UNIFORMED PUBLIC & PROTECTIVE SERVICES Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Portadown Campus
Pearson

Overview

The Uniformed Public & Protective Services Level 3 Extended Diploma is a comprehensive programme designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience required to pursue a career in various uniformed public and protective services. This diploma offers a valuable opportunity for aspiring professionals to develop their understanding of the sector, leadership abilities, teamwork skills, and physical fitness.

This is a specialist course for those interested in pursuing a career in a variety of uniformed public and protective services, e.g. fire and rescue, ambulance, police, prison service or the military. This course will give student's a broad range of units which investigate the function of the uniformed public and protective services in the UK and Ireland. Completion of this course provides the equivalent of three A-Levels.

This course focuses on developing participants' industry-specific knowledge, practical skills, and personal attributes required for success in these professions. Participants will learn about the legal and ethical frameworks within which uniformed public and protective services operate. They will develop skills in communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and teamwork. Participants will also undergo physical fitness training, including endurance, strength, and agility exercises to prepare them for the demanding physical requirements of these professions.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July 2024 and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).
The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.
Applicants must have achieved the following:
- 15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSE at Grade C (or equivalent qualification profile from the Register of Regulated Qualifications). In certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.
- A BTEC Level 2 Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points.
  A NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area).
- Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.
Applicants will need to have a good general level of health and fitness to undergo mandatory practical assessments throughout the course.
Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.
Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English language or literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.
Students entering a full time Level 3 programme are expected to have already achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade C in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent qualification). Applicants admitted to a full-time programme of study without these qualifications in will be required to undertake an Essential Skills course in Literacy and Numeracy. Applicants with a Grade D will also have the opportunity to undertake repeat classes in GCSE English Language and/or Mathematics.

Core Modules

Government and the Protective Services
Behaviour and Discipline in the Uniformed Protective Services
Teamwork, Leadership, and Communication in the Uniformed Protective Services
Citizenship and Diversity and in the Uniformed Protective Services
Professional Development in the Uniformed Protective Services
Global Affairs the media and the Uniformed Protective Services
Physical Preparation, Health and Wellbeing
Planning for and Responding to Emergency Incidents

Other modules

Criminal Investigations
Expedition Skills
Police Powers and the Law
Introduction to Criminology
Understanding the Third Sector

Assessment is completed through two external examinations, written assignments, projects and presentations as well as a number of practical assessments. Some of these require a good general level of health and fitness and an ability to work as part of a team in realistic simulations. Students will complete written assignments that demonstrate their understanding of public service operations, legal frameworks, and professional skills.

Applicants will be required to purchase and wear an outdoor jacket and boots for this course, purchased at their own expense.

On successful completion of this course, students may wish to progress to university to undergraduate degree courses in protective services, public administration and criminology, or a level 4 apprenticeship.

Upon successful completion of the Uniformed Public & Protective Services Level 3 Extended Diploma, participants will have acquired the skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in various uniformed public and protective services. Graduates may find employment opportunities in law enforcement agencies, emergency services, armed forces or civil defence organisations. They may work in roles such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, military personnel, or civil defence officers.