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Prepare for a career in the armed forces or emergency services with this in-depth look at what these key areas require for success.

The objective of this course is to develop a professional understanding of the key public services before making a specific career choice. You will look at the different services and investigate your options.

  • Entry Criteria

    4 GCSEs (A*-C/9-4), including English or maths, or successful completion of the Level 2 Diploma.

    For students aged 19+ this course is non-funded and requires an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the course fees. Find out more about Advance Learner Loans here. If you have any questions about course fees then please contact our admissions team on 01923 812345

  • What will I study?

    Practical-based projects are the focus in the classroom, followed by opportunities to develop these new skills on trips and activity courses. It’s a busy and varied schedule that builds specialist work-related knowledge in preparation for exciting careers in uniformed service.

    You’ll examine many key subjects including:


    • Government policies and the public services - develop knowledge and understanding of the UK government policies and the democratic election process


    • Teamwork and leadership - develop a knowledge of leadership style and an understanding of teams and teamwork activities within the public services


    • Outdoor and adventurous expeditions - learn to plan, participate in and reflect on outdoor and adventurous expeditions


    • Crime and its effects - gain a knowledge of current UK crime and disorder legislation and the sentences and orders available to the criminal justice agencies


    • Practical team sports - explore the skills, techniques, tactics and rules of team sports through practical participation


    • Fitness testing - understand the fitness requirements for entry into the uniformed public services and the different methods of fitness training


    • Citizenship - gain the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to become thoughtful and informed citizens and public service employees


    • War and conflict - understand the impact of war and conflict on UK public services and how the public services deal with terrorism both within the UK and on the international scene

    • Specialist areas include insights into police methods for conducting searches (in rooms, cars and of people) and professional methods for combating terrorism

    Visiting guests will discuss contemporary crime and counter measures, with projects in partnership with forensic science students bringing to life investigation methods. The study of war and conflict is brought to life with trips to the Imperial War Museum.

    You may take part in a week-long trip of activities featuring kayaking, abseiling and gorge walking. It’s a combination specifically designed to develop your physical fitness, confidence, team working and communication skills.

  • Future Prospects

    You can progress your studies with an HND in Public Services, a Foundation degree or a BA (Hons) degree. This course also opens up a host of career opportunities within the uniformed public services; including police, fire and rescue, ambulance, prison, HM revenue and customs areas or in the armed forces such as the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force.

    This course opens up a host of career opportunities, for more information visit the National Careers Service