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Uniformed Services

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Policing

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Overview

Equivalent to 3 A-Levels, this course contains a blend of academic skills and opportunities for you to acquire a range of practical and personal skills.

The purpose of this qualification is to provide specialist knowledge, skills and understanding relating to working in the Police service.

You will gain a broad understanding of policing and the requirements for a future career in the Police service. You will experience a range of exciting units that contain a blend of theoretical and practical learning which will allow you to develop both personally, academically and professionally.

How you’ll learn

Units you may study include:

Year 1:

  • Preparing for a career in the Police service
  • Develop leadership skills
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Develop aspects of physical fitness for entry to the Police service
  • Values and standards in the Police service
  • Understand conflict management and personal protection
  • Understand discipline in the Police service
  • The development of the UK Police service
  • Dealing with emergency incidents

Year 2:

  • Preparation for Higher Education
  • Collaboration between the emergency services
  • Emergency planning and response in the Police service
  • UK legal systems and the Police service
  • Crime scene investigations
  • ICT in the Police service
  • Safeguarding and the Prevent duty
  • Neighbourhood policing
  • Understanding mental health
Entry and progression

What you need and where it leads

  1. Entry requirements
  2. This course Level 3
  3. Further study

Grade 4 in maths & English at GCSE.

Not sure you meet these? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.

Careers it can lead to

  • Police Officers (Sergeant and Below) £46,500 a year
  • Police Community Support Officers £27,600 a year
  • Protective Service Associate Professionals £36,600 a year
  • Prison Service Officers (Below Principal Officer) £30,500 a year
See all 11 careers
  • Security Guards and Related Occupations £27,500 a year
  • Street Cleaners £25,700 a year
  • Parking and Civil Enforcement Occupations £28,500 a year

With further study or experience

  • Senior Police Officers £63,800 a year
  • Business and Related Research Professionals £37,100 a year
  • Probation Officers £33,100 a year
  • Legal Professionals £31,500 a year

Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).

Your UCAS points

NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Policing

Grade UCAS points
D* Distinction* 168
D Distinction 144
M Merit 96
P Pass 48

UCAS points are an estimate. Each university course sets its own entry requirements, and points can change from year to year. Please enquire for full details about a specific course. Points from the UCAS Tariff tables for 2027 entry. About UCAS Tariff points

Kacper

Kacper

Level 3 Diploma in Policing

Student Voice

“

“I think the best part about being at College is meeting new people and having the new opportunities. When I leave College I would like to be a police officer.”

For parents and carers

Supporting your child’s journey

A Friendly, Welcoming Place

Students are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.

About student life

Learning Support

If your child has additional learning needs, our support team works with them from day one. Adjustments are put in place early so they can get the most out of their course.

About learning support

GCSE Support Built In

If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable, not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.

Learn more

Qualifications That Count

These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.

Your next step

Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.

Ready to apply?

Applications for September 2027 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.

Want to visit first?

FE Open Event – 19th January 202719th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm

What happens after you apply

1

You apply

Apply online and you’ll get a confirmation email.

2

You meet your tutor

We’ll invite you to an interview to talk through the course and your plans, and make sure it’s right for you.

3

You get an offer

We’ll email you a conditional or unconditional offer.

4

You get ready to start

Come to a taster session in the summer, then enrol in August, bringing your results.

Read our full guide to applying