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Hospitality, Tourism & Sport

Public Services (Uniformed Protective Services) - Level 3 Extended Diploma

Start Date: 2nd September 2024
Code: PFFB01402

  • Further Education
  • Full-time
  • Ballymena
  • Course Information
  • Applications are closed. To register your interest email Admissions.

Essentials

Duration: 2 Years Full-time
Start date: 2nd September 2024
End date: 5th June 2026
Information Event: Yes

Course fee: FREE (Eligibility criteria may apply)


Course Content

This is a specialist course for those interested in pursuing a career in the uniformed protective services, including the fire and rescue service, police service, armed forces, HM Prison Service and HM Revenue & Customs. Students also have the opportunity to experience a variety of teambuilding activities and meet members of the uniformed services via guest speakers and educational visits.

This course is for you, if you are interested in human behaviour, health and fitness, law and the legal system, government policies, leadership and team working, and would like to develop the skills and knowledge required by employers in the Uniformed Protective Services.

Units of Study

Year 1

  • Citizenship and Diversity
  • Behaviour and Discipline in the Uniformed Protective Services (Exam)
  • Physical Preparation, Health and Wellbeing
  • Teamwork, Leadership and Communication in the Uniformed Protective Services
  • Police Powers & the Law

Year 2

  • Global Affairs, the Media and the Uniformed Protective Services
  • ​Government and the Protective Services (Exam)
  • Planning for and Responding to Emergency Incidents
  • Custodial Care
  • Developing Personal Fitness Programmes
  • Introduction to Criminology
  • Criminal Investigation Procedures & Practice

If you are accepted onto this course without a Grade C or above in Maths and/or English you will be required to complete the relevant Essential Skills qualification. This will be a compulsory part of your timetable.


Course Aims

This qualification is designed for learners who want to focus on the uniformed protective services sector, with the aim of progressing to higher education to a related degree course or employment.


Assessment Methods

You will learn in a variety of fun and exciting ways and be assessed through a variety of methods including assignments, exams, research projects, presentations, role plays, group discussions and participation in team activities. There is also a practical side to the course which will involve you taking part in sporting and leadership activities to ensure that you have the knowledge, skills and fitness levels that are needed for a job in the uniformed public services.


Course Update

Please note from September 2025, all Ballymena courses are planned to move to the new Ballymena campus at Farm Lodge.

Applicants should have at least 4 GCSEs at Grade C, or above, or other relevant qualifications, or appropriate work experience.


The skills that you will learn are very much in demand from a vast range of employers and universities. Learners can further their studies by going on to complete a HND or degree course in areas such as Criminology; Fire & Rescue, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Policing Studies, Sociology, Psychology, Law, Politics and Public Services as well as combined degree courses. 

If higher education is not for you, you have the option to progress into a range of apprenticeships which are offered by the armed forces or you could apply for a range of entry level roes within the Uniformed Protective Services sector.


Farm Lodge
Ballymena
BT43 7DF
0333 034 8197

Contact

Admissions

This course is also available in other NRC campuses.

Essential Skills

All full-time students at Northern Regional College have the opportunity to improve their English, Maths and ICT skills and gain qualifications. The qualification you take will depend on the qualification you already have. If you do not have a grade C or above in GCSE English, Maths or ICT, you MUST complete Essential Skills; this will form a compulsory part of your timetable. If you are planning to go on to further study (for example university), please check if a GCSE qualification (rather than Essential Skills Level 2 equivalent) is required. For those who have a GCSE grade D in Maths or English, we offer a GCSE fast-track course.

Show Essential Skills courses