Key details
- Course area
- Uniformed Services
- Student types
- 16 - 18 coursesCourses for 19+ students
- Course type
-
Full-time Further Education course
- Course level
-
Level 2
- Start date
- Tuesday 1st September 2026
- Location
- Basford 664 Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AQ
- Course code
- Parent course code:C000205 Child course code: Q001197
Course introduction
If you’re considering a career in the uniformed services sector, this course is an excellent starting point. With the UK government highlighting defence and security as priority industries for skills development, there’s never been a better time to explore your options.
On this course, you’ll gain insight into the wide range of roles available in the Armed Forces, emergency services and other uniformed organisations. You’ll develop your knowledge of employment opportunities in the sector, the importance of physical fitness and the skills needed to succeed in your future career.
What you’ll study:
- Uniformed Service Skills and Community Support
- Employment in Uniformed Services
- Health and Fitness for Entry into the Uniformed Services
- Activities and Teamwork for the Uniformed Services
- Crime and its Effects on Society
- Attending Emergency Incidents
- Volunteering in Uniformed Services
Learning is hands-on and practical. You’ll take part in team activities, projects, and real-world scenarios, while also producing written work to reflect on what you’ve learned. This combination of practical and academic tasks will give you a strong foundation for progressing into higher-level study or applying for roles in this vital sector.
Start your journey towards a career that makes a difference and join an industry that’s central to the UK’s future security and skills strategy.
Programme of Study
When you enrol on your chosen course you will be automatically enrolled onto a Programme of Study (PoS), which will include:
- A vocational qualification
- English and maths
- Personal and social development
- Independent study
- Work experience
Enrolling in the Programme of Study (PoS) at Nottingham College offers you the chance to acquire both work-specific knowledge and essential skills. If you haven't yet achieved a grade 4 in English and maths, this programme ensures you will study these subjects, enhancing your progression not only within the college but also in future employment. Additionally, the PoS includes a 30-hour work placement related to your course, providing valuable hands-on experience.
The programme incorporates enrichment activities aimed at developing vital industry skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, collaboration, and the ability to follow instructions. These experiences will enhance your CV, making you more attractive to potential employers. You will also participate in personal development sessions covering current and relevant topics like PREVENT, British Values, and keeping safe amongst others. Your personal development tutor will offer one-on-one support for your wellbeing and development, while a personal tutor will set academic targets to ensure you stay on track to achieve your goals.
Social action projects are another integral part of the PoS, allowing you to support local communities and charities. These projects will help you develop "future ready" skills, including professional behaviour and attitude, problem-solving and commitment, communication and collaboration, self-confidence, individuality and respect, and digital literacy. These competencies are crucial for becoming work-ready.
Your timetable will also include independent study periods, where you will engage in activities such as research, revision, improving digital skills, and working on assignments.
Given the practical nature of the course, consistent attendance is crucial to your success and reaching your full academic potential. We expect full attendance in all classes to maximize your learning and development.
By committing to the Programme of Study at Nottingham College, you are setting yourself up for success both academically and professionally.
You will be encouraged to undertake a work placement of 30+ hours while you are studying.
Read moreCourse information
1 year
Level 2 Diploma in Public Services
You’ll need 4 GCSEs at grades 9–3 (A*–D), including English Language and Maths – one of English Language or Maths must be grade 9–4 (A*–C). Functional Skills Level 1 can be used as equivalent to GCSE grade 3 (D) and Functional Skills Level 2 can be used as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 (C) or above.
The course is assessed via a range of practical and fitness tasks but also theoretically through written assignments and presentations.
Choose to follow with further studies at Nottingham College on a Level 3 Uniformed Services course, or other relevant Level 3 programme. Possible career paths include the Armed Forces (Army, RAF or Navy), the Police or Fire and Rescue Service, or perhaps within the Ambulance Service, Prison Service or HM Revenue & Customs.
Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.
If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.
Uniform is essential to the effective operation of the UK’s uniformed services. As a result, this course requires you to purchase a uniform (approximately £50) at the start of the programme, which must be worn at all times when participating in college activities.
You may also be offered additional educational trips designed to support your learning and develop the skills needed for your professional development. These trips may involve extra costs. Full details of any potential additional expenses will be provided at enrolment.
Careers related to this course
Select career:
Officers in Armed Forces
Pathways
Public Services
People in these occupations administrate government programmes and services, work in the justice system, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
