Level 3 Protective Services (Police Pathway) Edexcel BTEC National Foundation Diploma

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Level 3 Protective Services (Police Pathway) Edexcel BTEC National Foundation Diploma

Attendance: Full Time

Course level: 3

Location: Wellington Road Campus

Course code: CP0017

Start dates:

07/09/2026

Age:

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Is this course right for me?

Whether you are a school leaver looking to gain the qualifications necessary to apply to join your chosen police force, or an adult lacking the necessary entry requirements to make a direct application to the force, this course is the first step to your future career!

Policing is a complex activity characterised by the need to carefully consider how law, values, social policy and organisational priorities should be interpreted and applied and, as such, police forces in the UK are constantly adapting to meet the needs and challenges of today’s every-changing society.

The protective/public sector is becoming increasingly technical in terms of operation and, as such requires it staff to have a wide range of skills and abilities to support the provision of an efficient and effective service, whichever service you work in. By choosing the Police Pathway, you will gain the necessary qualification, service awareness and key transferable skills to meet the operational requirements of the police service in the UK.

The course combines scenario-based learning and simulated service situations, together with lectures and seminars taught by experienced academic staff and retired experienced police officers, and will equip you with learning, confidence and experience that will be valuable in your future career. You will also have the opportunity to complete 30 hours of a work experience placement.

Successful completion of the foundation diploma will enable you to progress to the second year of the qualification – the Level 3 extended diploma – and then apply for a Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) or BSc (Hons) Policing and Intelligence at the University of Wolverhampton or University of Staffordshire.

Costs:
• Compulsory study visits: £120 per year*
• Uniform: A college branded uniform is compulsory and will cost around £123 per person*
Order kit here: www.laclothing.co.uk/wolvcoll

*Financial support may be available to cover some of these costs

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Course details

Entry Requirements:

To access this course you are required to have:

Five or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and maths OR
Successful completion of the Level 2 Diploma in Public Services

You will also be required to purchase a college-branded uniform – details will be provided before the start of the course.

What will I learn?

During this course you will study:

Citizenship
Behaviour and discipline in uniformed protective services
Physical preparation
Teamwork, leadership and communication
Custodial care
Police powers and the law

What skills will I gain?

By studying this course you will:

Develop knowledge of the broader criminal justice system
Learn advanced skills in dealing effectively and sensitively with members of the public
Gain an understanding of the public service sector
Develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required by the sector, including essential employability skills
Discover the levels of fitness required for the police force and how to improve your health and fitness for entry into the service
Gain valuable leadership, team working and communication skills by taking part in team-building activities and educational visits
Develop common core knowledge of government policies, crime and its effects on society and citizenship and diversity

How will I be assessed?

Throughout the course you will be assessed in the following ways:

Individual and group presentations
Case studies
Assignments
Reports
Practical fitness testing

What can I do next?

The skills you will learn from this course will enable you to:

Progress to the Protective Services Level 3 Extended Diploma (Police Pathway)
Apply to join the Special Constabulary
Apply for the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (if required level of UCAS points achieved)

Level 3 Protective Services (Police Pathway) Edexcel BTEC National Foundation Diploma

Course code: CP0017

Full Time

Wellington Road Campus

Apply Now

Future careers

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