Public Services Level 3
The Introduction to Uniformed Protective Services BTEC Diploma qualifications are targeted at learners who would like to gain employment in the uniformed public services sector, for example police force, fire and rescue service, prison service or armed forces. The qualifications are suitable for those who would like to enter employment in an operational role or in an office-based role supporting the uniformed public services.
This course will help you develop the skills you need in order to understand the uniformed public services sector.
The Public Services BTEC Diploma course provides many opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life. You will be encouraged to explore factors that may support a variety of roles within the uniformed services, such as understanding behaviour, knowing communication systems and how the international environment affects the roles of the uniformed services. Delivery includes a mixture of lectures, practical activities, outside visits and visiting specialist speakers from the public services. There will also be workshops and tutorials relating to the assignment programme.
In addition to your main programme, you will also engage in activities to develop your English, maths and employability skills.
Uniformed Public Services Level 3
Course Outline: This course will help you develop the skills you need in order to understand the uniformed public services sector
Please note that although we no longer offer Public Services at the Braintree Campus, applicants from Braintree and the surrounding area can study the programme at our Colchester Campus.
| Level | Level 3 |
|---|---|
| Location | Colchester |
| Duration | Two years: Year 1: Foundation Diploma | Year 2: Extended National Diploma | Two Years: Extended National Diploma |
| Study Mode | Full-Time |
| Campus / Adult Skills Centre | Colchester Campus |
| Start Date | September 2025 |
| Fee(s) | 16-18 year olds: Free 19+: £6,602 This fee covers the whole two year course |
Course Progression
Can I go to University?
Yes, BTEC graduates can go on to university or start their career straight away.
Students can progress on to public service-related higher education courses, general business courses and a range of higher education programmes such as:
- BA (Hons) in Criminology
- BSc (Hons) in Fire and Rescue
- BA (Hons) in Social Work
- BA (Hons) in Sociology
- BA (Hons) in Public Services
- BA (Hons) in Policing
- LLB (Hons) in Law
As vocational qualifications are designed in partnership with employers, universities and professional organisations, your training will enable you to develop the skills that are highly valued by employers. You’ll have the opportunity to broaden your understanding of your chosen area through work experience and placements throughout your programme.
The in-depth skills and knowledge acquired on a Level 3 vocational programme can provide the ideal preparation for progression to higher level study, such as a degree, HNC/HND or higher apprenticeship. Most colleges and universities accept vocational qualifications as fulfilling entry requirements.
The UCAS Tariff points system is used when making offers to applicants and most post-16 qualifications are allocated a total UCAS point score. The table below shows how many UCAS points the most common qualifications are worth.
UCAS Tariff Points
If you are planning to go on to university after completing your Level 3 programme you can visit ucas.com to check the UCAS points required for the course you are interested in.
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Disclaimer
All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2024-25 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change due to factors outside of our control. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.
Courses fees are generally not confirmed for September until June / July due to the above factors.
The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.
The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.
