BTEC National Diploma in Public Services (Uniformed)

BTEC National Diploma in Public Services (Uniformed)
This full-time two-year course is particularly of interest to students who wish to pursue a career within a uniformed public service organisation such as the Police, Fire, Ambulance, Armed Forces and Prison Services.

What does the course consist of?
There are 6 core units which everyone must study and 12 specialist units.
Core units
Unit 1: Government, Policies and the Public Services

In this unit you will understand the different levels of government that effects UK citizens, the various election and policy making processes in use and the effects of government policy on the uniformed public services.
Unit 2: Team Leadership in the Uniformed Public Services

You will study the various styles of leadership and the role of the leader and understand that makes an effective team. You will develop your communication skills and leadership qualities to both brief and lead a team.
Unit 3: Citizenship, contemporary Society and the Public Services

In this unit you will study how different views of citizenship have developed together with what are the legal and humanitarian rights of a citizen in the UK. Inn addition you will understand what qualities makes a good citizen and learn how national and international affairs influences the public services.
Unit 4: Team development in Public Services

You will study the use of teams and teamwork activities within the public services. You study how to become an effective team member and understand how teams develop to support performance within the public services.
Unit 5: Understanding Discipline within the Uniformed Public Services

You will understand the need for discipline within the uniformed public services, what conformity and obedience mean, understand the importance of self discipline within the public services and know the complex nature of authority within the public services.
Unit 6: Diversity and the Public Services

You will understand the term diversity within an historical context, the relevant legislation that supports human rights, the role of the public services to provide equality of service to all in the community and know the various policies, strategies and procedures used to address diversity in the public services.
Specialist Units

Each student must also study 12 specialist units such as:

• Physical preparation and fitness for the uniformed public services
• International perspectives for the uniformed public services
• Outdoor and adventurous expeditions
• Skills for land-based outdoor and adventurous activities
• Skills for water-based outdoor and adventurous activities
• Crime and its effects on society
• Command and control in the uniformed public services
• The planning for and management of major incidents
• Responding to emergency service incidents
• Uniformed service employment
• Understanding the criminal justice system and police powers
• Understanding behaviour in public sector employment
• Fundamentals of nautical studies
• Communication and technology in the uniformed public services
• Custodial care of the individuals
• Understanding aspects of the legal system and law making process

You will be expected to produce a portfolio of work which will be graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction for each of the units you have studied.

What else do I need to know?
You will be introduced to each new topic and then required to do a lot of your own research in order to complete a set assignment. Some assignments will require a written report, some a presentation or display. You will be expected to take part in role-plays and simulations. Sometimes you will be working on your own, and at others in a group or team as well as a number of residentials to develop personal skills. There will be a range of outside speakers and trips to the different public services in order to gain first hand information. During the two years, you will have plenty of opportunity to discuss your career intentions and receive guidance on this. Included in the course will be opportunities to gain Key Skills accreditation in Communication, Application of Number and IT.
Some of your time will be based in a room with computing facilities. All books for reference will be provided, and also relevant magazines. You will be able to search for information on the college's network and on the Internet.
This is a full-time course but you will be expected to take the Community Sports Leader Award, the higher Sports Leader Award and a First Aid Certificate. You could also study an AS level alongside or resit a GCSE in Maths or English.
This course is a suitable preparation for entering one of the public services. It could also give you entry to higher education in a relevant degree course.
There is an annual charge for activities. This is £150 per year payable at enrolment in September.