Foundation Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services – Level 3

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 a named Public Service, or should be looking to develop their leadership skills or knowledge of the security sector. This is the first year of a two-year programme equivalent to studying three A-levels.

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 teamwork and leadership, physical preparation, behaviour and discipline, criminology, citizenship, and police powers and the law.

All students will be offered a conditional place on our Foundation Degree in Criminology (Offender Management) when progressing to Year 2 of the programme.

The entry requirements are for the majority of your GCSE grades to be between 9-5, 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 Merit or 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 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. You will be expected to lead groups and work as a team.

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.

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

• Citizenship
• Behaviour and Discipline
• Teamwork and Leadership
• Introduction to Criminology
• Police Powers and Law

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 54 hours of work placement. Many of these hours will be offered to you through our existing partnerships with employers.

In advance you may wish to consider Police, Fire Service, Army, Navy or Air Cadets for a further understanding of this sector.

This course will be delivered on-site.

You are encouraged to use a laptop to aid your studies.

You will succeed with a positive mindset, self discipline and a “can do” attitude.

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 learners are advised to have a tablet or laptop to aid them with their studies.

There may be additional costs incurred for selected trips or visits.

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, written reports and essays, presentations, workbooks, discussions and vivas.  

There is a written exam which is externally set and marked for Unit 2: Behaviour and Discipline.

Further Study

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

• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services (Year 2)
• Level 5 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. 

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