Level 2 First Certificate in Public Services

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 Public Services course at Stafford 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 of studying crime based units and learn how the public services respond to emergency incidents as part of your studies.

The BTEC Level 2 First Certificate in Public Services is designed to equip you with the knowledge understanding and skills required for success in current and future employment, or progression to courses such as a BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Protective Services and ultimately, university. Many students go on to study degrees in such areas as Criminology, Policing, Fire Management, Law, Forensic Investigation and Nursing.

You will also have the opportunity to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life.


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.

You will need 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above. However, if you have a keen interest in the subject and commitment to succeed, your entry requirements will be discussed at interview.

The course is accredited by BTEC. Although the programme is mostly assessed through continuous assessment throughout the course, you will have two externally assessed units in the form of written exams. The two externally assessed units are 'The Role and work of the Public Services' and 'Citizenship, Society and the Public Services'. The remainder of the units will be assessed in a variety of forms including written assignments, project work, presentations, group work and practical-based assessment. The work completed in each unit is graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction.

Please contact Rochelle Mayer, by emailing: Rochelle.mayer@nscg.ac.uk

The BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Public Services is a recognised qualification which can lead to job opportunities in the uniformed services such as Army, Navy, Royal Marines, RAF, Police, Fire Service, Prison Service. In addition to this it will give you a strong basis for other job roles. Finally completion with an overall Merit grade allows progression onto Level 3 BTEC courses.

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18.

College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a gross household income under £30,000 can receive financial support to cover college related costs such as transport, meals, course equipment and uniform. Bursary support is based on individual circumstances and will be allocated to best suit your individual needs.

A range of other financial support is available depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance