Overview

Step into the dynamic world of public services, a sector that includes essential roles in the police, fire service, ambulance service, prison service, and armed forces. This vibrant and vocational course combines hands-on practical experiences with engaging theoretical learning to prepare you for an exciting and impactful career.

Physical readiness is key in public services, and you’ll take part in compulsory fitness sessions designed to help you meet the fitness requirements of roles in uniformed protective services.

Outdoor activities are a significant component of the course, offering physical, social, and psychological benefits while boosting personal resilience. You’ll study the components of fitness and lifestyle factors, developing a personalized fitness plan to meet the demands of your chosen path in public services.

This course isn’t just about building your expertise in public sector roles—it also equips you with invaluable transferable skills such as time management, teamwork, and communication, ensuring you’re ready to thrive in any professional environment.

Whether you’re drawn to serving the community as a first responder, supporting justice as part of the criminal justice system, or protecting the nation in the armed forces, this course lays the foundation for a fulfilling and meaningful career.

What will you learn?

You’ll study the vital security measures employed in custodial environments, learning how control is maintained and how offenders are supported both in custody and upon release. Team building and leadership take center stage as you participate in activities that strengthen collaboration and communication—key skills for any career.

Year 1:

Behaviour and Discipline in the Uniformed Protective Services (Exam)

Professional Development

Physical Preparation Health and Well-being

Leadership, Teamwork and Communication

Skills for Outdoor Activities and the Uniformed Protective Services

Year 2:

Government and the Protective Services (Exam)

Planning and Responding for Emergency Incidents

Global Affairs

Expedition Skills

Developing Personal Fitness Programmes

The Third Sector

Police Powers and Law

Custodial Care

In addition, you will undertake continuous assessment of practical and academic projects and assignments. The visits to, and presentations from the services, are assessed and are a compulsory part of your course and your grade.

Who is the course aimed at?

This course is for you if you have a genuine interest in furthering your knowledge of Public Services such as the police service, fire service, immigration service, border force, probation service, military, civil service, charities such as RNLI, St John and the Red Cross. 

This course is also for you if you are unsure what career you want to do but want to make a difference in your local community. As the course involves a variety of subjects including, sport, anatomy, principles of training, human rights, sociology, criminal justice, equality and diversity, instructing adventurous activities, coaching, it is an excellent stepping stone to careers outside of the traditional public services. This will enable you to progress onto further study of any of these subjects and lead to careers such as fitness instructor, teaching, coaching, lawyer, management, human resources, finance and many more. 

Entry Requirements & Other Info

Entry Requirements

You must have a minimum of four GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English Language and Maths.
Experiences

This course will provide you with many opportunities to engage with public services and the local community. There will be trips to related services such as HMP Hull, and visits from industry professionals, such as Humberside Police, fire service, border force, immigration service, military as well as visits to outdoor activity centres to do activities such as bouldering, go-karting, paintballing, water assault course, developing your teamwork skills and resilience.  You will also be able to get involved with our Upskilling Programme, which will offer many different activities to enrich your learning and help you to grow your skills.
Progression

Students who complete a qualification in Public Services can use skills and knowledge gained in this course to gain employment into the public service sector. Or progress to complete a degree in an area like Professional Policing, Sport, Criminology, Law, Paramedic Science. 
Outcomes

Students who complete a qualification in Public Services go on to a wide variety of jobs. These can include: Police Officer, Army Officer, Soldier, Investigator, Paramedic, Border Force Officer, Security Consultant, Teacher, Coach, Fitness Instructor, Solicitor, Barrister and many more.