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Free BTEC Level 3 Uniformed Protective Services Course in Wigan – Wigan and Leigh College

CostFREE
Duration35 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Uniformed Protective Services Course in Wigan. Classes run full-time at Wigan and Leigh College, five days a week during the day. The course runs for 35 weeks and is free if you are 16 to 18 years old. You will build the knowledge and physical skills needed for careers in the police, fire service, armed forces, Royal Navy, and customs and excise. The curriculum has been shaped with input from serving professionals across those services. You will take part in activities, visits, and guest speaker sessions that reflect life in the public services.

Who this course is for

If you are looking for a challenging career with lots of responsibility and high rewards then a public services course could be for you. You will gain the skills, knowledge and confidence for a career in the Fire Service, Royal Navy, Armed Forces, Customs and Excise or Police. Our courses have been designed with input from experts at the Police, RAF, Fire Services and the Army. You will experience life in the public services through a range of relevant activities, trips, visits and guest speakers. You will work with lots of professionals from the services, who help you build the skills to work in this diverse industry. New for 2020 is the opportunity to join the the Policing pathway which will equip you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to enter the Police Force or higher studies

Entry requirements

A minimum of 5 GCSE subjects graded 9-4 or equivalent including maths or English.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of the structure and roles of the UK's uniformed protective services.
  • You'll learn the physical fitness standards and training methods used in public services recruitment.
  • You'll study law, discipline, and the responsibilities that come with uniformed roles.
  • You'll practise teamwork, leadership, and decision-making through practical activities.
  • You'll explore the skills needed for roles in the police, fire service, and armed forces.
  • You'll gain an understanding of customs, border control, and civil emergency response.
  • You'll learn through visits to services and sessions with guest speakers from the sector.

How you will learn

You will learn through classroom sessions, practical activities, field trips, and guest speaker events. Assessment is through assignments, projects, and unit-based coursework rather than traditional exams. The BTEC format means your work is assessed continuously across the year, with each unit assessed separately. Full-time daytime attendance is required across the 35-week programme.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Wigan and Leigh College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police constable. Entry-level officer role with a UK police force.
  • Firefighter. Operational role responding to emergencies with the fire service.
  • Army soldier or officer. Frontline or specialist role in the British Army.
  • Royal Navy rating or officer. Sea-based service across a range of specialisms.
  • Royal Air Force (RAF) airman or airwoman. Ground or aircrew roles across the RAF.
  • Customs and border force officer. Protecting UK borders and enforcing trade law.
  • Prison officer. Maintaining safety and order in the prison service.

What you could study next

A Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels and can support a university application. You could progress to a degree in criminology, policing, or security management. Some learners go on to a Foundation Degree in Public Services. Others move directly into service recruitment, where this qualification supports your application. A degree apprenticeship in policing is another option if you want to earn while you study.

Apply on wigan-leigh.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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