Diploma in Public Services – Level 1

This one-year College Diploma course introduces students to the role of the Public Services – from the Police, Prisons, Ambulance and Fire and Rescue Services to the Army, Royal Navy, Marines and Royal Air Force. 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.

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 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.

The programme will enhance your understanding in:

• Public Service Careers
• Fit for Purpose
• Maths
• Personal Safety Awareness
• 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.

Delivery will be through face-to-face teaching. At selected times lessons may be delivered remotely.

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 36 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.

This course will be delivered on-site.

You should anticipate being active, leading and taking part in leadership tasks and fitness sessions.

We encourage students to bring their own device such as a laptop or tablet to aid their studies.

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.

Assessment methods will vary. You are expected to build an online 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 experiences outside of your comfort zone. 

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 Diploma in Policing, Criminology and Law
• Level 2 Diploma in Preparation for Public Services
• Level 2 Diploma in Sports Performance

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.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or tweet us @derbycollegeps