Course Overview
Would you like a career that involves being outdoors, travelling, solving problems and developing yourself to achieve more than you thought capable? A career in the uniformed services brings new challenges every day, and our Level 3 Public Services course will help you prepare to expect the unexpected. On this A-Level equivalent course, you’ll study the public service sector, its role in society and learn about working life in a public service organisation. You’ll learn about the social and political influences that affect the public services and begin to understand more about human behaviour and how it will affect your daily work. You’ll plan and undertake an expedition, develop leadership skills and learn about how to work in a team. You’ll have the opportunity to discover a variety of outdoor activities and develop your personal confidence. The activities will prepare you for the physical assessment necessary to meet the entry requirements for the uniformed public services, as well as improving your personal fitness.
What will I learn?
This course is the academic equivalent of three full A-levels. You will study a variety of topics such as:
• Prepare for a career in a chosen uniformed service
• Develop aspects of physical fitness for entry to the uniformed services
• Develop leadership skills
• Equality and Diversity
• Collaboration between uniformed services
• Skills for land-based outdoor and adventurous activities
• Carry out map reading and navigation across open country
These units are subject to change.
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
You will learn and be assessed in a variety of ways including formal reports, essays, presentations, residential activities and expeditions.
You will be expected to study at home and in college and will be required to complete a number of assignments with set deadlines. You’ll also be expected to participate in a relevant programme of work experience with the armed forces.
Your final qualification will be a NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services.
Entry Requirements
• 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) and above, including English and maths, or at least a Merit in a related subject at Level 2.
Additional Costs and Information
Expeditions and outdoor activities are an important part of this course and are compulsory – these will cost £275. You will also need some personal items, such as a waterproof jacket, trousers and rucksack for use during some of the expeditions and activities.
You will be provided with compulsory uniform (a hoodie and polo shirts). This must be worn on days when you are in college and on any out-of-classroom activity, unless you are informed otherwise due to the nature of the activity. For physical activities you should wear a suitable light top and dark bottoms.
The College offers financial assistance for these costs for learners who are eligible to receive it. Contact our customer services team at the College for further details and a bursary application form.
This is a physically demanding course that will require continual fitness training and testing.
