Course Details

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Diploma in Public Services - Level 1Apply Now »

Level: 1

Location: Broomfield Hall

Years: 1

Interview: Y

Course Summary

This one-year College Diploma course introduces students to the role of the Public Services - from the Police, Ambulance and Fire Services to the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. Emphasis is placed on skills development at this level and so a supportive programme of maths and English is compulsory within the course.

Students on this course are expected to engage in supporting a range of community and regional events. This means that weekends will often be part of the academic timetable in order to fulfil work experience placements.

Entry requirements

The course is designed for students with low-level GCSE grades or limited qualification achievements. It is essential that students show a commitment to maintaining high standards of behaviour and attendance and to meeting deadlines. Candidates will be invited for an interview as part of the application process. You are welcome to attend the Public Services Information Evenings held at the College throughout the year for further details.

We expect students to have enthusiasm for helping the community and a commitment to improving their academic and vocational skills in order to progress to higher levels of study. Students need to be motivated to achieve their English and maths as this forms the majority of focus during their studies.

Course Content

The programme will enhance your understanding in:

Public Service skills
Navigation by map and compass
Maths
Wellbeing
Security
Health and fitness
English
Volunteering

You will develop your skills in maths and English to support your main programme of study, help your future progression and enhance your life skills.

You need to be aware that certain volunteering events and work placements take place at weekends or evenings and you will be expected to attend these. We ask that you understand this expectation before you commit to other activities as many events depend on your involvement to enable them to run safely and efficiently.

You have to fulfil a minimum of 72 hours of work placement. Many of these hours will be offered to you through our existing partnerships with employers.

Your attendance will be monitored and it is expected to be above 95% throughout the year.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment methods will vary. You are expected to build a portfolio of evidence for each unit. Assessments will include presentations, essays, workbooks, discussions, practical performance, viva, physical testing and exam assessments. You will need to meet deadlines and work on multiple tasks throughout the year.

Maths and English will be assessed through a controlled assessment

or final exam.

You will be placed in leadership positions taking responsibility for others and you should expect to undertake situations outside of your comfort zone.

Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?

You will need to have a uniform that is worn every day and when you are on work experience. The minimum expectation for the uniform is that you wear a plain black T-shirt or polo shirt and sweatshirt etc. DCG-branded uniforms can be purchased for around £50.

All students would benefit from having their own tablet or laptop to aid them with their studies.

There may be additional costs incurred for selected trips or visits.

Depending on availability, there may be residential trips linked to your assessments - in such instances these would not incur additional costs.

Overseas work placements are available.

For applicants from outside the region or who travel over distance, the College has residential accommodation if required.

Residential accommodation is based at Broomfield Hall Campus. It is single occupancy with a daily meal allowance included in the fees. For further information about our 'outstanding' Ofsted-rated accommodation provision, please contact maria.banks@derby-college.ac.uk.

What can I do after this course?

Further study

This course is designed to allow you to progress to other Public Services courses to develop your skills further, or to another course in other areas of study. This will be dependent on your attendance, behaviour and references from teaching staff. The achievement of maths and English is a priority for progression.

Courses that would be suitable are the:

Level 2 Certificate in Public Services
Level 2 Diploma in Public Services
Level 2 Certificate in Sports Coaching, Massage and Fitness
Level 2 Certificate in Health, Wellbeing and Physical Activity Leadership

Careers

The skills you gain are transferable to a wide range of career areas but will particularly enable you to enter organisations such as the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Prison Service, Army, Air Force and Royal Navy when you have developed your English and maths skills.

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This course is run at the Broomfield Hall Campus

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About Broomfield Hall »

Amy Dennis

Public services course opens new horizons for Amy

Young security officer Amy Dennis said Broomfield Hall's uniformed public services course opens students' eyes to jobs they "probably had no idea were even out there." Nineteen-year-old Amy is thoroughly enjoying her work in the departure lounge at East Midlands Airport. She got the opportunity after representatives from security firm Wilson James came into college and said they were recruiting.

College teachers helped her land part-time work at East Midlands Airport and Amy so impressed bosses that she was taken on full-time in July. She said several guest speakers on her two year course gave students an insight into a wide range of career options which they may never have previously considered. The teachers really "connected" with the Level 2 students.

Amy said: "It was so good. I'd recommend it to anybody, particularly if you don't know exactly what you want to do.

"It opens your eyes to so many opportunities and to jobs that you probably had no idea were even out there.

"I've learnt a lot on the job and I learned a lot at the college – it's definitely helped a lot on the customer services side of what I do.

"I feel like I've got a career for the future that I'm enjoying and it wouldn't have happened without the contacts the college have."