Course Details

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Level 1 Certificate in Public ServicesApply Now »

Level: 1

Location: Broomfield Hall

Years: 1

Interview: Y

Course Summary

This one-year College Certificate 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 and screening test 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.

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.

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.

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. DC Uniforms can be purchased for around £50.

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

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

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
Level 1 Certificate in Sport and Fitness

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

broomfiled hall campus

About Broomfield Hall »

Student X

Ex-public services student joins battle against child sex and terror

*In this instance the student will remain anonymous because of the confidential nature of their career.
A former Derby College public services student is joining the National Crime Agency to help bring to justice child sex offenders and terrorists.
He opted to take BTECs at the college rather than A levels because they were tailor-made for what he needed. He enjoyed the courses but admits he could have worked harder.
Then, starting a foundation degree, there was a crisis in the family. The keen student developed his knowledge and went on to gain further qualifications. Now, after a stringent vetting process involving both himself and his family, he is awaiting a start date with the agency.
He will work as a G6 officer in child sexual exploitation and anti-terrorism “alongside officers to make sure everything is ready for interviews.”
“Derby College helped me massively, 100 per cent,” he said.

I had to mature quickly. I thought about dropping out, but my lecturers helped me so much, they gave me leeway. They’d ask me after a lecture how I was, personally, and gave me a little extra help.

I’d recommend the college to anybody interested in the field.