Uniformed Public Services (Armed Forces, NHS and Prison Services) Level 3


  • Start Date: 01/09/2025
  • Course is for: School Leaver
  • Course Length: 1 Year
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Do you want a career in the Uniform Public Services, including the Army, Navy, Marines, RAF, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, NHS or Prsion Service?

Our Level 3 Uniform Public Service course is designed to give you the skills knowledge and behaviours towards a career in the services.

In your first year, you’ll study the following units:

  • Develop leadership skills   
  • Prepare for a career in the UPS   
  • Develop aspects of physical fitness for entry to the uniformed services  
  • Volunteering in the uniformed services    
  • Emergency planning and response in the uniformed services 
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion     
  • Mental and physical wellbeing
  • The influence of UK government, international organisations and the media on the uniformed services
  • Collaboration between uniformed services

In your second year, you’ll focus on:

  • Uniformed services hierarchy and routine  
  • Understand conflict management and personal protection   
  • Values and standards   
  • Understand the impact of war and conflict on uniformed services    
  • UK legal systems and uniformed services   
  • Carry out map reading and navigation across open country   
  • Security procedures in the uniformed services   
  • Skills for land-based outdoor and adventurous activities
  • ICT in the uniformed services

Assessment

On this course there are no exams, all of the units are coursework based and internally assessed by the college. You’ll be assessed through either written work or practical application.

You will have the opportunity to achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction grade for each unit. At the end of the year you will be awarded an overall grade based on the number of each grade you have achieved.

We use the virtual learning environment Google Classroom to ensure you have complete access to all resources and assignment information to support you throughout your studies. You will receive training on this in your induction week.

You’ll study at our Academy for Sport, where our facilities are among the best in the country and include:

  • Classrooms equipped with integrated IT
  • Sports science and sports therapy facilities
  • Performance lab
  • 3G and 4G pitches
  • Indoor athletics track
  • Sports hall
  • Strength and conditioning gym
  • Massage suite
  • Aerobics suite
  • Gym
  • Boxing Studio

You can choose to progress onto university to further your skills and knowledge, step into work or move onto an Apprenticeship.

One of the biggest employment areas in our region, the services offer a variety of job roles and
progression from entry level through to senior positions.

A career in public services is exciting, fast-paced and interesting. Salaries start from around £15,000 and can rise to over £50,000 in senior positions.

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and preferably maths.

One of the biggest strengths is that you’ll be taught by ex-Army and Police Officers who’ll give you a valuable insight into their real life experiences. We also work closely with the armed forces with residentials, guest speakers and leadership activities.


“What is great about Gateshead College is that you come wanting to join one type of UPS but if you change your mind the staff are on hand to give you expert advice regarding other areas.”

Everyone will undertake a 30-hour work placement or work readiness activities as part of our employment edge promise.

For most learners this will involve a week residential at an Army base or links with the Charity Veterans at Ease.

School Leaver Course Guide 2025/2026

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

Gateshead College School Leavers guide for 2025 - 2026