Uniformed Public Services Level 3

This is a practical, work-related course where students learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.

It introduces students to the diverse range of employment opportunities within the uniformed and non-uniformed public services and the requirements of those positions, while encouraging them to investigate roles that meet their interests, skills and abilities.

The full two-year Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services is equivalent to three A levels. This means that once students have successfully completed the course they can choose whether to progress to a career or to higher education.

To achieve this, students will cover a wide range of units, including but not restricted to:

• Government
• Policies & the Public Services
• Team Development & Leadership
• Citizenship & Diversity
• Understanding Discipline
• Public Service Fitness
• Physical Preparation for Public Services
• Expedition Skills Outdoor
• Activities Police Powers War
• Conflict & Terrorism
• Criminology
• Major Incidents
• Crime & its Effects
• Law & the Legal System

Students will also complete a skills project, which will build their confidence and their employability skills as well as covering subjects such as equality and safeguarding which are designed to broaden their knowledge of these subjects and help with their employment potential.

Please note that some public services may place restrictions on certain roles including, but not limited to: medical conditions, physical attributes, fitness, nationality, age, and others. Please check with the relevant service for specific requirements or make an appointment with our Information, Advice and Guidance team.

Students will need to have five GCSE passes at grade C or above, preferably including Maths and English. Alternatively, students will be accepted onto the course if they have an equivalent vocational qualification at a merit grade, and Functional Skills Maths and English, preferably at Level 2. All students must have achieved, or show the ability to achieve, Maths and English to GCSE grade C or equivalent. Where a student has not yet fulfilled this requirement, a functional skills qualification is a mandatory part of this course.

Students will need to be prepared to participate in a range of practical activities, and to support their peers in group activity assessments.

NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma for entry to the Uniformed Services (QCF)

Successful students could consider employment via an apprenticeship or progressing on to the extended diploma which could lead to further progression in HND or Degree in Public Services, Public Administration, Criminology or employment.

Course work will be assessed by assignments, which include reports, projects, presentations, practical work and oral work. Students will be assessed by a combination of assignments, practical work, projects and tests set by the Course Team. Students will produce a portfolio of work, which will be assessed against the grading criteria for the units. Assignments set will have an agreed hand in date that will need to be met in order to meet the awarding body guidelines. Some units will also need you to complete externally set and marked assessment material in addition to your portfolio work.

Students are expected to spend additional study hours in the Learning Resource Centre Library in order to successfully complete this programme. You will also need to complete research and homework on a regular basis in order to build up your knowledge and confidence with public services. It is expected that you will need to spend approximately 6 hours a week on your course work outside of your normal class time.

During the course students will be expected to complete some work experience. This helps students understand the types of roles available in industry and the skills required to gain employment in the sector.

If you are over 18 there may be registrations fees if you have not previously registered with the exam board. Students will be offered the opportunity to visit exhibitions and shows and these may require students to pay entrance fees and transportation costs. Students will also take part in outdoor activities such as kayaking and rock climbing as well as an expedition, these activities may incur additional costs, including the need to have sensible clothing and footwear to undertake these activities. Students may also benefit from purchasing textbooks the details of these books will be discussed during induction when the latest edition of books will be recommended.