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

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Sep 2027
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 Bolton. Classes run at The Sixth Form Bolton, full-time over two years.

The course covers citizenship, diversity, and global affairs. You'll also study behaviour and discipline, teamwork, leadership, and communication. Units include physical preparation, health and wellbeing, criminology, police powers, and emergency incident planning. You'll take part in practical activities and presentations, and work with local public services where possible.

To join, you'll need five GCSEs at grade 9 to 4, including grade 4 in English Language and at least grade 3 in Maths. A Merit in a relevant vocational Level 2 Diploma is also accepted. You'll finish with a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services.

Who this course is for

The course is designed for those interested in careers in the uniformed protective services including the Police, Ambulance Service, Fire Service, and the Armed forces and will develop your skills, discipline and knowledge for a career within the public service sector.

Entry requirements

Students will be expected to have five GCSEs at grade 9-4, or a Merit in a relevant vocational Level 2 Diploma (or equivalent). In addition, students will be expected to have GCSE grade 4 in English Language and a minimum of grade 3 in Mathematics.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore citizenship, diversity, and sociological perspectives.
  • You'll study behaviour and discipline in the uniformed protective services.
  • You'll learn about global affairs, the media, and public services.
  • You'll develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
  • You'll cover physical preparation, health, and personal fitness programmes.
  • You'll examine government, police powers, and the law.
  • You'll study planning for and responding to emergency incidents.
  • You'll explore principles of managing security threats and technological systems.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, practical activities, and presentations. The course involves working independently and as part of a group. Where possible, you'll engage directly with local public services. Assessment is through a mix of coursework, assignments, and practical tasks across the units.

What you will need to bring

The Sixth Form Bolton will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer, requires further recruitment and training after this qualification.
  • Firefighter, entry to the Fire Service typically follows further selection and fitness testing.
  • Prison officer, this public services qualification supports your application.
  • Ambulance service, a stepping stone toward paramedic or emergency care roles.
  • Security officer, entry-level roles are accessible with this Level 3 qualification.
  • Armed forces, this course builds the discipline and knowledge recruiters look for.

What you could study next

  • Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma in Public Services, a Level 4 or Level 5 route for deeper study in the sector.
  • Degree in Criminology, Policing, or Security Management, a Level 6 qualification that opens graduate-entry roles.
  • Apprenticeship in the emergency services or uniformed services, earn while you train in a specific service.
Apply on bolton-sfc.ac.uk →
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