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UNIFORMED PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Level 3

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Course Level

Level 3

Duration

2 years FT

Placement

Opportunities available

Entry

September 2027

Fees

View fees
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West Midlands Police employs over 8,100 police officers, serving around 2.9 million residents

West Midlands Fire Service is the second-largest fire and rescue service in the UK, employing more than 1,000 staff

 

Prepare for a career in the police, armed forces, fire and rescue service, prison service, border force or security services. The Uniformed Protective Services Level 3 course combines classroom learning with practical activities, leadership challenges, teamwork exercises and fitness development to help you build the skills needed for a career in the protective services sector.

You'll explore topics such as leadership, citizenship, emergency planning, government and protective services, while developing valuable skills in communication, problem-solving, resilience, teamwork and self-discipline. Enrichment activities, educational visits and guest speakers provide insight into the realities of working in public service roles.

Whether you're looking to progress to university, an apprenticeship or employment, this course provides a strong foundation for a wide range of careers within the emergency, protective and public service sectors.

College courses - University College Birmingham

Why choose this Uniformed Protective Services college course?

  • BUILD LEADERSHIP SKILLS – Develop confidence, resilience and teamwork through practical challenges and realistic service scenarios

  • LEARN FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS – Hear from guest speakers and professionals across the police, armed forces and emergency services

  • GAIN REAL-WORLD INSIGHT – Take part in educational visits, community projects and work-related activities

  • IMPROVE YOUR FITNESS – Develop the physical fitness and discipline needed for careers in the protective services

  • ENJOY PRACTICAL LEARNING – Combine classroom study with hands-on activities, team projects and scenario-based tasks

  • PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE – Progress to university, apprenticeships or careers in the police, armed forces, fire service and other public services

Course breakdown

Topics you will study

  • Citizenship and diversity

  • Behaviour and discipline in the uniformed protective services

  • Global affairs, the media and the uniformed protective services

  • Physical preparation, health and wellbeing

  • Teamwork, leadership and communication in the uniformed protective services

  • Government and the protective services

  • Planning for and responding to emergency incidents

 

Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change

You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.

"Whether you dream of joining the army, police, fire service, RAF, prison service or another protective service, this course is your first step. You'll develop leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills through real-world, practical activities, preparing for further study and to grab the jobs you want."

Kirsty Warren Head of Department - Creative, Sport and Business

Entry requirements

Our lecturers are looking for students who are enthusiastic and passionate about the protective uniformed services together with a keen determination to succeed in the sector, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below. 

If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.

Academic requirements

  • 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C), including English (Language) and Maths, or equivalent. 

Supporting documents required

  • School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
  • If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.

Key information

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and Learning

  • Classroom-based lessons

  • Practical activities and exercises

  • Teamwork challenges

  • Research projects

  • Realistic protective services scenarios

  • Guest speakers and industry visits

  • Enrichment opportunities

Assessment

  • Coursework-based assessment

  • Written reports

  • Presentations

  • Project work

  • Practical tasks

  • Some externally assessed units

  • Regular feedback to support progress and development

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.

Career opportunities

On completion of this course, students can progress onto a career in the field or an apprenticeship.

Note: Some roles below may require further study/training. The roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Firefighter

Salary Range: £25,000 to £39,000

Border force officer

Salary Range: £28,000 to £37,000

Army officer

Salary Range: £36,000 to £65,000

Coastguard

Salary Range: £25,000 to £37,000

Royal Navy officer

Salary Range: £25,000 to £50,000+

Police officer

Average Salary: £32,000

HIRED

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way. 

 

Find out more

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Supporting essential services

Public services employ millions of people across the UK, helping keep communities safe, healthy and supported every day. This course will introduce you to the skills and careers that make a difference.

Take the next step...

  

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