BTEC Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services

Level 3

Course Code: Q100182

Key Information

  • Course type:

    Vocational

  • Campus:

    Sixth Form Campus

  • Start Date:

    07 Sept 2026

  • Duration:

    2 Years

  • Attendance:

    Full-time

  • Fees:

    Free

Level 3 BTEC Extended Certificate/Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services

Are you ready to roll your sleeves up and pursue a career in the uniformed protective services> The Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services at City of Portsmouth College provides the ultimate challenge.

Equivalent to two A Levels, this physically demanding course will help develop your leadership and teamwork skills and can be completed via two pathways – the Armed Forces Pathway, and the Blue Light Pathway. In both, you'll learn about government policies, leadership and teamwork, citizenship and diversity, discipline, and undertake fitness testing and training for the uniformed public services. You'll also undertake pathway-relevant trips to boost your learning.

About the Armed Forces Pathway

You'll get an insight to life in the armed forces through participation in the college's Combined Cadet Force (CCF). You'll practice and undertake the Royal Navy recruitment test, weekly fitness testing at HMS Temeraire and a cadet fitness instructor course.

The CCF runs alongside your course and provides a valuable opportunity to learn military skills and develop your teamworking ability. On completion of this course, you will be able to apply to an Armed Force of your choice.

About the Blue Light Pathway

Alongside this diploma, you'll choose subjects like criminology, applied law, medical science and applied psychology, based on your intended career path.

The areas you will study may change to reflect any additional subjects you choose to combine with this course.

You'll also gain an additional BTEC in either criminology or law and complete in-depth studies concerning crime and the psychological reasoning behind criminal behaviour. Upon completion, you'll be able to apply to one of the blue light services or other armed forces. University will also be an option for those wanting to develop academically, as the course provides you with extra UCAS points.

Apply

Did you know?

This course can be combined with additional A Levels or a Sixth Form vocational course.

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English language. For the Armed Forces Pathway, an interest in the armed forces is essential and knowledge of potential career pathways is desirable. Similarly for the Blue Light Pathway, an interest in the blue light services (police/ambulance/fire/coastguard) is essential and knowledge of potential career pathways is desirable.

You will have a 9.55am start, one lesson in the morning, one in the afternoon and a guaranteed 4.00pm finish. You will also have at least one morning and one afternoon per week free for private study.

Assessments will comprise 60% personal investigation and 40% externally set practical exam. Your coursework is internally assessed and externally moderated.

On completion of this course, you can progress into a role in the uniformed protective services such as police, emergency services and the armed forces.

School Leavers under the age of 19 do not have to pay fees on any full time courses, though may have to pay for their second year if turning 19 during their studies. If you’re aged 19 or over you might qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. It’s easy to apply for and you won’t have to pay anything back until you’re earning over £25,000. If you are studying a part-time course and you receive one of the following benefits, or you depend financially on someone who does, you may be entitled to have your tuition fees waived: Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support. You will, however, have to pay any awarding body/assessment fees (unless you are on a first full level 2 course). * If you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit or receive other allowances, you may be eligible to claim concessionary rates. If you are entitled to a fee concession you will be asked to provide proof of your entitlement. It is essential that you inform us if your entitlement changes at any time during your course.
Good to know:

We work hard to keep our course information up to date. Occasionally we may make small changes to course content, start dates, locations or fees to keep our courses current and relevant. If anything important changes after you apply, we’ll always let you know.

Related Features

Copyright 2026 © City of Portsmouth College | Site by Lake Solutions