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

broomfiled hall campus

About Broomfield Hall »

Krystal Treadwell

TV army girl Krystal prepares for first overseas tour of duty

Viewers of Channel Four’s British Army Girls may well remember former recruit Krystal Treadwell. The ex-Derby College Public Services student was among a group of raw recruits filmed doing their basic training at the army’s Pirbright training centre in Surrey. And as Krystal herself readily admits she had her fair share of share of ups and downs during what was a very demanding 14 weeks.

The fly-on-the-wall documentary, aired in April, gave a fascinating insight into what is expected of the recruits as they prepare to pass out – and what it takes to become a British Army soldier. Now an army chef, Krystal, who is from Chaddesden, took further army training after Pirbright and is now preparing to go on a six week tour of duty to Africa – her first overseas tour.

And, although she found initial training hard going at times, she is pleased she took the Public Services course at Broomfield before joining up. She especially enjoyed the map reading part of her course, which involved training at Drum Hill near Derby. Krystal found that already having had some navigational experience helped her on army exercises. She said...

I’m glad I went to Derby College as it set me up nicely for going in the army. The Public Services course is good for your fitness when you’re getting ready to go into the armed forces and all the volunteering you do at college looks great on your CV.