Level 3 Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services

Course overview

If you’re interested in joining one of the uniformed public services, such as the Police Service, Ambulance Service, Fire and Rescue Service, British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Prison Service or Maritime and Coastguard Agency, a Protective Services course at Newcastle College will prepare you for the mental and physical demands of life in the services.

You’ll be taught by professionals with years of service in the uniformed public services so you’ll benefit from outstanding expertise and vast knowledge. You’ll also have the chance to take part in outdoor activities such as climbing, kayaking or expedition skills as part of your studies.
The course lasts for two years. You will gain knowledge and understanding of a wide range of public services and study modules such as Government and Protective Services, Teamwork, Leadership and Communication and an Introduction to Criminology. Due to the nature of the activities on units such as Skills for Outdoor Activities, there will be some personal funding for a 3 days/2 nights residential trip to Wales (the cost for the trip is around £120).

Some personal funding will be required of approximately £50 to cover the costs of boots and campsite fees. Financial assistance may be available depending on your personal circumstances – please visit www.nscg.ac.uk/finance.

Year 1 units include Citizenship and Diversity, Physical Preparation, Health and Wellbeing, Custodial Care, Skills for Outdoor Activities and the Uniformed Protective Services, Behaviour and Discipline in the Uniformed Protective Services, Teamwork, Leadership and Communication in the Uniformed Protective Services, Introduction to Criminology and Developing Presonal Fitness Programmes. Year 2 units include Global Affairs, the Media and the Uniformed Protective Services, Government and the Protective Services, Professional Development in the Uniformed Protective Services, Police Powers and the Law, Principles of Managing Security Threats, Planning and Responding to Emergency Incidents, Understanding the Third Sector, Criminal investigation Procedures and Practice Expedition Skills. You will have the option of choosing a more practical or more theoretical pathway throughout the two year programme.

The course uses a blended learning approach, mixing classroom theory with a hands on experience. From time to time you will work on individual projects, as well as getting together with your other class mates to produce pieces of group work. To ensure that the course caters for all abilities and learning styles we make sure that our lessons cater for students who like to learn by doing, or listening and reflecting on what they have been shown. You will develop practical skills such as map work and navigation whilst at the same time developing the confidence to lead groups, be that in the classroom or on the hills of the Peak District.


Alongside your course you will study maths and/or English to improve your skills in these vital subjects by attending structured weekly sessions as part of your timetable. Maths and English development is also integrated in practical assignments.

What else do I need to know?

On completion of the course you will be properly equipped with the skills, knowledge and attitudes that will help you make the right choices for your future careers. Our staff have worked in the Protective Services (e.g. Police, Fire and Rescue Service, Army, Navy and Royal Air Force), bringing many years of knowledge and experience to the classroom. You see the Uniformed Protective Services first hand including visits to see Royal Navy warships, Army bases, police and fire stations, where you can, at first hand, meet and question public service personnel about their jobs and career choices. We invite professional careers advisors from the public services to give presentations and talks where they describe the job opportunities open to you in the Uniformed Protective Services. Whether it is going on to university or seeking employment, by the end of the course, you are able to make informed choices about your next career step.