Quick facts
| Qualification type | Advanced Extended Level 3 Diploma |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Study times | You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements |
Entry is by interview. You will need either a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 4 or above in academic subjects (including maths and English), or a Level 2 qualification. |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | 40 hrs in each year of the course |
Is it for me?
This vocational course introduces the key areas of uniformed public services, covering a variety of public service skills.
The course is run by an inspiring team of highly qualified lecturers with public services experience and will give you a good understanding of the sector, developing your abilities within an active and challenging environment.
You will develop your abilities in communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, ensuring you meet the requirements for this mentally challenging and physically demanding sector.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in residential activities to develop your teamwork and practical skills.
Equivalent to three A Levels, this course will qualify you to progress on to a degree in Policing or Public Services, as well as a variety of other degrees. You could also enter employment in the Police (including police community support officer), Fire Service, Royal Air Force, Army, Royal Navy, Prison service and border agency.
What you'll learn
The course consists of a number of units including:
- Preparing for a career in a chosen uniformed service
- Developing aspects of physical fitness for entry to the uniformed services
- Developing leadership skills
- Equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Emergency planning and response in the uniformed services
- Understanding the impact of war and conflict on uniformed services
- Map reading and navigation
- Values and standards
- UK Legal Systems
Students who do not have GCSE grade 4 in English and Maths will be required to continue with a course of study throughout their time at college.
Equipment required for the course
Students will be required to provide their own equipment and access to a computer outside of college is highly recommended. There may be a requirement to make a contribution towards the cost of trips which will be arrange throughout the course.
Learners will also be required to have a sports kit, walking boots and outdoor clothing.
Work experience placements
You will be required to take part in a minimum of 40hrs volunteer work in the local community to help develop your skills.
Assessment
All work all internally assessed by a variety of methods, including practical and physical tasks, written assessments and reports, verbal presentations, and self-evaluation. Each unit has 3-4 assessments and work is submitted via Microsoft Teams.
Further study
- BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminology
- BSc (Hons) Sociology and Criminology
- BSc (Hons) Pre Policing Degree
Example careers
- Police Officer
- Army Officer
- Navy Officer
- Royal Air Force Officer
- Prison Officer
- Border Control Officer
- Firefighter
- Civilian Staff MOD
Days & times
Starting September 2025