Free Level 3 BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services Course in Blackburn. Classes run at Blackburn College, full-time during the day. The course takes one year to complete. You'll study topics covering public services, fitness testing and training, and the planning and management of major incidents. You'll also take part in a five-day residential that includes canoeing, climbing and hill walking. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths, to be considered. This is a Pearson Edexcel btec national foundation diploma in uniformed protective services qualification, giving you a recognised Level 3 certificate to support applications to the armed forces, police, fire service and other public services.
Who this course is for
The course is ideal for those wishing to pursue a career in the Public Services, you will gain an insight into the range of Public Services related topics ranging from fitness testing and training to the planning and management of major incidents, in addition you will interact with a range of Public Services to give you a good understand and knowledge of the services. To complement your course you will take part in a 5 day residential to experience canoeing, climbing and hill walking. You will also benefit from our links with the RAF recruitment team, the 4th Battalion Duke of Lancashire regiment and Blackburn Fire & Rescue. The Public Services tutors have between them a total of over 40 years of experience and will provide you with first hand knowledge. You will gain a full understanding of the roles within both Uniformed and Non-uniformed Public Services to ensure you know the career you want to move into, which could lead to progressing on to university or directly into the Military or Emergency Services.
Entry requirements
You will need 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 including English Language and Maths.
What you will learn
You'll explore the structure and roles of a range of uniformed public services.
You'll study fitness testing and physical training methods used in the services.
You'll learn how major incidents are planned and managed by public services.
You'll develop an understanding of discipline, teamwork and leadership in a services context.
You'll gain practical outdoor skills through a five-day residential, including canoeing, climbing and hill walking.
You'll interact with public services professionals to build real knowledge of how they operate.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Blackburn College, combining taught content with practical activities. Assessment on the Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Foundation Diploma is assignment-based. You'll complete written assignments and practical tasks across the units. The five-day residential also forms part of your learning experience. There are no formal written exams for this qualification.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Blackburn College will confirm anything else you need before you start. You should be prepared for physical activity, including the five-day residential, so appropriate clothing and footwear may be required. The college will give you full details when you enrol.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Police officer. Entry-level role in UK police forces after further assessment.
Firefighter. Operational role with the fire and rescue service.
Army soldier or officer. Entry route into the British Army.
Royal Navy rating or officer. Enlisted or commissioned naval career.
Prison officer. Custody and rehabilitation role in the prison service.
Paramedic (trainee). Starting point toward NHS ambulance service roles.
Border Force officer. Frontline role at UK ports and airports.
What you could study next
BTEC National Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services (Level 3, extended). A larger qualification that deepens your study and strengthens applications to competitive services.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services. Broadens your options if you want to apply to university or officer-entry programmes.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Public Services (Level 4). A degree-level step for those aiming at management or specialist roles within the services.
