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
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.
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.
Transportation: Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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.
Median Salary£30,782
Average QualificationsLevel 3 NVQ; A Levels
Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Median Salary£33,444
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.
Medicine and Dentistry: Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Median Salary£42,870
Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Median Salary£53,752
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 Rugby
Wednesday 27 May 2026
Say Hello to Basketball
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.