Uniformed Protective Services Level 3

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. Employers from the uniformed protective services sector have also been involved and consulted so that the qualification content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners who choose to enter direct employment in the sector.

The qualification gives learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that will prepare them for further study or training.

Everyone taking this qualification will study two mandatory units:

• Unit 2: Behaviour and Discipline in the Uniformed Protective Services
• Unit 5: Teamwork, Leadership and Communication in the Uniformed Protective Services.

The mandatory content allows learners to develop their skills and knowledge in discipline and teamwork and communication, areas that have been identified as essential in the sector. 

Learners will also choose two optional units from a selection of units designed to support progression to a range of sector-related courses in higher education, and that link to relevant occupational areas, such as criminology and policing.

• Professional Development
• Skills for Outdoor activities

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Uniformed Protective Services is intended to support progression to further study. Its primary purpose is to support post-16 learners in accessing higher education, and ultimately for learners to progress to employment in the uniformed protective services or related areas. It is ideal for learners who want to learn about the uniformed protective services sector alongside other fields of study with a view to progressing to higher education, either to a course related to uniformed protective services or to a course related to one of the other chosen fields of study. The purpose reflects the shift towards increased graduate employment in the sector, for example within the police service.

The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level and provides a coherent introduction to the uniformed protective services sector. It is designed to be taken alongside other Level 3 qualifications as one-third of a typical two-year, full-time study programme.

No prior study of the sector is needed, but learners should normally have a range of achievement at Level 2, in GCSEs or equivalent qualifications.

You will require a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (formerly A*- C) including English, Maths and Science or Physical Education grades. Alternatively, successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification and have achieved a Level 2 Functional Skill in English and maths.

Assessments will be externally based exams and Internal Assignments.

You will need to undertake a minimum of 5 days work experience with a local employer in order to pass the course.

If learners complete this qualification in a year, they may progress to further learning at Level 3, for example a larger size of the Pearson BTEC Nationals in Uniformed Protective Services. You will generally progress onto the National Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services.

Alternatively after successful completion of your studies in your first year you may wish to combine this achievement with studying the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sport, Fitness and Personal Training to support entry into a range of roles. Please note course fees apply to each year of study.

In addition to the uniformed protective services sector-specific content outlined above, the qualification requires learners to develop the transferable and higher-order skills, such as research, presentation and communication skills, discipline and the ability to be resourceful and work collaboratively, that are highly regarded by higher education and employers.

The qualification is intended to carry UCAS points and is recognised by higher-education providers as contributing to admission requirements for many protective services-related courses. 

Learners can progress to higher education in a range of disciplines, for example:

• FDA Criminal Investigation and Forensic Psychology (held at Bournemouth and Poole College with optional BSc top up at Solent University).
• BA (Hons) in Applied Psychology and Criminology, if taken alongside A Levels in Psychology and Sociology
• BA (Hons) in Social Work, if taken alongside A Levels in Sociology and Psychology
• BSc (Hons) in Fire Engineering, if taken alongside the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
• BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science, if taken alongside A Levels in Biology and Chemistry

Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with the providers.

This qualification is primarily designed to support progression to employment following further study at university. However, it also supports learners progressing directly to employment, if studied as a one-year, full-time study programme. It will give learners the knowledge and understanding required to apply for a range of entry-level roles within the uniformed protective services sector, or for employment as an apprentice within the sector, where learners will complete additional training and qualifications to gain the skills and knowledge required to progress in their chosen profession.

How does the qualification provide employability skills? In BTEC National units there are opportunities during the teaching and learning phase to give learners practice in developing employability skills. Where employability skills are referred to in this specification, we are generally referring to skills in the following three main categories:

• Cognitive and problem-solving skills: using critical thinking, approaching non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, using systems and technology.
• Interpersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation.
• Intrapersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development.

This will help with all preparation for the Uniformed Protective Services i.e. Armed Forces, Police, Firefighters etc.

16-18 £250.00 (per year)

Awarding Body:
BTEC

Curriculum Area:
Business, Service Industries and ESOL - Uniformed Protective Services