Protective Services (Police Pathway) Edexcel BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (Full cost for adults - NOT FCFJ)
at City of Wolverhampton College · college
What the college says
Whether you are a school leaver looking to gain the qualifications necessary to apply to join your chosen police force, or an adult lacking the necessary entry requirements to make a direct application to the force, this course is the first step to your future career! Policing is a complex activity characterised by the need to carefully consider how law, values, social policy and organisational priorities should be interpreted and applied and, as such, police forces in the UK are constantly adapting to meet the needs and challenges of today's every-changing society. The protective/public sector is becoming increasingly technical in terms of operation and, as such requires it staff to have a wide range of skills and abilities to support the provision of an efficient and effective service, whichever service you work in. By choosing the Police Pathway, you will gain the necessary qualification, service awareness and key transferable skills to meet the operational requirements of the police service in the UK. The course combines scenario-based learning and simulated service situations, together with lectures and seminars taught by experienced academic staff and retired experienced police officers, and will equip you with learning, confidence and experience that will be valuable in your future career. Successful completion of the foundation diploma will enable you to progress to the second year of the qualification - the Level 3 extended diploma - and then apply for a Police Const
What you need to get on
To access this course you are required to have: Five or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and maths OR Successful completion of the Level 2 Diploma in Public Services You will also be required to purchase a college-branded uniform - details will be provided before the start of the course.
How you are assessed
One subject in depth, assessed largely through coursework and projects.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
Wellington Road Campus
Wellington Road, Wolverhampton, WV14 6BT
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 7 September 2026 · Wolverhampton
- 7 September 2026 · Wolverhampton
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
- Their version
Watford · East of England · 33 weeks
- Their version
Redhill · South East · 34 weeks
- Their version
Eastbourne · South East · 2 years
- Their version
Blackburn · North West · 1 year
- Their version
The Windsor Forest Colleges Group
Berkshire · South East · 35 weeks
- Their version
Truro · South West · 1 year
- Their version
Ware · East of England · 35 weeks
- Their version
Kingston Upon Thames · London · 1 year