Why should I study BTEC Extended Diploma in Public Services?

On completion of this programme you could apply for a career in any of the Public Services, including the Police Service, Ambulance Service, Fire and Rescue Service, Royal Navy, RAF, Army, Customs and Excise or the Prison Service. Your Edexcel Extended Diploma, with a majority of units at Merit or Distinction level could qualify you for Officer Entry. You could progress onto Higher Education (it is the equivalent of 3 A Levels).

When and how will I study?

This is a two-year programme which commences in September 2012. The programme consists of a combination of lessons, practical activities, oral presentations, tutorials, individual research and group work. Speakers from other relevant organisations will also visit classes. As part of the course you will be expected to undertake a range of outdoor activities, including visits to various public services, e.g. Army, RAF, Magistrates Court. You will also take part in expeditions which may involve overnight stays.

In addition to general class work, you will be expected to use a range of textbooks for research purposes, as well as the IT facilities in the Learning Resource Centre. You will also have the opportunity to obtain additional qualifications and take part in sport enrichment activities.

What will I study?

Year One

• Government, Politics and the Public Services
• Citizenship, Diversity and the Public Services
• Leadership and teamwork in the Public Services
• Volunteering in the Public Services
• Understanding Discipline in the Uniformed Public Services
• Career planning for the Uniformed Public Services
• Employment in the Uniformed Public Services
• Police Powers in the Public Services
• Aspects of the Legal System and Law Making Process
• Fitness Testing and Training for Uniformed Services

Year Two

• International Perspectives for the Uniformed Services
• Outdoor and Adventurous Expeditions
• Crime and its Effects on Society
• Command and Control in the Uniformed Public Services
• The Planning for and Management of Major Incidents
• Responding to Emergency Service Incidents
• Uniformed Public Service Employment
• Understanding Behaviour in Public Sector Employment
• Training and Fitness for Sport

What are the entry requirements?

Normal college entry requirements plus a good standard of health is required by many of the Public Services.

How is the course assessed?

Assessment will occur continually throughout the programme and is 100% coursework based and projects - no exams. Each individual unit and the full award are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction. Learning will be varied and creative with an emphasis on practical skills, teamwork and fitness assessment.

Private study

Tasks will be continuously set throughout the course. 34 hours private study per week are recommended to complete all tasks to the highest level possible.

What materials will I need to purchase?

Recommended to wear a NEW College polo shirt, dark tracksuit bottoms and training shoes during practical sessions. Students will require ring binders, writing materials and stationery.

Public Service students will also require outdoor activity clothing, such as walking boots and waterproof clothing.

Examining Board

EDEXCEL

Public Services is for you if

You have an ambition to work in the uniformed services, are interested in fitness and health and if you enjoy coursework and readily meet deadlines.

Public Services is not for you if

You have no interest in the Army, Police, RAF, Fire Service, Navy or Coastguard.