UNIFORMED PROTECTIVE SERVICES Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Portadown Campus
Pearson

Overview

The Uniformed Protective Services Level 3 Extended Diploma will provide individuals with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience required to pursue a career in various uniformed 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 protective services, e.g. fire and rescue, ambulance, police, prison service or the military. This course will give students a broad range of units which investigate the function of the uniformed services in the UK and Ireland. Completion of this course provides the equivalent of 3 A-Levels.

The 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 these 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 in the year of proposed entry to the course and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).

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.
BTEC Level 2 Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points.
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.

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 English Language and Mathematics will be required to undertake an Essential Skills course in Literacy and Numeracy respectfully. Applicants with a Grade D will also have the opportunity to undertake repeat classes in GCSE English Language and/or Mathematics.

Core modules include:

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
Global Affairs and the Media with Uniformed Protective Services
Physical Preparation, Health and Wellbeing
Planning for and Responding to Emergency Incidents

Other modules include:

Criminal Investigations
Expedition Skills
Police Powers and the Law
Introduction to Criminology
Understanding the Third Sector
Professional Development in the Uniformed Protective Services

Assessment comprises of 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 uniformed protective service operations, legal frameworks, and professional skills.

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

On successful completion of the course, students may wish to progress to university to undergraduate degree courses in Protective Services, Public Administration and Criminology.

Upon successful completion of the Uniformed Protective Services Level 3 Extended Diploma, participants will have acquired the skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in various uniformed protective services. Learners may find employment opportunities in areas which include: