BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Public Services (Uniformed)

Summary: This course is ideal preparation if you are keen on starting a career in the uniformed services.








Course description: This course offers a preparation for a career in the uniformed services such as the police, emergency fire services, security, prison services or the armed services. It also provides the qualifications required to progress onto a higher level of study at Level 3.
You will gain an insight into the various careers within the public services, what they involve and personal qualities required so that you will be able to make a good choice for your next step. We have close links with Norfolk Constabulary, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, Armed Forces and other public sector organisations and the course includes regular visits, guest speakers and an annual Public Services careers fair.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in residential trips and development days with the Armed Forces involving field craft (the skill to move undetected), assault courses, team activities, workshops and talks to give you a good understanding of the various job roles and fitness levels required.
Course units include

Public Service Skills

Crime and its Effects on Society

Adventurous Activities and Teamwork for the Public Services

Sport and Recreation in the Public Services

Improving Health and Fitness for Entry to the Uniformed Public Services

Careers Planning for the Public Services

Employment in the Uniformed Public Services
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.
Your level of fitness will improve through team sports, canoeing, climbing, off-road biking at Eaton Vale. Many of uniformed services require a certain level of fitness and you will learn how to improve this for entry.
This course is delivered through a mixture of lectures, workshops, tutorials, practical activities, outside visits and visiting specialist speakers from the public services. There is approximately 30% practical activity and 70% classroom based work.
In addition to your main programme, you will study English and Maths. Depending on your grades on entry, you will study either Functional Skills or GCSEs English and Maths. Please check our English and Maths page for further information









Entry requirements: You will need to have one of the following:

Four GCSEs at Grade D or above, including Maths or English

Two GCSEs at C or above in English or Maths

BTEC Level 1 Certificate or other suitable Foundation level course passed and Functional Skills level 1 in Maths or English.
You should be prepared to participate in the physical and practical elements of the course which may include warm up activities, team sports, adventurous activities such as canoeing and fitness assessments.
All applicants will be interviewed by a course leader and a pre-interview task will be given before this to complete. You will need to demonstrate your interest in the course and a understanding of public services.









Assessment: You will be assessed through a variety of methods including assignments, research projects, presentations, role plays, group discussions and participation in team activities.









Academic progression: After successfully completing the course at Merit level, you could progress onto the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Public Services (Uniformed).









Career progression: The public 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. In many of the jobs in the public sector you can make a positive impact on society and your local community.
Providing you meet their entry requirements, some of which have age restrictions, you can enter employment with the Public Services sector after completing this course. Please see the links below for further information on some of the careers

Police officer job profile from the National Careers Service

Army Solider officer job profile from the National Careers Service

Firefighter job profile from the National Careers Service









Costs: If you are under 19 years old on the 31st August prior to the start of your course, your registration and tuition fees will be funded by the government.
In addition to this there will be costs for a uniform, approximately £50 and trips. Financial support could be available depending on your circumstances.
Please check our Finance pages for fee information and any financial help that may be available.