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Uniformed Protective Services (Extended Certificate) - Level 3
Overview
IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we'll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.
Take the first step towards a leadership career in the uniformed protective services.
This course is designed for individuals passionate about serving their communities and pursuing leadership roles within uniformed protective services such as:
- Police, Fire, and Ambulance Services.
- Armed forces (Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force)
- Prison Service, HM Customs and Excise, Merchant Navy
- Security Organisations.
Real-world employer connections
- Armed Forces Engagement Teams regularly organise activity days.
- Guest speaker from the Police share invaluable insights.
- Visits to local services, such as Mansfield Fire Station.
- Links to further opportunities, including the Ambulance Technician course at Nottingham Trent University.
Specialist facilities
- Train like the professionals in our state-of-the-art outdoor gym. Equipped to military standards including dip bars, jump platforms, pull-up and muscle bars, climbing ropes and battle ropes
- This fitness equipment, identical to that used by UK and US military forces, is designed to help you meet the physical demands of a protective services career.
What our students say
Many of our students have gone on to successful careers in the Armed Forces, Police Force, Fire and Rescue Service, and Ambulance Services. This is what they had to say about studying at West Notts College.
"There are loads of practical activities, whether it is doing fitness at the gym, doing leadership tasks outside, or going out to the local fire station for practical demonstrations."
"We get to do some great trips out, like going to put into practice our mountaineering skills in the Peak District, going to the National Memorial Arboretum to pay our respects, or visiting local Police, Fire, and Military establishments."
"This course helps develop your independence, as well as your ability to work well in a group, or take on leadership roles."
"It sets you up for the career that you want, the staff put you in contact with the service you want to join and support your development in preparing for that career."
What will I study?
Year 1
- Citizenship and diversity
- Behaviour and discipline in the uniformed protective services
- Physical preparation, health and wellbeing
- Expedition skills.
Year 2
- Teamwork, leadership and communication in the uniformed protective services
- Government and the protective services
- Developing personal fitness programmes
- Professional development in the uniformed protective services.
- Entry requirements
This course is only available to 16-18 year olds.
- Four GCSEs at grade 4-9 including English Language or Maths.
- Assessment
Mostly assignment-based work with one exam in the first year and one exam in the second year.
- Progression
- University-level study*
- An apprenticeship
- Employment.
*To find out how many UCAS points this course carries, and to receive advice on your Higher Education options, please contact the college’s enquiries team on 0808 100 3626 and ask to be transferred to the Head of Department for this subject area. They can provide the most up-to-date information.
As a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may also be eligible for a range of benefits if you choose to progress to NTU after completing your course. For more information, please visit Progress NTU.
- Careers
- Qualifications gained
- BTEC National Extended Certificate in Uniformed Protective Services
- EDEXCEL
- Additional costs
At West Notts College, our students benefit from excellent facilities and equipment across all campuses. However, some courses require students to purchase specific tools, equipment, or specialist clothing to fully participate in practical learning.
Visit our kit lists page to see what clothing and equipment you’ll need, and start preparing for your studies in September.
- Studying Uniformed Protective Services at West Notts College
Discover what it is really like to study with us. Explore the full range of courses available, hear from our students, see the facilities you will train in, and discover the employer partners you could work with.
You can also browse galleries and get a real feel for college life before you apply.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.