If you want the opportunity to gain a realistic understanding of the features of each Uniformed Protective Service or Armed Services and the expectations they have of serving members of the public, this is the ideal course.

Our students are equipped with the vital skills for a career in the uniformed protective services sector. From teamwork and leadership to discipline and planning, our courses will prepare you for what lies ahead. If you’re not sure what that is yet, we’ll help you to figure it out with talks from different organisations and field trips to explore your options. Our students have engaged with Royal Marines, the British Army, Victim Support, Counter Terrorism Policing, Crimestoppers, and the police.

You’ll complete at least one week of work experience within the protective services industry. It’s your chance to meet the challenges and rigours of service life. Our strong links with Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, the RAF, Royal Marines, and British Army, as well as various outdoor adventure centres, provide fantastic opportunities. We’ll support you to find the right work experience for you.

Learn through a blend of academic study and practical sessions. You’ll spend one day a week putting everything you learn in the classroom into practice in the real world. From police team building to being a firefighter for a day, you'll get an insight into your future career options. You’ll also take part in overnight expeditions, indoor climbing, command and control exercises, RAF practical days, and fitness sessions to replicate the tests in the emergency services and armed forces.

Practical activities don’t just give you experience. They’re also great for completing industry-recognised qualifications. These will demonstrate your abilities to future employers and show that you’re ready for your next challenge – whether that’s your dream job or university course.

Diploma courses combine classroom-based theory with extensive hands-on learning in real-world environments. Lessons are delivered in our modern College Learning Centre and specialist teaching spaces, using contemporary classrooms with smart boards, well-equipped libraries, and dedicated course facilities.

You’ll take part in practical sessions in our professional sports environment with access to the latest facilities, developing the technical skills and industry knowledge employers are looking for.

Learning is varied and interactive, with individual projects, group activities, and practical assessments alongside written work. You’ll complete regular assignments and coursework tasks.

Diploma timetables are designed to support participation in sport, clubs, and a full enrichment programme to enhance employability skills and personal development.

You’ll be supported by a pastoral tutor, as well as our academic and wellbeing teams, who provide workshops, one-to-one guidance, and online resources. All students also have access to medical professionals on campus.

During this course you will be assessed through both written and practical assessments. You will sit two exams with internal coursework assessments for the remaining modules. Internal coursework assessments will have a variety of assessment methods such as written reports, practical assessments and presentations.

To help prepare you for your exams throughout the course, you’ll complete regular end-of-topic assessments, homework tasks and mock exams. These will help track your progress and highlight areas to improve.

This course prepares students for careers in the armed forces, emergency services and public service professions. Career routes include officer training, policing, paramedicine, intelligence and fire and rescue roles.

Many progress to university to study criminology, law, forensic investigation or policing, or complete officer training at institutions such as Sandhurst, RAF Cranwell or Britannia Royal Naval College. Our students have gone on to train with Gloucestershire Police, study law at Exeter, criminology at Birmingham and begin Army officer training.

These pathways support national priorities in defence, life sciences, digital skills and leadership. Locally, the course supports workforce needs in health, policing, social care and public service recruitment, while increasing access to higher education and skilled employment.