Protective Services (MAFA Pathway) Edexcel Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

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Study Mode: Full Time Programme Component Course Level: 3

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 MAFA (military, ambulance, fire and other services) pathway is your first steps to a successful career in the uniformed protective services.

The protective services sector is becoming increasingly technical in terms of operation and, as such requires its staff to have a wide range of skills and abilities to support the provision of an efficient and effective service, whichever service you work in.

By studying the Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Protective Services (MAFA pathway), you will gain the necessary educational qualification, service awareness and key transferable skills to meet the operational requirements of a range of uniformed protective services in the UK. 

 The course combines scenario-based learning and simulated service situations, together with lectures and seminars taught by experienced academic staff and retired experienced police officers, and will equip you with learning, confidence and experience that will be valuable in your future career.

Successful completion of the foundation diploma will enable you to progress to the second year of the qualification - the Level 3 extended diploma.

What's more, if you are committed to learning, driven to succeed, work hard and achieve excellent results on the foundation diploma course, you could achieve the required UCAS points to enable you to apply for a Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship a year early - meaning you can join the police service as an apprentice police constable and start earning sooner!

You will be required to attend lessons to improve your English and Maths (or use the time for directed study if you already have Grade 4 or above) and have the opportunity to complete 30 hours of a work experience placement.

You will also 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: 

Five or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and maths OR 
Successful completion of the Level 2 Diploma in Public Services
If you are interested in a career as an ambulance paramedic /technician you would also benefit from having a Level 2 qualification in science/biology

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:   

Citizenship
Behaviour and discipline in the uniformed protective services 
Physical preparation and fitness
Teamwork, leadership and communication in the uniformed protective services 
Adventurous activities
Technology

 By studying this course, you will:  

Gain an understanding of the public service sector 
Learn advanced skills in dealing effectively and sensitively with members of the public 
Develop knowledge, and awareness of skills required by the sector, including employability skills  
Discover the levels of fitness required for entry into your chosen service and how to improve your health and fitness to support your progression within the service. 
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.  
Develop common core knowledge of government policies, and their effect on society and citizenship and diversity

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: 

Progress to the Protective Services Level 3 Extended Diploma (MAFA Pathway)
Apply to join your chosen public/protective service, subject to entry requirements
Apply for the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (if required level of UCAS points achieved)

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.