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Level 3 Public Services Course in Saint Helens for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? Check which courses you can do free.

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About this course

Free Level 3 Public Services Course in Saint Helens. Classes run at Cowley International College, full-time during the day.

The course covers sociology, politics, leadership, and physical development. You'll explore how the police, fire service, armed forces, ambulance service, and other uniformed services operate. Units look at law, government, teamwork, and fitness. The course takes two years to complete.

You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English Language, to join. You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Public Services.

Who this course is for

Public Services is designed to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed for a career in the public and uniformed services. This course includes many sociological, political, leadership and physiological units and is highly respected within the Police, Fire Service, Armed Forces, Ambulance Service and Customs and Excise.

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs or equivalent, grade 9 - 4, including Maths and English Language

What you will learn

  • You'll study how uniformed public services are structured and managed.
  • You'll explore leadership skills and how they apply in service roles.
  • You'll learn about UK government, law, and the justice system.
  • You'll develop physical fitness and understand its role in public service work.
  • You'll study sociological issues that affect communities and public services.
  • You'll examine how emergency services respond to incidents and crises.
  • You'll build teamwork and communication skills used across all public services.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, practical activities, and group work. Assessment is through assignments, projects, and portfolio evidence rather than formal exams. You'll complete units across the two years, building your knowledge and skills progressively. Some units may involve practical tasks such as physical training or scenario-based exercises.

What you will need to bring

Cowley International College will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer, requires further application and training with a force after this qualification.
  • Firefighter, this public services qualification supports your application to a fire service.
  • Prison officer, works in custody and rehabilitation settings within the prison service.
  • Ambulance service support worker, assists paramedics and emergency response teams.
  • Security officer, entry-level role in public or private security services.
  • Armed forces recruit, this Level 3 public services qualification strengthens your application.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services, a larger qualification covering more units for those wanting deeper study before applying to services.
  • Higher National Certificate (Level 4) in Public Services, a step into higher education for those considering management roles.
  • Degree in Criminology, Policing, or Public Administration (Level 6), for those aiming toward graduate-entry roles or leadership positions in public services.
Apply on cowleysixthform.org.uk →
Apply now →

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