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Where will this course lead?

This qualification is designed to prepare students for employment in Policing or for studying Professional Policing in Higher Education. The course modules cover a broad range of policing topics on policing activities, policing powers, and the history of policing which will also be beneficial for other Public Service Careers.

What will I study?

You will study a range of policing related units including:

  • Preparing for a career in the police
  • The development of the UK police service
  • Emergency planning and response in the police service
  • Developing leadership skills
  • Equality, diversity, and inclusion
  • Develop aspects of physical fitness for entry to the police service

How will this course be delivered?

This course will be delivered in a classroom, scenario simulation, and fitness areas. You will also attend trips to locations related to policing as well as outdoor recreation centres, participating in a range of sports, land-based and water-based activities.

What qualifications will I get?

NCFE Level 3 Policing Diploma (540) in year one.

NCFE Level 3 Policing Extended Diploma in year two.

How will I be assessed?

To pass this course you will complete assignments throughout the year. Assignments will include project work, training sessions, essays and reports, role-plays and practical fitness and teamwork sessions. There is no formal examination in this course.

How do I get a place on the course?

Places are offered by interview and attendance of induction and enrolment.

What are the entry requirements?

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English Language and Maths.

What else do I need to know?

Students are required to wear a uniform; information will be given on this once your place has been confirmed on the course. You will be expected to attend residential trips during the autumn term and various other day trips throughout the year.

To ensure that students attend these necessary excursions there will be a fee of approximately £200 for those who do not meet the criteria for student finance support.

What can I do after this course?

After completing the Level 3 course, you can directly apply to the police service (dependant on if you gain the grades needed). You could also progress into Higher Education (HE) to complete a university degree. Solihull College & University Centre also offers a HNC/HND in Policing and the ability to complete a Top Up Degree Year with our, 'Pathway in Policing'.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A for 16 to 18 year olds

Course Code

PUAAQ014BCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Senior Police Officer

Senior police officers plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the resources and activities of a specific geographical or functional area of generalised or specialised police work.

What’s Involved?

Police Officers liaise with senior officers to determine staff, financial and other short- and long-term needs. They plan, direct and co-ordinate general policing for an area or functional unit. They also direct and monitor the work of subordinate officers. They establish contacts and sources of information concerning crimes planned or committed. They direct and co-ordinate the operation of record keeping systems and the preparation of reports.

Police Officer

Police officers (Sergeant and below) co-ordinate and undertake the investigation of crimes, patrol public areas, arrest offenders and suspects and enforce law and order. Officers of the British Transport Police operate within the specialised police service for the railway network across Britain.

What’s Involved?

A Police Officer receives instructions from senior officers and patrols an assigned area on foot, horseback, motorcycle, motor car or boat to check security and enforce regulations. They direct and control traffic or crowds at demonstrations and large public events. They investigate complaints, crimes, accidents, any suspicious activities or other incidents. They also interview suspects, take statements from witnesses and stop, search and/or arrest suspects. They attend accidents. They prepare briefs or reports for senior officers. They work on station reception desk and or in communications room. They also give evidence in court cases.

Police Community Support Officer

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) support the local police force by patrolling the streets to provide a visible and reassuring presence and to tackle a range of crime and disorder problems. PCSOs are also attached to the British Transport Police who operate the specialised police service for the railway network across Britain.

What’s Involved?

Police Community Support Officer's patrol a geographic area to monitor and deter criminal and anti-social activity and disorderly conduct. They assist police officers at crime scenes and major events. They also carry out house-to-house enquiries. They provide crime prevention advice and help to support victims of crime. They may detain someone pending the arrival of a police officer. They may direct traffic and arrange for vehicles to be removed.

Security Service Personnel

Workers in this unit group protect merchandise, individuals, hotels, offices, factories, public grounds and private estates from injury, theft or damage, and investigate fraud and crime on a non-statutory basis.

What’s Involved?

Security Service Personnel investigate crimes, trading practices and the private affairs of individuals. They walk or ride near person requiring protection, watch for suspicious occurrences and defend guarded person from attack. They also monitor and patrol hotels, factories, offices and other premises, forests, parks, and public or private estates to prevent theft and unauthorised entry. They check people and vehicles entering and leaving premises, establish their credentials and arrange for escorts for visitors. They also receive duty sheet, time-clock and keys for premises to be visited, check locks, doors, windows, etc. and report any suspicious circumstances to security headquarters. They call in civil police and give evidence in court where necessary.

Aviation Security Officer

Workers in this unit group protect merchandise, individuals, hotels, offices, factories, public grounds and private estates from injury, theft or damage, and investigate fraud and crime on a non-statutory basis.

What’s Involved?

Aviation Security Officers investigate crimes, trading practices and the private affairs of individuals. They walk or ride near person requiring protection, watch for suspicious occurrences and defend guarded person from attack. They check persons and vehicles entering and leaving premises, establish their credentials and arrange for escorts for visitors. They also receive duty sheet, time-clock and keys for premises to be visited, check locks, doors, windows, etc. and report any suspicious circumstances to security headquarters. They call in civil police and give evidence in court where necessary.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.