Uniformed Protective Services - Level 3

Course Summary

The course is full-time and takes two years to complete. The course consists of the following units:
• Citizenship and Diversity
• Behaviour and Discipline in the Uniformed Protective Services
• Global Affairs, the Media and the Uniformed Protective Services
• Physical Preparation, Health and Wellbeing
• Teamwork, Leadership and Communication in the Uniformed Protective Services
• Government and the Protective Services
• Planning for and responding to Emergency Incidents
• Skills for Outdoor Activities and the Uniformed Protective Services• Practical Team Sports
• Expedition skills
• Developing Personal Fitness Programmes
• Introduction to Criminology
• Understanding the Third Sector
• Professional Development in the Uniformed Protective Services

Compulsory residential activities to develop team work and practical skills are an integral part of the course. There is an additional cost to cover these trips, day trips, sports kits, travel costs associated with team games or residentials, and guest speakers. This charge is paid at enrolment and is non-refundable. The Learner Support Fund is available and could help assist in paying towards these fees.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

Each project, activity or assignment that you complete will be assessed. These assessments indicate your level of performance and contribute to your final grade. Each unit is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction. Assessment will be through practical and theoretical assignments and externally assessed examination units.

During your course you may have the chance to study the following additional qualifications available in our Department:
Level 3 Sports Leaders
YMCA Level 2 Gym Instructor
First Aid at Work
Personal Safety Awareness
Drug Awareness
GCSE retakes

There may be an extra certification fee for these qualifications.

During your time on the course you may (dependant on CV19 regulations) have the chance to attend extra residential activities. These may include:
Cross College Sports (girls and boys)
Water Sports tour in Southern France
Ski trip
Outdoor Leadership Course
Army/Navy/Marines look at life trips
Volunteering trip to Morocco
Sports tours

There is an extra cost for some of these activities.

Entry requirements

You will need 4 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) or above, including English or Maths
OR
Successful completion of a full Level 2 Diploma in a related subject.

No prior study of the sector is needed but learners should normally have a range of achievement at Level 2, in GCSEs or equivalent qualifications.

Internal Applicants will need a BTEC NQF certificate. All internal targets set by tutor must be met.

You will need to be dependable, energetic, prepared to work hard and willing to become a disciplined member of a team. This course includes a large proportion of leadership and assertion skills training. As a result, a great deal of responsibility is placed upon you. You will be required to take part in weekly physical activity training sessions and your physical fitness will be assessed several times a year. To this end, you will also need to possess an interest in physical training as this forms an integral part of the course due to the demands of the different entry tests for the UPS. In addition to the entry qualifications listed, the offer of a place on the course is subject to the outcomes of initial assessment, which will be taken at the College as part of the admissions process. Please note that entry criteria may vary quite significantly between courses at the same level. This is to take account of the specific skills needed for success on particular courses, the length of the course and the requirements for progression to the next level. Entry criteria are given as a guide, and the exact requirements in order to obtain a place on a particular course will be confirmed following attendance at a Welcome Event/Interview.

Your next steps...

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. Employers from the uniformed protective services sector have also been involved and consulted so that the qualification content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners who choose to enter direct employment in the sector.
The qualification gives learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that will prepare them for further study or training.

This course is equivalent to three A Levels. It does not guarantee entry into any of the uniformed services, although it is designed to give you every opportunity to develop and improve the skills necessary for successful selection. This broad-based course will also enable students to progress onto a variety of university courses. Many students progress into the services and related industries.

Students can also apply to be part of the Police Academy which is supported by Cambridgeshire Constabulary. Students are given an insight into the role of a Police Officer and work Police Officers in developing the appropriate skills to support their application into the Police Force.

The college has its own Army Cadet Detachment providing leavers with their first steps into the UPS. The cadets complete the cadet syllabus alongside their course developing skills and abilities that are required for the UPS.

For more courses like this, check our courses page.