Start Date
- September 2025, Full Time
Summary
The course is designed to stretch students both academically and physically and prepare them for their future careers in the Uniformed Public Services.
Students will study the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services.
The course will allow students to explore a variety of uniformed public services and the job opportunities each one presents. This is achieved through academic study, exposure to serving members of the uniformed public services and participating in a variety of practical and physical activities.
An emphasis on personal development is key to students successfully completing the course. Throughout the course students are challenged to enable them to achieve their maximum potential and ensure they have the correct skillset required, when entering the uniformed public services.
Previous students have had the following opportunities:
- Visit to the courts, prison and Norfolk Constabulary in Wymondham
- Speakers from probation teams, prison service, UK Immigration
- Major incident planning with Norfolk Resilience Forum
- Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and Norfolk Constabulary hosting a variety of activities
During the second year you will take part in an expedition, which has previously been to the Lake District with the Outward Bound Trust which brings together all the skills and qualities you have developed over the two years.
Why Our College?
Strong industry links
You will gain an outstanding insight into the industry due to our links with the Police Force, Fire Service, Military, Prison Service and other public sector organisations.
Excellent career prospects
The public services sector offers lots of varied and rewarding careers. The armed forces and security services accept over 11,000 new recruits each year and are often among the top graduate employers.
A life changing career
Public services careers make a real difference to be peoples lives, keeping the public safe.
Entry Requirements
Achieve 5 GCSE's at Grade 4 or above, including English Language and maths.
You must be prepared to participate in physical and practical sessions, which at times will emulate industry standards.
Learning Outcomes
Personal development is also an important aspect of the course to improve your self-confidence. You will develop a range of essential skills in communication, team work, leadership skills, problem solving and presentation skills that are transferable across a wide range of career choices.
Although there is no minimum level of fitness required to join the course, there is an expectation that students will improve their overall fitness levels and achieve the minimum standard requirements of their chosen service. Students will achieve this by participating in activities such as team sports, adventurous training, and physical training sessions mirroring that of the Uniformed Services.
This course is delivered through a combination of lectures, self-directed study, tutorials, workshops, practical visits and visiting specialist speakers. Learning sessions will take place in the classroom, gymnasium, fitness suite and outdoor venues. There is approximately 20% practical work and 80% classroom based.
In addition to your main programme, you may study English or Maths. Depending on your grades on entry, you will study either Functional Skills or GCSEs. Please check our English and Maths page for further information.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out throughout the academic year by the departmental staff and verified externally by the awarding body. Students will be expected to compile reports, carry out individual research, present information to both their peers and teaching staff and complete both practical based activities and scenarios. This varied approach to assessment is designed to promote independence and encourage individuals to take ownership of their own learning.
Students will study and be assessed on units such as:
Year 1:
- Prepare for a career in a chosen uniformed service.
- Develop aspects of physical fitness for entry to the uniformed services.
- Develop leadership skills.
- Equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Uniformed services hierarchy and routine.
- Mental and Physical Wellbeing.
- Carry out map reading and navigation across open country.
- Understand conflict management and personal protection.
- Skills for water-based outdoor and adventurous activities.
Year 2:
- Telecommunications in the uniformed services
- Influence of UK government, international organisations and the media on the uniformed services
- Emergency planning and response in the uniformed services
- Understand the impact of war and conflict on the uniformed services
- Outdoor and adventurous expeditions
- Understanding discipline in the uniformed services
- UK legal systems and uniformed services
- Volunteering in the uniformed services
- Security procedure in the uniformed services
Please note that units are reviewed every year and are subject to change.
Progression
Upon successful completion of this course, students can progress to Higher Education (UCAS point depending) including our own:
BA (Hons) Professional Policing
Students may also choose to progress into employment and an apprenticeship.
Career Progression
The Uniformed Services mainly involve working for the Police, Fire and Rescue Services, Prison Service as well as the Armed Forces. All of these careers are in the public sector, which is also includes jobs in the courts, local councils, schools and national government. There are a wide range of jobs, many of which where you can make a positive impact on society and your local community.
Providing you meet their entry requirements, you can enter employment with the Public Services sector. For further information please see the National Careers Service website for:
- Police Officer
- HM Forces
- Fire Fighter
- Prison Officer
- Public Sector Employment
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over fees may be payable.
All of our Uniformed Services student wear a uniform which costs approximately £100. Currently we are planning for students to take part in the following residential's across their 2 academic years to support their development and meet key assessment criteria. These currently include (although are subject to change):
Year 1- Local Multi-Day Expedition- estimated cost £50
Year 2- Week Long Residential with Outward Bound Trust- estimated cost £400
There may be other opportunities throughout the academic year that may have a cost attached to them, but these will be optional.
Financial support may be available depending on your circumstances.
Please check our Finance pages for fee information and any financial help that may be available.
