Level 3 BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services Course in Oxford. Classes run at Oxford City Centre College, full-time during the day over two years. If you're 16 to 18 years old, the course may be free. If you're 19 or over, an Advanced Learner Loan may be available, and fees may apply. This Pearson Edexcel qualification is designed to prepare you for careers across the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, police, prison, probation, and fire and rescue services. It also supports progression to a related university degree. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths, or a BTEC Level 2 Diploma at Merit or Distinction with equivalent English and maths.
Who this course is for
Are you considering a career in the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, HM police, prison or probation services, or fire and rescue services? This course is intended to support progression to further study. Its primary purpose is to support learners to continue their education through applied learning, and progress to higher education in a related degree course, and ultimately progress to employment in all variants of the Uniformed Protective Services, both statutory and non-statutory. This reflects the shift towards increased graduate employment in the sector, for example in the police service. The qualification is equivalent in size to three A Levels and has been designed to be a two-year, full-time study programme. We work in partnership with your potential future employers, including: Thames Valley Police, HM Prison Service, British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and the fire and rescue services. This gives you exposure to current industry experts who can demonstrate how the theory you will learn throughout this course is directly relatable to real-life situations. What to expect from the programme: development of communication, self-discipline, and team-working skills, opportunity to visit various public service settings such as prisons, police stations, crown courts, fire stations, and Royal Air Force bases, identification of the entry and fitness requirements for the Uniformed Protective Services, and help in the preparation for these, .. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk
Entry requirements
You need to have 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and maths or a BTEC Level 2 Diploma grade Merit or Distinction plus English and maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above/Functional Skills at Level 2 in English and maths. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk
What you will learn
You'll study the structure and roles of the British armed forces, police, and emergency services.
You'll develop knowledge of the law, discipline, and codes of conduct relevant to uniformed services.
You'll explore physical fitness standards and health requirements for service entry.
You'll build understanding of teamwork, leadership, and command structures.
You'll examine safeguarding, equality, and diversity in public service contexts.
You'll analyse current issues affecting the uniformed protective services in the UK.
How you will learn
Learning is classroom based, full-time during the day at Oxford City Centre College. The BTEC National Foundation Diploma is assessed through a combination of coursework assignments and externally set assessments. You'll complete unit-based assignments that are internally marked and externally moderated by Pearson Edexcel. Some units include timed written assessments set and marked by Pearson Edexcel directly.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Oxford City Centre College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Police officer, working with HM police services across the UK
Army soldier or officer, serving in the British Army
Royal Navy rating or officer, serving at sea or on shore
Royal Air Force airman or officer, in aviation or ground support roles
Firefighter, responding to emergencies with fire and rescue services
Prison officer, managing safety and rehabilitation in custody
Probation officer, supporting offenders in the community
Royal Marines commando, in specialist amphibious and commando roles
What you could study next
A degree in Criminology, Policing, or Public Services at university. This qualification is designed to support entry to higher education in a related subject.
Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Diploma or Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services (Level 3). A larger qualification if you want to study further before applying to a service or university.
Direct service entry. Many uniformed services accept applications after Level 3 study, subject to their own selection and fitness processes.
