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About the course

This Level 3 Diploma in The Uniform Public Services has been specifically designed to give individuals a broad understanding of the public services industry, whilst retaking a single GCSE qualification in either English or maths. This 2-year course has been tailored to give learners an opportunity to progress onto Higher Education Sports programmes or gain employment in a role with outdoor or public services themes.

Course content

The Level 3 programme is made up of units, that are a mix of theory and practical work. This course will cover some of the unit below:

  • Leadership and Teamwork
  • Crime and its Effects on Society
  • Understanding the Impact of War
  • Responding to Emergencies
  • Expedition Skills
  • Prepare for a UPS Career
  • Develop aspects of Physical Fitness for UPS
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Map Reading
  • Land-based Activities
  • Water-based Activities
  • Mental & Physical Health
  • Volunteering

Qualification Size, UCAS Points and the GCSE Retake
This NCFE qualification is equivalent to 2 A-Levels, giving the learner the opportunity to achieve a maximum of 112 UCAS points. The learner will also study and retake a GCSE qualification alongside their NCFE. This GCSE course will be integrated into their study programme and timetable.

Maths & English
English and maths qualifications will be a part of this course package. Learners will have English or maths lectures embedded into their timetable to support their academic development over the programme’s duration.
Employability
Possible careers and salaries include:
  • Soldier - £15,671 to £35,151 depending upon experience and rank
  • Border Force Officer - £21,431 to £31,519 depending upon experience


Possible careers after Higher Education or Apprenticeships and salaries include:
  • NHS Nurse - £24,907 to £37,890 depending upon experience
  • Police Officer - £21,000 to £41,500 depending upon experience and rank
Average yearly salary data taken from the National Careers Services website
What do I need to join
Applicants will require three GCSE’s at grade 4, which must include a grade 4 in either English or maths. As previously outlined, the applicant will then retake a GCSE qualification in either English or maths alongside their NCFE, to give them an opportunity to achieve a 4 grade in the subject.
What can I do next
A high majority of our learner’s progress onto Higher Education Public Services programmes. Following the successful completion of this qualification, learners could also apply for industry apprenticeships in the related field. Employment options after achievement include roles within the armed forces, NHS or the outdoor activities industry.
Additional information
 How do the Sports and 999 Academies work alongside this course?

Learners are able to access Sports Academies whilst studying at SGS College on a full-time course. Your academic studies and academy training work as a partnership, and as such, are never timetabled at the same time. This allows you to continue your development within your selected sporting discipline, whilst studying in an academic area that interests you. For example, a learner may have lectures on a Monday morning and then Academy training at WISE on a Monday afternoon.

The 999 Academy at SGS College is open to all students at SGS looking to forge a career within the public services. The 999 Academy is a collaborative academy between SGS College and Avon & Somerset Police, Avon & Somerset Fire and Rescue & South Western Ambulance Service. The programme is open to all 16-19 learners studying at either our WISE or Filton campuses as part of their extra-curricular activity.

The 999 Academy at SGS College aims to inspire students to create safer communities through their involvement with a variety of projects, volunteering opportunities alongside developing an understanding of the Emergency services. Throughout their time in the academy the learners will learn life and lifesaving skills that enable them to succeed in both society and their chosen career.

Apply Online

Location
Starting
Apply
WLL30NHJ
WISE Campus
September 2025

Sports academies are available only to applicants aged 16-18.

SGS Sport

Join SGS Sport. You can enhance your full-time study programme by joining one of our renowned SGS Sport academies. Train in top-tier facilities, learn from expert coaches, and pursue your passion for sports while you study. Explore the academy options below to add to your course basket and elevate your college experience both academically and athletically.

Location
Academy
Membership fee
Add on
WFLX01TT
WISE Campus
American Football
£300
WFLX023J
WISE Campus
Basketball
£300
WFLX023P
WISE Campus
Boxing
n/a
WFLX0HC7
WISE Campus
Esports
£100
FFLX0G0C
WISE Campus
Female Basketball
£150
WFLX021X
WISE Campus
Female Football
£300
WFLX0CP5
WISE Campus
Female Rugby Union
£400
WFLX021W
WISE Campus
Male Football
£400
WFLX023H
WISE Campus
Male Rugby Union : Elite
£400
WFLX023K
WISE Campus
Netball
£300
To enquire about this course, fill out the form below, or contact us at [email protected].
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Course information last updated: Wednesday 2nd April 2025 @ 9.30AM

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