BTEC National Extended Diploma in Public Services (Uniformed)

Course code: PSD

Level:

Availability: Day Course

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Summary

This full-time two-year course is particularly of interest to students who wish to pursue a career within a uniformed public service organisation such as the police, fire, ambulance, armed forces and prison services.

 

Requirements

At least five GCSEs at C or above including English Language OR a Merit at BTEC First with GCSE English Language at C or above. You will need to show evidence of regular participation in a sporting activity or community work

because:

  • you must be able to use your initiative
  • you must be able to work on your own and as a member of a group
  • you will need to exhibit the skill of self-discipline as required by any public service organisation
  • you must be able to work to meet deadlines.

Course Content

There are 6 core units which everyone must study and 12 specialist units. 

Core units

  • Government, Policies and the Public Services
  • Leadership and Teamwork in the Public Services
  • Citizenship, Diversity and the Public Services
  • Understanding Discipline within the Uniformed Public Services
  • Fitness testing and training for the Uniformed Public Services

Specialist units:

  • Outdoor and Adventurous Expeditions
  • Skills for Land-based Outdoor and Adventurous Activities
  • Skills for Water-based Outdoor and Adventurous Activities
  • Responding to Emergency Incidents
  • Planning and Management of Major Incidents
  • Behaviour in Public Sector Employment
  • Fundamentals of Nautical Studies
  • Communication and Technology in the Uniformed Public Services
  • Current and Media Affairs in Public Services
  • Instructing Physical Activity and Exercise
  • Volunteering in Public Services
  • Environmental Policies and Practices
  • Land Navigation by Map and Compass
  • Employment in the Uniformed Public Services

You will be expected to produce a portfolio of work which will be graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction for each of the units you have studied.

What else do I need to know?

You will be introduced to each new topic and then required to do a lot of your own research in order to complete a set assignment.  Some assignments will require a written report, some a presentation or display.  You will be expected to take part in role-plays and simulations.  Sometimes you will be working on your own, and at other times, in a group or team as well as a number of residential trips to develop personal skills.  There will be a range of outside speakers and trips to the different public services in order to gain first hand information. During the two years you will have plenty of opportunity to discuss your career intentions and receive guidance on this.  Included in the course will be opportunities to gain Key Skills accreditation in Communication, Application of Number and IT.

Some of your time will be based in a room with computing facilities.  All books for reference will be provided and also relevant magazines.  You will be able to search for information on the college’s network and on the Internet.

This is a full-time course but you could also study an AS level alongside.

This course is a suitable preparation for entering one of the public services.  It could also give you entry to higher education in a relevant degree course.

There is a £150 annual charge for activities which is payable in two instalments, one at enrolment in September and the second at the beginning of the spring term. Payment is via the Payment Portal on the college website.

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