• Full Time
  • Level 3

BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services Level 3

Applications for full time 2025/26 courses are now closed.

2026/27 applications will open in November 2025.

Subject Area
Public Services
Start date
1 September 2025
Duration
1 year
Mode of study
Full Time
Level
3

Course Overview

Looking for a career in public services?

With a wide variety of roles to explore, during this course you’ll study a range of units that will give you a broad insight into this exciting sector.

…you’d like to work for the armed forces, prison or emergency services

…you’d like a career in community service related organisations

…you’d like a blend of practical and classroom study

The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with a broad overview of skills, attributes and qualities to progress onto higher education or employment within the Uniformed Protective services.

This course is split equally between theory-based classroom activities and practical outdoor activities. In support of these, you’ll also experience a wide range of trips, visits and guest speakers, plus two expeditions and a course residential trip.

Course content:

Year 1

  • Unit 1 – Citizenship and Diversity
  • Unit 2 – Behaviour and Discipline in the Uniformed Protective Services
  • Unit 4 – Physical Preparation Health & Wellbeing
  • Unit 5 – Teamwork Leadership & Communication in the Uniformed Protective Services
  • Unit 10 – Skills for Outdoor Activities & the Uniformed Protective Services
  • Either/or Understanding the Third Sector or Responding to Emergency Incidents

Plus Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge in year 1

Year 2 modules may include:

  • Unit 3 – Global Affairs & Media in the Uniformed Protective Services
  • Unit 6 – Government and the Protective Services
  • Unit 11 – Expedition Skills
  • Unit 13 – Introduction to Criminology
  • Unit 14 – Principles of Managing Security Threats

Plus Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge in year 2

You’ll be assessed through practical and written assignments, presentations, portfolios and observation, and on completion of the course, you’ll achieve:

  • Level 3 Uniformed Protective Services (Equivalent to 3 A Level after 2 years)
  • Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Equivalent to 1 A Level
  • Maths and English (if you haven’t achieved a Grade C or above at GCSE level)

To enter the course, we require:

  • A minimum of 5 GCSEs Grades C or above, to include either Maths/Maths Numeracy or English/Welsh First Language
  • OR appropriate Level 2 Diploma qualification at Merit Grade with GCSEs to include either Maths/Maths Numeracy or English/Welsh First Language at Grade C or above.

Full commitment to attendance is required, and practical participation is essential in completing this course.

Adhere to the college code of conduct and behaviours.

Work both independently and within groups.

What qualification will you achieve?

Year 1: Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services (Equivalent to 1.5 A Levels)

Year 2: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services (Equivalent to 3 A Levels)

From there, progression routes include Higher Education courses in public and emergency services at Coleg Gwent or university, or employment.

You’ll need a minimum of 5 GCSEs grade C or above including either Maths/Numeracy or English/Welsh 1st Language, OR an appropriate Level 2 Diploma qualification with GCSEs to include either Maths/Numeracy or English/Welsh 1st Language at grade C or above.

Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone

Course Code
EFBE0004AC
Duration
1 year
Mode of study
Full Time

Crosskeys Campus

Course Code
CFBE0004AB
Duration
1 year
Mode of study
Full Time

Torfaen Learning Zone

Course Code
PFBE0004AB
Duration
1 year
Mode of study
Full Time
Day(s)
Monday to Friday

All courses may be subject to change and cancelled if deemed not viable to run.

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