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Free Level 3 Policing Course in Bury Saint Edmunds

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Policing Course in Bury Saint Edmunds. Classes run at West Suffolk College, full-time over two years.

The course covers the key areas of working within the police. You'll explore the skills needed in the sector, the fitness and personal commitment required, and the external organisations that shape policing. Weekly training sessions build your physical readiness alongside your knowledge. The course is taught by lecturers with real policing backgrounds.

You'll finish with an NCFE Extended Diploma in Policing.

Who this course is for

This vocational course introduces the key areas of working within the Police, giving you the opportunity to investigate the skills required to work within the sector. You will also learn about the external organisations that impact on, and influence, the police. The course outlines the personal commitment and fitness needed to work in policing through weekly training sessions. Its run by an inspiring team of qualified lecturers with policing experience and will encourage your talents within an active and challenging environment.You will develop your abilities in communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, ensuring you meet the requirements for this mentally challenging and physically demanding sector.You will also have the opportunity to participate in residential activities to develop your teamwork and practical skills.Equivalent to three A Levels, this course allows progression to a degree in Policing, or employment in the Police.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the key roles and responsibilities within the police service.
  • You'll study the external organisations that influence and work alongside the police.
  • You'll develop an understanding of the personal commitment required in policing.
  • You'll take part in weekly fitness training sessions to meet the physical demands of the sector.
  • You'll investigate the skills and behaviours expected of police officers.
  • You'll learn how policing operates within the wider public services sector.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions and weekly physical training. Teaching is delivered by lecturers with policing experience. Assessment methods will be confirmed by West Suffolk College, but the Extended Diploma is typically assessed through assignments, projects, and practical activities across the two years.

What you will need to bring

West Suffolk College will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police Constable, the entry rank in UK police forces, requires passing a separate national recruitment process after this qualification.
  • Police Community Support Officer, supports frontline policing, this course provides relevant background knowledge.
  • Public services roles, including roles in the fire service, border force, or prison service.
  • Further study route, many graduates use this Level 3 policing qualification as a foundation before applying to degree-level programmes or police apprenticeships.

What you could study next

  • Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship, a work-based route into the police that combines on-the-job training with a degree, typically at Level 6.
  • BA (Hons) in Policing or Criminology, a bachelor's degree at Level 6 for those wanting to deepen their knowledge before applying to forces.
  • Higher National Certificate in Public Services, a Level 4 qualification for those looking to progress in the broader public services sector.
Apply on wsc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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