Our Public Services - Level 2 study programme is your gateway to a fulfilling career in one of the many unformed public services.
At ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø, you'll gain either the Public Services - Level 2 Award or Public Services - Level 2 Certificate, depending on your level, alongside English and maths to help you achieve a grade 4 (or higher) in both subjects.
This course will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to pursue further study and employment in a wide range of careers, from the armed services and police force to roles at local authorities and central government.
You should have:
- Four GCSEs at grade 2 or above, including English and maths*
or - A relevant Level 1 course and Functional Skills Level 1 in English and maths.
*For the Public Services - Level 2 First Certificate pathway, you should have four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and maths at grade 3 or above, or Functional Skills Level 1 qualifications.
At enrolment, you will have an interview to ensure the course is right for you. You may also need to complete an initial assessment in English and maths, depending on your grades.
Your assessments are designed to match what you’ve learned. All your work will be marked by your tutors, giving you a chance to show off your skills in real-world situations.
You’ll be graded on a scale of Distinction, Merit, Pass, or Unclassified. This grading system helps you see how well you’re doing and where you can improve.
You’ll build a portfolio of your coursework, showcasing your progress throughout the course. Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience through practical assignments and receive feedback from your tutors. Some mandatory units may be assessed by external exams.
After completing this course, you'll be well-prepared for further study or employment in the industry, such as a second Level 2 qualification, or a Level 3 Extended Diploma, which can lead to university-level study.
There are two pathways available within our Public Services - Level 2 study programme, depending on your current skills and GCSE grades.
Public Services - Level 2 First Award
- The role and work of public service - externally assessed exam, taking place in January with resit option in May
- Working skills in the pubic service sector
- Employment in the public services
- Health, fitness and lifestyle for the public services
- Multi-day expedition - only available after successfully completing all four units
Public Services - Level 2 First Certificate
- The role and work of public service - externally assessed exam, taking place in January with resit option in May
- Working skills in the pubic service sector
- Citizenship, society and the public services - externally assessed exam, taking place in January with resit option in May
- Employment in the public services
- Public services and community protection
- Multi-day expedition
Both the award and the certificate pathways take place over a full academic year. If you are studying the award, you may progress to the certificate in your second year, before moving on to a Level 3 programme.
School Leavers (16-18)
If you will be 16, 17 or 18 years old on 31 August before your course starts, and you have the legal right to live in the UK for the full length of your study programme, your course will be free.
You may also be eligible for financial help to support with books, travel, course materials and childcare costs – please click here for more information.




