Level 3- Uniformed Public Services

Prepare for a career in the uniformed or armed services with this course, which provides the knowledge, skills and fitness needed for employment in the sector. You’ll learn theory on topics such as government policy and emergency responses, while practical training includes a range of outdoor adventure pursuits.

The Level 3 Diploma is a two year programme aimed at providing the skills and knowledge needed to prepare for a career in the uniformed public services. It includes practical fitness and outdoor adventure skills alongside subjects such as leadership, citizenship and public service policies.

Course Themes

Leadership and teamwork

Citizenship and diversity

Command and control

Employment and career planning

Aspects of the legal system

Outdoor and adventurous expeditions

Police powers

Responding to emergency incidents

Government and policies

English and maths provision where applicable

This course combines both theory and practical work, including attending residential courses and participating in outdoor adventure activities such as kayaking, climbing, navigation, and expeditions.

You will be introduced to some of the entry processes for the Public Services to build your familiarity with them and to improve your personal fitness to pass them if you so choose.

You also have the chance to attend a number of residential trips during the course, such as visits to Parliament and The Old Bailey in London and have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through volunteering. We will also cover employability skills and university options for those wishing to enter higher education.

The course includes the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) which offers a broad range of challenging, exciting, adventurous and educational activities. Our aim is to enable the development of personal responsibility, leadership and self-discipline. Our CCF is an educational partnership between the college and the Ministry of Defence.

You will learn through a mix of both practical and classroom sessions and have the opportunity to gain experience and develop skills in a number of different outdoor activities. You will be required to complete 30 hours of work placement with a business, particularly one that specialises in customer-facing services.

You can either seek a placement and work with our Work Placement Advisers who can sign off on your provided placement or a placement can be assigned to you by our Careers and Employability Team.

4 GCSEs at grade 4 (old GCSE grade C) or above, to include 2 from English, Maths or Science with at least a grade 3 (old GCSE grade D) in the remaining subject. Alternatively a suitable Level 2 vocational qualification (Merit or above) with English, Maths and Science at Level 2.

You could progress on to a career in uniformed services such as police force, armed services, or pursue a degree/foundation degree course in public services or a related subject.

Career pathways

Work at outdoor activity centres

Work within the public services sector (e.g. Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Fire Service etc)

Sports leader

Fitness instructor

Sports coach

Progression and Development Sessions

All students enrolled on a Level 2 or Level 3 course will be required to attend Progression and Development sessions every week. These sessions will cover a wide range of topics from careers and employability, British Values and equality and diversity to essential life skills such as mental health and wellbeing, drugs and alcohol and personal safety.