Are you aiming for a career in the British Armed Forces or the emergency services? Whether your goal is to join the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, or work within the HM Police, HM Prison Service, probation, or Fire and Rescue Services—this course is your first step.
Designed as a two-year, full-time programme, this qualification is equivalent in size to three A Levels and is built to support your progression into higher education and, ultimately, a career in the Uniformed Protective Services. With increasing demand for graduates across the sector—particularly within policing—this course gives you a strong academic and practical foundation to stand out.
We work closely with leading organisations, including Thames Valley Police, HM Prison Service, British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and Local Fire and Rescue Services. This means you’ll gain direct exposure to industry professionals who bring your learning to life and show how theory applies in real-world situations.
What you can expect from the programme:
- Develop essential skills such as communication, self-discipline and teamwork
- Take part in visits to real Public Service Environments, including Prisons, Police Stations, Crown Courts, Fire stations and Military bases.
- Understand entry requirements and fitness standards for your chosen service, with support to help you prepare and succeed
This is more than just a qualification—it’s your pathway to a future in the Public Services. If you’re motivated, ambitious and ready to take on a challenge, this course will help you get there.
What you'll learn
You will develop transferable and higher-order skills, such as research, presentation and communication skills, discipline, and the ability to be resourceful and work collaboratively, which are highly regarded by higher education and employers.
Over the course of two years, you will study 13 units, of which 7 are core units, undertaken by all Uniformed Protective Services students nationally.
Everyone taking this qualification will study 7 core units. Five of the units are assessed internally and two are assessed externally. The core units are:
- citizenship and diversity
- behaviour and discipline in the Uniformed Protective Services
- global affairs, the media, and the Uniformed Protective Services
- physical preparation, health, and well-being
- teamwork, leadership, and communication in the Uniformed Protective Services
- Government and the Protective Services
- planning for and responding to emergency incidents
You will also study 6 additional units that have been designed to support progression to a range of sector-related courses in higher education and which link to relevant occupational areas. These units cover content areas such as criminology, police powers, the third sector, criminal investigation procedures and practice, custodial care, sociological perspectives, and fitness training.
How you'll learn and be assessed
The Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services includes a voluntary requirement, off-site visits, and presentations from Uniformed Protective Service industry experts.
The course consists of a mixture of theory class-based and practical-based sessions that use the resources available to us. You will be taught by tutors who have significant experience working in and alongside protective services.
You will develop a range of employability skills in three main categories:
- Cognitive and problem-solving skills: using critical thinking, approaching non-routine problems by applying expert and creative solutions, and using systems and technology.
- Interpersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation.
- Intrapersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development
This qualification will provide the knowledge and skills that prepare learners for progression to university. The skills that universities value include the:
- ability to learn independently
- ability to research actively and methodically
- ability to give presentations and to be active members of a group
You will be assessed continuously throughout the programme and given ongoing feedback to support you through the course. You will be required to sit 1 exam each January of your course. Your assessments will be written, practical and verbal, and give you every opportunity to achieve the maximum grade available.
Entry requirements
You need to have 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and maths or a BTEC Level 2 CERTIFICATE grade Merit or Distinction plus English and maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
