Course Overview

Entry requirements

GCSE Average Points Score: 3.50, Grade 4 English Language GCSE, Grade 4 Maths GCSE, 5 GCSEs at Grade 4

Course information

The Uniformed Public Services courses are designed to make you a more attractive candidate for employment in many of the uniformed public services such as the Police, Fire Brigade, Ambulance Service, British Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, or Prison Service.

The course will help you to look past the initial marketing and enable you to make informed decisions about your future career choices. You will study academic topics related to multi agency working, leadership, discipline, accountability, criminology and current affairs.

At the end of this course you can apply to university or to meet the entry requirements of the Metropolitan Police.

Classroom sessions make up approximately 80% of your timetable. This could be formal lectures, workshops, taking notes, discussions, individual research, or coursework. We include as much practical activity as we can, and this could be fitness training, sports activities, or practical activities such as navigation exercises.

You may have the opportunity to take part in residential trips including an our overnight camp. You may also have a course specific residential trips each year that can last up to a week.

Key topics

Behaviour and discipline in the uniformed protective services
Teamwork, leadership and communication
Ctizenship and diversity
Physical preparation, health and wellbeing
Outdoor and adventurous expedition skills
Government, policies and the public services
Responding to emergency service incidents

Why study at NCC?
- We are Ofsted-rated Outstanding, so you can expect exceptional teaching and support you can trust
- Expert tutors bring real-world industry experience into every lesson
- Flexible learning options let you tailor study to your life and ambitions
- Broad career pathways: from entry level through to professional qualifications
- One-to-one support with academic advice, wellbeing services and financial guidance
- Modern, industry-standard facilities: labs, workshops, digital tools and performance spaces
- Courses co-designed with employers to match local and national job markets
- Strong employer partnerships offer placements, live projects and networking opportunities
- A supportive, inclusive community where you can flourish and succeed
If you want to make a difference, New City College is the place to start. Our Public Services courses prepare you for careers in the police, armed forces, fire service, border force, prison service or security.

Led by tutors with real frontline experience, you’ll focus on discipline, teamwork, leadership and resilience, combining physical training with classroom learning to build the skills needed for high-pressure environments.

Through links with Essex Police, the Met Police and the Army, you’ll gain valuable insights, practical workshops, visits and guest speakers. Plus, you’ll take part in expeditions, volunteering projects and even international trips to broaden your experience.

Select your campus option to apply

Dates

Start: 01/09/2026

End: 02/07/2027

Choose this course

Dates

Start: 01/09/2026

End: 02/07/2027

Choose this course

What Can This Course Lead To

Progress to university, further study, a higher level apprenticeship or employment.

Most students successfully completing this course choose to pursue a career in one of the uniformed Public Services such as the Police, Fire Service, Prison Service, and Armed Forces or in Customs and Excise, the Security Services or Probation Service.

The BTEC Extended Diploma is a work-related qualification and aims to accommodate the needs of employers as well as allowing progression to university or higher education. Former students studying this course have gone on to study for degrees in Crime, Deviance, and Society, or Policing and Criminal Investigation or in Law (Criminology). Higher Apprenticeships are also another alternative progression route.

Explore Your Careers Option