our qualifications website at [qualifications.pearson.com](qualifications.pearson.com. Alternatively)[. Alternatively](qualifications.pearson.com. Alternatively), you can get in touch with us using the details on [our contact us page at](our contact us page at qualifications.pearson.com/contactus)[ ](our contact us page at qualifications.pearson.com/contactus)[qualifications.pearson.com/contactus](our contact us page at qualifications.pearson.com/contactus) About Pearson Pearson is the world's leading learning company, with 20,000 employees in more than 70 countries working to help people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives through learning. We put the learner atthe centre of everything we do, because wherever learning flourishes, so do people. Find out more about how we can help you and your [learners at](learners at qualifications.pearson.com)[ ](learners at qualifications.pearson.com)[qualifications.pearson.com](learners at qualifications.pearson.com) References to third party material made in this document are made in good faith. Pearson does not endorse, approve or accept responsibility for the content of materials, which maybe subject to change, or any opinions expressed therein. (Material may include textbooks, journals, magazines and other publications and websites.) All information in this document is correct at time of publication. All the material in this publication is copyright © Pearson Education Limited 2026 Table of Content 1. Introduction to theme 4 2. Choosing a research objective / question 5 3. Project evidence / outcomes 7 4. Employer engagement 8 5. Sharing of good practice 9 6. Resources and useful links 10 1. Introduction to theme Pearson-set theme, for use with Level 5, Unit 502: Research Project: The increase in the UK state pension age on the Public Services The public sector has responsibility for all public services, including for example, education, emergency services, healthcare, defense. The demand for these complex services is increasing. Leaders across all public service sectors are required to manage demand, the services budget and an older workforce. This work may involve: • Managing and supporting an older workforce to be able to offer effective delivery of public service provision. • Managing the changes in the delivery of the public service and the impacts on service users and stakeholders. • Financial planning to support older workers and management of the delivery of the public services. Public services are responsible for managing and supporting its older employees. It must ensure that their policies and procedures adhere to changes in legislation and be ready to support their older workers and manage changes in a fast paced and complex environment. Public Services must recognise the limitations and adaptions to working practices. They must plan for the financial impacts in supporting older workers and be prepared for additional costs incurred whilst maintaining high levels of response to its service users. This assessment will enable students to examine the increase in the UK pension age and the impacts on the management of the public services and on the society it serves. Students can select a specific area of the public services on which to focus their research. The assessment will provide an opportunity for students to

FAQs

What is the Pearson-set theme release period for Unit 501?

The release covers 1st September 2026 to 31st August 2027.

What theme does Unit 501 focus on?

It focuses on the increase in the UK state pension age and the resulting impacts on the management of public services and the society they serve.

How should students choose a research objective for this unit?

Students should select their own topic and use clear, well-focused objectives, ideally framed in the form of a question. Tutors are encouraged to discuss related topics to generate ideas.

Oct 20, 2026

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