Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services L3

Course overview

If you are looking for a career within the Uniformed Public Services area such as the Armed Forces or the Emergency Services then here is the place to start. This course is designed to help you develop the skills needed for today’s workforce within the Uniformed Public Services. This course can help you grow in confidence and become self-disciplined, learn how to solve problems, meet deadlines, keep fit and work as part of a team. All tutors are ex services so they know the industry well and have good links with local employers.

For more information please visit: Public Services/Criminology - Bishop Auckland College (bacoll.ac.uk)

Course requirements

Minimum 4 GCSE’s at grades 9 - 4 (A* - C) or equivalent (preferably to include Maths and English) or a BTEC/NCFE Level 2 at Merit or above. A genuine interest in the subject is essential – an interview will assess your suitability for the course and interest in the subject.

What will I do?

The full-time course is taught over 3-4 days per week (you may be required to attend additional days if you have not achieved grades 9-4 in English and Maths).

You will be required to complete either 6 or 9 units in year one (dependant on discussions with the department tutors) and the same in year two.

A typical study program could include a selection from the following units:

• Leadership and Teamwork
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Equality and Diversity
• Land and water-based Activities
• Discipline in the Uniformed Services
• Fitness for the Uniformed Services
• Government, Organisations and Media
• Mental Health and the Uniformed Services
• Career Planning
• Hierarchy and Routine
• Skills for land-based outdoor activities
• Telecommunications in the Uniformed Services
• Planning and Management of Major Incidents
• War and Conflict
• Volunteering

You are required to complete a work placement during each academic year. It is normal practice that students complete a 4-day residential at Catterick Garrison where you are able to simulate being an Army soldier for a short period of time. Other students have volunteered to work at local charities like the British Heart Foundation or have volunteered their time at their local sports centre.

You will also be given the opportunity to experience various vocations via guest speakers and day trips into industry. Previous trips have included: Meadowfield Police Training Centre where students got to act as perpetrators of crime for new Police recruits during riot training; Bishop Auckland Fire station where students played car crash victims and had the opportunity to be cut out of a car. In addition, guest speakers are booked often and include the Royal Marines, Durham Constabulary special operations unit, local PCSO’s, British Army, Prison officers, the Probation service to name a few.

In addition to the work placement 4 day residential, there will also be opportunities over the period of the course to stop away from home on occasion. Trips in previous years have included:

• London City and Houses of Parliament
• Krakow
• Berlin
• Faslane Naval Base
• Overnight camping expeditions in the Lake District
• York Army Barracks

There is also an expectation for all students to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award whilst at college. N.B – a small registration fee is required.

Students will also be expected to partake in fitness activities on a weekly basis in relation to their chosen profession although previous fitness levels are not taken into consideration.

There will be an opportunity for you to undertake some certificated 1st aid training whilst on your course. This will ensure you stay ahead of the competition when applying for jobs and will enable you to respond in an emergency situation - a skill which is valued by any employer.

What will it give me?

Successful completion of our level 3 Uniformed Service course will give you the equivalent of either 2 or 3 A levels, dependant on which route you take (this is discussed with tutors on day one).

Materials needed

Students will be required to purchase a uniform pack (1 hoody, 1 polo shirt, 1 T-shirt and 1 outdoor jacket); this will have a small cost implication as will any residential trips should you choose to partake in them (concessions may apply for student grants based on their personal circumstances).

What can I do when I finish?

If you complete 18 units over your time with us then you will be eligible to apply for our own HND in Public Services course, or a related degree at an alternative provider; previous students have continued onto Durham, Leeds and Teesside university. Alternatively, you would be able to apply for the new Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (UK wide) where you would be paid to study at university whilst working as a Police Constable.

If you study 12 units with us, Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service also now run an annual apprenticeship recruitment program where around 12 new recruits are employed for each cohort. If however you are looking for an alternative career path, then our course prepares students for employment in the: Army, Navy, RAF, Ambulance service or Prison service amongst others (previous students are now working in all of these fields and often come back as guest speakers).

What next?

If you would like to apply, please click the "Apply Now" section below and follow the steps. Thank you!