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Diploma in Preparation for the Public Services - Level 2Apply Now »
Location: Broomfield Hall
Years: 1
Interview: Y
Course Summary
This BTEC Level 2 Public Services study programme is designed for students with mid-level GCSE grades (3-4) who did not achieve English or Maths at grade 4 or above.
Your study pathway will focus on the achievement and development of maths or English skills while covering concepts of leadership, emergency service incidents and cyber security within the Public Services. This programme has the option of a further year's study at this level to ensure the achievement of GCSE English or Maths, but students should aim to progress to the Level 3 Extended Certificate in Public Services.
Students will need to be focused on the completion of their skills programme in order to advance to higher level qualifications and to open up greater chances of employment. In both practical and theoretical settings, you will study what the Public Services can offer and where the employment growth markets are within the sector.
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.
Entry requirements
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
- GCSE English or Maths
- Public Service Skills and Support for the Community
- Driving in the Public Services
- Employment in Public Services
- Cyber Security and Crime
- Activities for Teamwork
- Attending Emergency Incidents
- Health and Fitness
- Sport and Recreation
- Community and Cultural Awareness
How will I be assessed?
You will build an online 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, reports and essays, presentations, workbooks, discussions and vivas.
Maths and English will be assessed through a series of final exams.
You will benefit from having your own tablet or laptop to develop your assignment work.
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
There are no additional costs. Students are expected to wear black tops (T-shirts, jumpers, hoodies etc) when in class and when representing the department during community projects. Students are free to wear what they choose on their lower half, providing it is suitable for the activity being undertaken.
There are DCG-branded options to purchase should students wish to do so. However, this is not mandatory: we merely expect compliance with our colour code.
We advise students to have access to their own laptop to support their learning throughout the year.
What can I do after this course?
- Level 3 Extended Certitifcate in Public Services
- Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instruction
Did you find the course information on this page useful?
Lisa Pipes
Support of “passionate” lecturers inspires mum-of-four to a degree
A mum-of-four and former single parent says the learning style and support of Derby College enabled her to gain a degree.
Lisa Pipes, 37, combined bringing up her young family with a two-year Foundation Degree in Criminal Justice and Offender Management. In her third year at the Roundhouse she combined that with a BA in Security and Offender Management to graduate with a 2.1.
Lisa had previously started a university geography degree but when she became pregnant with twins she found it too difficult to continue her studies.
Unlike university, she said College fitted in perfectly with school term times and she found that the level of support she received was “much greater.”
She previously worked in sales and banking, but her dream had always been to be a police officer. She is now applying to join the Derbyshire force.
Lisa, who remarried while she was at College, completed her work placement with the Derby charity Women’s Work, which supports disadvantaged and vulnerable women.
The lecturers are very passionate about what they do, and it really shows. Nothing is too much trouble. I’d always wanted to get a degree – a cap and gown and all that! – but I think as you get older you put obstacles in the way.
But if I can do it with four kids, I guess it shows it’s possible for most people. I made sure I made time for the kids and worked on my studies around them. I was a single mum and I also got remarried – so all sorts was going on.
I’d recommend Derby College, particularly if you are trying to juggle bringing up a young family.
