Public Services (Protective Services), BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate

This stimulating and challenging vocational course is for students who intend to study for a degree or follow a career path in Public Services.

The official title of this qualification is BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Uniformed Protective Services

It provides students with an opportunity to explore the uniformed protective services including the British Armed Forces (Army, Naval Service and Royal Air Force) Emergency Services (Police, Fire & Rescue, Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard) and Custodial Service.

Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the Public Services (Protective Services) environment along with transferable skills such as communication and teamwork.

This is a two year course, equivalent to one A Level.

It is recommended to combine the BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Public Services with one or two A Level or BTEC equivalent courses.  These could include:

• Business
• Sport
• Health & Social Care
• Politics
• Sociology
• Law

Following completion of the course, students go on to pursue a range of careers in Public Services (Protective Services).  Students also develop a variety of transferable skills that will equip them for many forms of employment.

See what some of our former Public Services (Protective Services) students have gone on to do.

This is a vocational course designed to develop both knowledge and practical skills needed in the Public Services sector.  Over the two years, students will study the following units:

• Behaviour and Discipline in the Uniformed Protective Services
• Teamwork, Leadership and Communication in the Uniformed Protective Services
• Introduction to Criminology
• Expedition Skills

Study is through a mixture of theory and practical activities which all students must be involved in.

Course Specific Trips, Visits & Experiences

Students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of course related experiences. In recent years, these have included:

• Army drill
• Royal Marines Fitness
• Army team building day
• Expedition planning and camping

In addition to course specific experiences, students also have the opportunity to get involved in the College’s Activities Programme.

All students need to gain an experience of the work place during their time at College and for students studying vocational courses it should ideally be linked to one of their subject areas.

This course is assessed through internal (67%) and external (33%) assessments including:

• A two hour written external exam for the Behaviour and Discipline in the Uniformed Protective Services unit
• Internally-assessed coursework, consisting of written assignments, presentations, reports and practical assessments
• Active participation in team building and leadership activities
• Planning and participation in expeditions 

The exam board for this BTEC is Pearson BTEC.

All students need to have at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (and a satisfactory school reference) in order to be accepted on an A Level/BTEC Level 3 Programme. In addition, students should meet the following minimum GCSE requirements:

• Grade 4 in a literate subject such as English Language, English Literature or History

A Merit or above in BTEC Level 2 Public Services will also be considered. Students should have a genuine interest in the Uniformed Services, as much of the course will involve linking the theory learnt to actual examples from the Services sector. Students will not be directly assessed on their practical ability.  However, an element of the course requires students to participate in practical’s and students should be prepared to be fully engaged in these. Those seeking to do well will need to be highly motivated and able to consistently meet coursework deadlines.

Do I need to study Uniformed Protective Services to join a protective service?

This course is not a requirement for joining a Uniformed Protective Service. However, this qualification will give you a broad understanding of the different services, their roles and skills required and will demonstrate your interest in the Uniformed Protective Services to any potential employer.

What does a typical BTEC lesson look like?

BTEC theory lessons are held in computer rooms allowing students to use electronic work packs for note-taking in preparation for assessments.

Lessons are taught practically where possible, for example, when looking at teamwork and expedition skills.

What trips and practical sessions are included in the course?

Students will participate in practical team-working, drill, team-building activities and leadership sessions.

For the Expedition skills unit, students will plan and participate in an expedition.

What skills will the course help develop?

This course will help develop employability skills essential for future employment or study including:

• Cognitive and problem-solving skills: using critical thinking, finding solutions, using systems and technology.

• Interpersonal skills: communicating, team-working, negotiating, influencing and presentation.

• Intrapersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development.