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BTEC Level 3 Uniformed Protective Services Course in Darlington – Darlington College

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration34 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

Free for 16 to 18 year olds. Darlington College lists a fee of £1,987 for adults. Contact Darlington College for more info.

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About this course

BTEC Level 3 Uniformed Protective Services Course in Darlington. Classes run full-time at Darlington College, five days a week during the day. The course is free if you are 16 to 18 years old on 31 August of the year you start. If you are 19 to 23 years old, fees may apply. Call Darlington College's Student Services Team on 01325 503030 to check your funding options. This level 3 BTEC uniformed protective services qualification covers the knowledge, behaviours and skills needed for a career in services such as the police, fire and rescue, HM Prison Service, or the armed forces. The course runs for 34 weeks.

Who this course is for

This course is designed to provide you with the knowledge, behaviours and skills required for success when moving towards a career in the Uniformed Protective Services. For example, Police, Fire & Rescue Service's, HM Prison Service and the Armed Forces.

Entry requirements

4 GCSE’s at grade C/4 and above, including in English and maths (a grade 3/D in maths may be acceptable pending a discussion with course tutors), or the Level 2 Public Services at Merit grade and English language 4 or above.

You will be required to attend an interview at college and a School reference will be requested.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of how the police, fire and rescue, prison service, and armed forces operate.
  • You'll study the values, behaviours and discipline expected in uniformed services.
  • You'll build physical fitness and teamwork skills relevant to protective services roles.
  • You'll learn about law, order, and the role of public services in society.
  • You'll explore career pathways and entry routes into different uniformed services.
  • You'll develop communication and leadership skills used in operational environments.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Darlington College, combining taught lessons with practical activities. Assessment is through a mix of internally assessed assignments and externally set examinations, as required by the Pearson Edexcel BTEC National specification. You'll complete coursework units alongside exam preparation throughout the 34-week programme.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Darlington College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer. Entry-level role in UK police forces.
  • Firefighter. Operational role with fire and rescue services.
  • Prison officer. Custody and rehabilitation work in HM Prison Service.
  • Army, Navy or RAF soldier or rating. Entry into the armed forces.
  • Paramedic or emergency call handler. Front-line emergency services work.
  • Security officer. Uniformed protective work in public or private settings.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 BTEC National Diploma or Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services. A larger qualification that deepens your study and strengthens applications to university or officer programmes.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) or degree in Policing, Criminology, or Public Services. Many universities accept this BTEC for entry onto degree-level courses in related subjects.
  • Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship. A work-based route into policing that combines on-the-job training with a degree.
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