Protective Services (MAFA Pathway) Edexcel Level 3 Extended Diploma (Year 2)

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Study Mode: Full Time Programme Component Course Level: 3

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If you want to work in the ambulance, fire & rescue, or prison service, get a job with the UK Border Agency, or join the British Army, RAF, Royal Navy or Royal Marines, the Level 3 MAFA (military, ambulance, fire and other services) extended diploma is the natural progression from the Level 3 foundation diploma

The course builds on the skills and knowledge you gained in your first year of study and combines scenario-based learning and simulated service situations - together with lectures and seminars taught by experienced academic staff and industry guest speakers - to further enhance your knowledge of protective services and equip you with the learning, confidence and experience needed to enter the service of your choice or continue your learning ad progress to a higher education qualification such as an HNC or university degree.  

You'll learn about emergency incidents, international affairs and threats to security, as well as develop resilience skills, research skills and your own personal effectiveness in emergency situations.   

A strong emphasis is placed on working effectively in a team and you will take part in a variety of outdoor activities - such as navigation and orienteering - and will work on your physical fitness by taking part in sports activities to bring you up to the level required by your chosen public service organisation.    

As part of the course you will be required to compete a 30-hour work expereince placement, giving you a taste of real working life and the opportunity to put the skills you learn on the course into practice in the workplace.

We have excellent links with local and national uniformed service organisations and, as part of your course, you will get the chance to take part in a range of training and residential activities which, in the past, have include a week's residential at the Royal Marines Commando Training at Lympstone near Exeter, a one-day Armed Forces Challenge and riot and combat training with the police.

Please note: You will be required to purchase a college-branded uniform costing approximately £70 - order forms will be provided before the start of the course and financial support may be available to help with these costs.

To access this course you are required to have: 

Protective Services RQF Level 3 Foundation Diploma (MAFA or Police Pathway)
If you are interested in a career as an ambulance paramedic/technician you would benefit from having a Level 2 science/biology qualification

You will also be required to purchase a college-branded uniform - details will be provided before the start of the course.

During this course you will study the following modules: 

Global affairs
 Government policies in the protective services 
Emergency incidents
Developing personal fitness
Security threats
Expedition skills
Research skills

By studying this course you will:

Gain an understanding of the public service sectors 
Develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required by the sector, including essential employability skills  
Gain an opportunity to discover the levels of fitness required for each of the uniformed protective services and how to improve your health and fitness for entry into these services 
Gain valuable leadership, team working and communication skills by taking part in team-building activities and educational visits 
Develop skills in navigation and map-reading in an outdoor environment 
Develop common core knowledge of government policies, crime and its effects on society and citizenship and diversity 
Improve your English skills by using conflict management skills (speaking & listening), reading investigations (reading) and completing a written statement (writing) 
Develop your maths skills through land navigation (measure, shape and space) and interpreting fitness testing data (data)

Throughout the course you will be assessed in the following ways:

Individual and group presentations
Case studies
Assignments
Reports
Practical fitness testing
Practical application of map and compass work

The skills you will learn from this course will enable you to: 

Apply to join your chosen protective service, subject to entry requirements
Progress on to a higher education qualification or university degree in a related area, such as public services, policing, criminology or law
Apply for a Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

Develop leadership, team working and communication skills 
Take part in a range of outdoor activities 
Visit public service organisations as part of your course 
Improve your own health and fitness 
Learn from tutors with many years' experience of working in uniformed public services

We have a high success rate on this course and students completing this course have progressed to careers in:

Royal Marines
Royal Air Force (Aircraft Technician)
British Army (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers)
West Midlands Fire & Rescue Service
West Midlands Ambulance

As part of the course you will get to visit a range of destinations and organisations which, in the past, have included the National Justice Museum, Houses of Parliament, Bilston Fire Station and Cannock Chase; participate in riot training, driver safety and emergency response scenarios, and hear from guest speakers from a range of public services who will talk about career opportunities and their first-hand experiences to inspire and motivate you to get the most out of your learning and progress to a successful future in your chosen service.