BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma / National Extended Diploma in Public Services
Overview
This is a specialist practical and vocational qualification. You will learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities, and demands. The course is designed to give you an insight into the practicalities and realities of working within a public service organisation. The course has a range of diverse and challenging topic areas offering an introduction to the skills you will need when working in the public sector. You will complete the BTEC Level 3 90 Credit Diploma in the first year progressing to the Extended Diploma in the second year. The Extended Diploma is broadly equivalent to 3 A Levels which means you will be ideally placed to progress to higher education, pursue public services or specialist public services qualifications such as higher Nationals or other degree-level qualifications.
Course Content - What will I learn?
Accross the two years of the course the following subjects will be studied. Government, Policies and the Public Services. Leadership and Teamwork in the Public Services. Citizenship, Diversity and the Public Services. Understanding Discipline in the Uniformed Public Services. Fitness Testing and Training for the Uniformed Public Services. International Institutions and Human Rights. Understand the Impact of War, Conflict and Terrorism on Public Services. Outdoor and Adventurous Expeditions. Crime and its Effects on Society. Command and Control in the Uniformed Public Services. Responding to Emergency Service Incidents. Police Powers in the Public Services. Behaviour in Public Sector Employment. Communication and Technology in the Uniformed Public Services. Custodial Care Services. Aspects of the Legal System and Law Making Process. Current and Media Affairs in Public Services. Security Procedures in the Public Services. Exercise, Health and Lifestyle. Land Navigation by Map and Compass .
Am I right for the course?
The course is aimed primarily at students who are interested in pursuing a career in one of the many diverse public services, including Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Police, Law Courts, Fire Service, Paramedic Service, Customs and Excise, Security Industry. Past students have used the qualification to progress to university, taking degree courses in sociology, criminology, law, outdoor pursuits and health and social care. The civil and private security industries are covered within the course and there are opportunities to gain additional qualifications in event marshalling for events such as the Olympics, music festivals and motor sport. It can offer those students who are unsure of what profession to choose a valuable insight into many alternative career options within the wider public and uniformed services. Tutors have links with the professions and you will have opportunities to meet with a broad range representatives from the public services to discuss and mentor you with your career development.
4 GCSEs with 4 points or at Grade C or above including Maths or English or a Level 2 qualification in Public Services. You should have a reasonable level of physical fitness with a willingness to learn the self discipline of public service work, be motivated and have enthusiasm. You will be required to evidence voluntary work within the community.
Throughout the programme, progress will be assessed in all areas via assignments, practical work, projects, and other activities. There will be an emphasis on your personal commitment to learning and you will be guided through enhancing your research and cognitive skills through projects you manage yourself. All units are assessed and graded as a Pass, Merit or Distinction. This programme will allow you to achieve the equivalent of up to three A-levels.
You will also have the opportunity to complete a functional skill in literacy and numeracy whilst studying your main programme, which is encouraged by both employers and academic institutions. Opportunities are also available to take GCSE qualifications alongside your course. Feedback from sector employers is that they are seeking evidence of voluntary community involvement to support employment applications. To support his requirement all learners will be expected to commit to achieving a minimum of 30hrs in voluntary activity per academic year. Tutors will support you with identifying opportunities; examples in previous years are working with Hertfordshire Police Training and County Council emergency planning. Links are already in place with Hertfordshire County Council for those who wish to obtain the Volunteering V50 silver and V100 gold certificates for extended voluntary work in the community.
We would recommend that you purchase the BTEC Level 3 Public ServIces text book to support you with your assessments (ISBN: 978-1846907197)
The staff on the Public Services Team at Oaklands College have diverse backgrounds, who have experience working within the public services and security industries, including specialist sports tutors. We like to use the term `passing on our experiences’ as part of your learning, and tutors will mentor you through any application process to the services or universities. You will have opportunities to meet with representatives from the armed and emergency services to discuss your career development. There will be opportunities to work with Hertfordshire Police Constabulary at their training centre, assisting in delivery of their training courses to officers and police staff
What Next?
The Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Servces is highly valued by employers and Universities. Students can go into a wide range of public sector occupations, the armed and emergency services, voluntary services, community and youth work, the leisure services, private security and local government. If you decide to go to university, recent learners have secured places on degree courses in sociology, crime and psychology, law, outdoor and adventure activities and health and social care.
Recent students have secured places on degree courses in sociology, crime and psychology, law, outdoor and adventure activities and health and social care.
Potential careers:
- Soldier
- Coastguard
- Detective
- Dog Handler
- Emergency Services
- Control Room Operator
- Firefighter
- Marines
- Navy
- Police
- Prison Officer
- RAF
- Security Officer
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Fees
16-18 years old, no tuition fees apply to Full Time courses and fees subject to confirmation. Additional costs applicable to BHS courses.
For all two year courses fees shown above are per year.
Aged 19+ and planning to take a level 3 or above a different fee may apply. You may be eligible for an Advanced Learning Loan.
All HE courses (full and part time) are subject to tuition fees.
In need of more advice?
Contact our Admissions team to find out more about student fees and how they might apply to you.
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