Free Level 3 Uniformed Services Course in Solihull

CostFREE
Duration1 year
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime

About this course

Free Level 3 Uniformed Protective Services Course in Solihull. Classes run at Solihull College And University Centre, full-time during the day.

This BTEC covers a wide range of topics. You'll study government, law, citizenship, and criminal investigation. Units also cover physical fitness, teamwork, leadership, and how to respond to emergencies. The course takes one year to complete.

You'll finish with a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services.

Who this course is for

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in public services and provides an opportunity for specialism, which students can build on should they decide to continue their studies beyond the Certificate stage.

On successful completion of the Level 4 Higher National Certificate, students can develop careers in the public services sector through: entering employment; continuing existing employment and committing to continuing professional development.

The Level 5 Higher National Diploma allows students to specialise by committing to specific career paths and progression routes to degree-level study. On successful completion of the Level 5 Higher National Diploma, students can develop their careers in the public services sector through: entering employment; continuing existing employment; committing to Continuing Professional Development and/or progressing to University.

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Public Services offers students a broad introduction to the subject area via a mandatory core of learning, while allowing for the acquisition of skills and experience through the selection of optional units across a range of occupational sectors at Level 4, via the General pathway. Students also have the opportunity to select a career pathway in either Protective Services, Crime and Criminal Justice, Public Service Management or Blue Light Services. This effectively builds underpinning core skills while preparing the student for further subject specialisation at Level 5. Students will gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills obtained in research, self-study, directed study and workplace scenarios

Entry requirements

A minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points from a full Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject area GCSEs at grades A*/9 - C/4 including Maths, English and science Mature applicants with relevant experience who do not have the stated entry requirements are encouraged to apply. (E.g. Public Service Workers) Students with an existing Level 4/5 qualifications may be eligible for some accreditation for prior learning which can be discussed on an individual basis.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how government and law shape the protective services.
  • You'll study global affairs and how the media covers public services.
  • You'll learn about citizenship, diversity, and their role in society.
  • You'll develop physical fitness and healthy lifestyle habits.
  • You'll practise planning for and responding to emergency incidents.
  • You'll build teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
  • You'll gain an introduction to criminology and criminal investigation.
  • You'll learn about police powers and managing security threats.

How you will learn

Most learning takes place in the classroom. You'll also take part in outdoor activities, sports, and land-based and water-based sessions. Assessment is through assignments completed throughout the year. These include project work, essays, reports, role-plays, and practical fitness and teamwork tasks.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Solihull College And University Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer, joins a UK police force after further training and assessment.
  • Firefighter, responds to emergencies with a fire and rescue service.
  • Prison officer, works in custody and rehabilitation within the prison service.
  • Public services worker, supports communities across a range of uniformed roles.
  • Armed forces recruit, joins the army, navy, or RAF as an entry-level service member.

What you could study next

  • BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Public Services, a natural next step into higher-level study of the sector.
  • Foundation Degree in Public Services, combines academic study with practical experience.
  • Degree in Criminology or Policing, for those aiming toward specialist or graduate-entry roles in the uniformed services.

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