BTEC National Diploma in Public Services Level 3

Course information:
BTEC National Diploma in Public Services Level 3

Course content:
The qualification prepares learners for employment in the sector and is suitable for 16-19 year olds who have decided to enter this area of work. The course provides the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skill for a learner to progress into higher education and/or employment in a Uniformed Service.

Programme Structure

Core Units - all

eight must be taken.

Unit 1: Understanding the Public Sector
Unit 2: Law and the Legal System
Unit 3: Leadership*
Unit 4: Citizenship and Contemporary Issues *
Unit 5: Diversity and the Public Services
Unit 6: International Perspectives
Unit 7: Data Interpretation
Unit 8: The Uniformed Services

Specialist units â€" choose

ten unit

Unit 9: Physical Preparation for the Uniformed Services
Unit 10: Democratic Processes
Unit 11: Expedition Skills
Unit 12: Human Behaviour
Unit 13: Media and the Public Services
Unit 14: Understanding Discipline
Unit 15: Public Services in Europe
Unit 16: Dealing with Accidents
Unit 17: Teamwork in the Public Services
Unit 18: Health and Fitness
Unit 19: Nautical Studies
Unit 20: Outdoor Activities
Unit 21: Criminology
Unit 22: Signals and Communication Systems
Unit 23: Custodial Care
Unit 24: Major Incidents
* denotes a unit assessed via an Integrated Vocational Assignment

Course structure:
This is a two year full time course. Students will be required to spend at least 900 hours on taught or directed study over the two years. Students will also follow courses in the three Key Skills of Communication, Application of Number and IT. This course could include activities that may take place outside the conventional lecture time. These activities are a compulsory part of the course.

Assessment procedure:
Assessment is by a combination of submitted assignments and practical tasks that are internally assessed and then externally verified.

Entry requirements:
You will need to be at least 16 years of age when you start the course and normally have attained at least 4 GCSE subjects at level C or equivalent. Dual award science at C or above counts as 2 GCSE passes. It is preferred for the candidate to have GCSE Maths and English at C grade wherever possible.

Qualifications achieved:
National Diploma in Public Services

Progression opportunities:
A BTEC National Diploma develops learners†skills and understanding of work within a vocational context. BTEC National Diplomas offer direct progression on to BTEC Higher National programmes, BTEC Foundation Degree Programmes and beyond. BTEC Nationals are recognised by higher education institutions and attract UCAS points.

Free study and financial support:
Most full-time students do not have to pay for their course. We may also be able to help you with some of the extra costs associated with college, eg travel, childcare, equipment, books etc. In addition, if you have just left school, you may be eligible for an Educational Maintenance Allowance. Please ask us about â€-Money Matters†for more details.