Protective Services - Foundation Degree
Summary
The Foundation Degree (FdA) in Protective Services at Blackpool and The Fylde College equips you with the knowledge, practical skills and professional insight needed for a career across the protective and public services sector.
This industry‑focused degree prepares you for roles in both uniformed and non‑uniformed services, including the Police, Fire and Ambulance Services, as well as the Probation and Prison Services, Civil Service, NHS, HMRC and wider criminal justice agencies.
What you’ll learn
The course combines academic theory with real‑world application, giving you a strong foundation for working in complex public protection environments. You’ll develop:
- An understanding of criminology, crime prevention and offender management
- Insight into rehabilitation and multi‑agency working
- Practical experience through work‑based learning
- Strong research, analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion in professional practice
- Confidence in using technology to support public protection
Industry‑focused learning
You’ll be taught by experienced lecturers with strong industry links, ensuring learning reflects current practice across the protective services. The programme places a clear emphasis on collaboration, professionalism and ethical decision‑making, preparing you to work effectively with diverse communities.
On completion, you’ll be well prepared to progress directly into employment or continue your studies with a BA (Hons) top‑up degree. Graduates leave ready to make a positive impact in a demanding and evolving protective services landscape.
Before applying, please check whether you meet the entry requirements under 'Key Information' for this course. Don't hesitate to call us on 01253 504343 if you need assistance.
Entry Requirements
- Typical A-Level Offer - CDD to exclude General Studies
- Typical BTEC Offer - BTEC Extended Diploma Merit Pass Pass
- Typical Access to HE Offer - Pass the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 64 UCAS tariff points
In addition to the above we also expect applicants to have:
- English Language GCSE at grade C/4 or above
- Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component
- Maths GCSE Grade C/4 or above is also advantagious
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
Graduates of the Foundation Degree (FdA) in Protective Services are well prepared for a wide range of roles across the UK’s protective, public safety and criminal justice sectors.
Career opportunities span uniformed and non‑uniformed services, including:
- Police, Fire and Ambulance Services
- Prison Service and Ministry of Defence (MoD)
- Probation Service
- HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
- Civil Service and Local Government
- Criminal Justice and public protection agencies
Next steps at B&FC
Students who successfully complete the Foundation Degree in Protective Services can progress to a full honours degree by pursuing the one-year BA (Hons) Protective Services Top Up.
Employment Opportunities
With a strong focus on multi‑agency working, community engagement and public protection, graduates can progress into roles such as:
Community Safety Officer | Anti‑Social Behaviour Officer | Case Manager | Crime Prevention or Community Engagement Officer | Security or Risk Consultant | Emergency Planning or Resilience roles
These roles support work in crime prevention, offender management, emergency response, community safety and public policy.
Key information
Qualification obtained
FdA Protective ServicesFees and funding
Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding, including additional financial support for those on low incomes, with dependent children or adults or with disabilities.
Extra costs and equipment
Students are encouraged to bring a laptop, notebook, pens and any other equipment they require for making notes during classroom-based sessions.
Optional field trips may cost approximately £60 (partially subsidised). However, there are no mandatory additional costs.
Regulation and Accreditation
Accrediting Institute: N/A
Awarding Body: The University of Lancaster
Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)
Terms and conditions
Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.
What will I learn?
The Foundation Degree in Protective Services at Blackpool and The Fylde College offers a practical, career‑focused learning experience, designed to prepare you for roles across the UK’s protective and public services sector.
You’ll start by building strong academic foundations through modules such as Introduction to Academic Study and Introduction to Protecting Contemporary Society. These modules develop essential research, analytical and critical thinking skills, while introducing how protective services operate within modern communities.
Developing professional knowledge and skills
Core modules including Risk, Resilience and Emergencies and Public Protection give you the knowledge to assess risk, manage incidents and protect individuals and society. You’ll explore how agencies respond to emergencies and safeguard the public in complex environments.
Through Understanding Human Behaviour and Offender Management and Rehabilitation, you’ll examine the psychological and social factors that influence crime, rehabilitation and desistance, helping you understand professional decision‑making in protective services.
Real‑world learning and progression
Work‑Based Learning is a key part of the course, allowing you to apply theory in real‑world settings and gain valuable professional experience relevant to protective services roles.
In the later stages of the programme, advanced modules such as Preserving Life, Public Protection in a Digital Era, and Leadership, Innovation and Change in Protective Services develop your practical, technical and leadership capabilities.
The Multi‑Agency Approach to the Criminal Justice System module focuses on collaboration across services, preparing you to work confidently within multi‑disciplinary and multi‑agency environments.The Foundation Degree in Protective Services at Blackpool and The Fylde College offers a dynamic and practical learning experience designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in the UK’s protective services sector.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
Students are encouraged to undertake voluntary placements with local protective service agencies. Optional trips to organisations such as Lancashire Constabulary HQ and sector conferences are integrated into the course to enhance employability and real-world understanding.
How will I learn?
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The Foundation Degree in Protective Services is delivered at the University Centre campus, offering a supportive learning environment with access to:
- IT services and digital learning resources
- Library and academic study facilities
- Dedicated study spaces
- Learning mentors and academic support
- Student wellbeing and pastoral support
You’ll be introduced to all academic and wellbeing support services during induction, ensuring you know where to access help from the very start of the course.
Teaching, learning and study pattern
The course is delivered through a blend of classroom‑based teaching and independent study, with students typically attending one day per week. Learning is supported through online resources and guided study materials, helping you balance study with other commitments.
Teaching methods are practical and interactive, and may include:
- Lectures and seminars
- Practical workshops
- Role play and simulations
- Scenario‑based learning and tabletop exercises
- Guest speakers from the protective services sector
Small class sizes help create a personalised learning experience, encouraging discussion, engagement and confidence building.
Skills you’ll develop
Throughout the course, you’ll build key professional skills, including:
- Multi‑agency collaboration
- Research and analytical skills
- A broad understanding of the protective services and public safety sector
These skills will support progression into employment or further study within protective services roles.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 288 | 273 | 0 |
| Independent | 912 | 897 | 0 |
| Placement | 0 | 30 | 0 |
| Total | 1200 | 1200 | 0 |
How will I be assessed?
Assessment on the Foundation Degree in Protective Services is designed to reflect current professional practice and focuses mainly on coursework and practical tasks.
You’ll be assessed through a range of methods, including:
- Essays and written reports
- Case studies and briefing papers
- Presentations
- A research project
- Open‑book exams (with access to reference materials)
- Multiple‑choice exams
This varied approach allows you to demonstrate both academic understanding and practical application relevant to protective services roles.
Feedback and support
You’ll receive regular, constructive feedback throughout the course to help you improve your work, build confidence and progress your grades over time.
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 75% | 70% | 0% |
| Exam | 0% | 10% | 0% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |