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:
In your second year, you’ll focus on:
Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and preferably maths.
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.
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.
You’ll study at our Academy for Sport, where our facilities are among the best in the country and include:
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.
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.
We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
Our specialist teams can help with:
See here for more information, pop into one of our enrolment events, call us on 0191 490 4627.
This course is free to those aged under 19 years old.
Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free or reduced price course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.
If you already have a full level 3 qualification and are aged 19 years over, you can apply for an Advanced Learning Loan or pay the fee upfront in full and qualify for a 10% discount.
You can get more information at our enrolment events, by calling 0191 490 0300 or email us at [email protected]
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college. We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
To contact our dedicated Learning Support team email [email protected] or head to Live Chat
Knowledge
Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Personnel and Human Resources: Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labour relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Median Salary
£42,035
Averge Qualifications
Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Psychology: Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.
£55,161
Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
£47,340
Clerical: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
£34,713
Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
£44,818
Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
£28,524
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
JOIN OUR SPORTS ACADEMIES
Eight specialist sport academies, all offering first class training, coaching and playing opportunities for everyone, regardless of what you study.
Connect with our Academy socials:
Say Hello to HE Music
Monday 23 March 2026
Mental Health and Wellbeing Information Session
Thursday 26 March 2026
UPCOMING EVENTS.
Find out about all our upcoming events here. Simply sign up and come along.
View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.