Course Details

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90-credit Diploma in Public Services - Level 3Apply Now »

Level: 3

Location: Broomfield Hall

Years: 1

Interview: Y

Course Summary

This programme is an ideal route for students who have a clear target for future studies at university. Students should have a keen interest in the Public Services, outdoor activity leadership or the security sector. All students will be offered a place on our Foundation Degree in Criminology (Offender Management) when progressing to Year 2 of the programme.

The programme develops your knowledge and skills over two years, enabling you to progress to higher education studies. In both practical and theoretical settings, you will study advanced concepts in government, discipline, physical preparation, leadership, law, citizenship, command and control, and fitness testing.

Entry requirements

You will need to complete an interview and screening test in maths and English. The entry requirements are for the majority of your GCSE grades to be between 9-6, including English and Maths. Students should have a clear target for further study at university.

Any achievements in BTEC Public Services qualifications at Level 2 will only be considered if at Distinction grade.

You are expected to maintain high standards of discipline, punctuality and attendance. It is essential that you work to the deadlines set or you risk the chance of not achieving your programme of study.

Practical sessions are compulsory, so you must be physically able to

take part in both indoor and outdoor sessions.

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

Course Content

The course is made up of a number of units which can include:

Citizenship
Government
Teamwork and Leadership
Discipline
Physical Preparation
Exercise, Health and Lifestyle
Volunteering

It also includes a tutorial session to monitor your progress, set targets, 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?

You will build a portfolio based around evidence generated by the various assessment methods in each unit. You are expected to work on multiple assessments at any one time. You will be assessed through practical demonstrations, logbooks and performance records, written reports and essays, presentations, workbooks, discussions and vivas.

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 uniform is that you wear a plain black T-shirt or polo shirt and sweatshirt etc. DC Uniforms can be purchased for £50.

All learners must have a tablet or laptop to aid them with their studies.

A one-off payment of £50 is required as a contribution towards the end-of-year celebration event, DBS requirements, transport, trips and guest speakers. This money is to be received before November and in return you will have free gym membership for the academic year.

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

On successful completion, the programme provides an excellent platform for progression to courses such as the:

Leadership and Security for Higher Study in the Public Services (Year 2)
Foundation Degree in Criminology (Offender Management)

Careers

You may also wish to seek voluntary or paid employment in the Public Services or in the security industry as a door supervisor, CCTV operator or security guard. Alternatively, you could apply for the special constabulary or reservist forces. You do not, of course, have to enter the Public Services as the skills gained on this course are transferable to a wider range of job areas.

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This course is run at the Broomfield Hall Campus

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About Broomfield Hall »

Josh Randall

Public Services course helps Josh prepare for life as hydrographer in Royal Navy

Taking a BTEC level 3 course in Public Services at Derby College has helped former Ilkeston student Josh Randall to prepare for an exciting life in the Royal Navy.Josh, who completed his basic training at HMS Raleigh last October, joins his first ship this summer and can't wait.Josh is from a military family (his dad was formerly in the army and his brother is currently a serving soldier) but had originally thought of doing something different when he left school.Finding out about the Royal Navy's careers in hydrography changed all that though and he applied to join the service shortly after leaving school.As a hydrographer, Josh will be involved in mapping seas and oceans – a role which combines his love of science, geography and global travel.Josh, who is now 17, is so pleased he took the Derby College course before embarking on his naval career.He found the BTEC gave him greater insight into what to expect in the armed forces and provided him with useful information on legal aspects, such as The Geneva Convention.It also taught him the importance of team leadership:

He said: "Leading a team when you're only 16 is a big ask, but the Derby College course gave me confidence and was great experience. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of joining the armed forces."