Level 3 Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services

In year one, students will study for the 90 Credit Diploma.
If students achieve a grade Merit or above in all units, they can progress to the Extended Diploma in year two.
A BTEC Level 3 is a practical, work related course. You will learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. As well as learning about the career options available in the public services you will learn some of the skills needed for a career in a uniformed public service. The course is the equivalent of up to three A Levels, on completion of the Extended Diploma.

The academic course forms part of a study programme what consists of several strands, these are:
• 14 hours academic public services course work
• 1 hour tutorial with your personal learning coach
• 36 hours of work based experience to support your class based learning
• Functional Skills or GCSE classes to ensure you achieve a grade C standard required by employers.

In year one, students will study for the 90 Credit Diploma The first year of the course provides the opportunity to learn about the areas of public service work that are the foundation subjects. These are subjects and skills that all public service workers need to have to be successful in their careers.

These subjects are:
• Government Policies and the Public Services
• Team Building and Leadership
• Citizenship and Diversity and the Public Services

In addition to the above units the first year will include units covering:
• Fitness Testing
• Emergency Service Incidents
• Navigation and Compass Work
• Crime and Society

On successful completion of the first year you may have the opportunity to progress onto year two of the course. The study programme hours remain the same as for the first year. The subjects that are covered in the second year of the course are:

• War, Conflict and Terrorism in the Public Services
• Skills for Outdoor and Adventurous Activities
• Police Powers
• Major Incidents
• Discipline in the Public Services
• Aspects of the Legal System and Law Making
• Volunteering in the Public Services
• Expedition Skills
• Team Sports

You will have the opportunity to visit the Public Services and see them at work. This should include the chance to board a Naval Ship, to see the RAF at work on a RAF Base. The chance to visit the Police and Fire Service and see what work they do.

Recruitment and careers teams will also visit you at college to inform you about your career options in the services.

Students completing the course have many options available to them. The skills and experience gained throughout the course will assist in the pursuit of a career in any of the military or emergency service organisations. These include:

• The Fire and Rescue Service
• The Police Service
• The Paramedic Service
• The Royal Marines
• The Royal Navy
• The Army
• The Royal Air Force.
• The Immigration and Customs Services
• The Prison Service

In addition to the above careers, completion of the full 2 year programme could lead to the chance to go to university and study for a degree on a career related topic. This could open up new opportunities to join the services at a higher level.

Completing the first year of the course will enable you to go on to the 2nd year and complete the higher level.

On completion of the course you will have achieved a BTEC qualification the equivalent of three A Levels. If you have obtained the high grades throughout your course you will have the option of going on to university to further study a subject relevant to public service work. These include:

• Law
• Psychology
• Criminology
• Police Studies
• Forensic Science

If you wish to progress into employment you will be given support in applying for your chosen public service when recruitment opportunities are available.

Progression at all levels within this academic area require high levels of attendance, punctuality, and standards of behaviour in accordance with college student codes of conduct and policies.

Minimum end of year grade requirement of Merit is also required.

Four or more GCSEs at grade 4 to 9 (including maths and English).

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

You will be assessed throughout the course in a number of different ways. These will be written assignments, presentations, observed assessments, professional discussions and practical tasks.

September 2025

Full Time.

The 90-Credit Diploma is the first year of a two year programme. In the second year you will complete the Extended Diploma in Public Services.

This full time study programme courses may also be available to study on a part-time basis if you are aged 18 or over on 31st August. Please check with Student Services for more details.