Course Details

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Diploma in Public Services - Level 2Apply Now »

Level: 2

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 and 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 Subsidiary Diploma 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

You will need to complete an interview and screening test in maths and English. The entry requirements are for students with the majority of GCSEs graded between 4-3, with English and/or Maths at grade 3. Your individual timetable will be developed around your skills needs.

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 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.

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

GCSE English and/or Maths
Public Service Skills
Employment and Careers in Public Services
Expeditions and Navigation
Volunteering
Health and Fitness
Citizenship

It also includes a tutorial session to monitor your progress, set targets and support your main programme of study, help your future progression and enhance your life skills. Students will also gain First Aid and Stewarding qualifications.

The completion of your GCSE will enable you to apply for higher level courses. Please enquire for details about how you can develop your skills at this level over two years.

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.

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. However, should you wish, you may apply for a European work experience placement which in previous years has cost in the region of £250.

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.

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, this course provides an excellent platform for progression to programmes such as the:

Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Public Services
Level 2 Certificate in Health, Wellbeing and Physical Activity Leadership

Careers

You may wish to seek voluntary or paid employment in the Public Services or in the security industry. You can also 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."