Protective Services - Foundation Degree
Summary
The Foundation Degree (FdA) in Protective Services at Blackpool and The Fylde College provides the essential knowledge, practical skills, and professional insight needed for a successful career across the uniformed and non-uniformed protective services. This industry-focused course prepares students for roles within the Police, Fire, and Ambulance Services, as well as in the Probation Service, Prison Service, Civil Service, NHS, HMRC, and Criminal Justice Agencies.
Blending academic theory with hands-on experience, the programme emphasises work-based learning, multi-agency collaboration, and the application of technology in public protection. Students gain a deep understanding of criminology, offender management, rehabilitation, and crime prevention, alongside vital research and analytical skills. The course also champions equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring graduates are prepared to work effectively with diverse communities.
Delivered by expert lecturers and shaped by industry input, the Foundation Degree in Protective Services offers a clear progression route to a BA (Hons) qualification or direct entry into the workforce. Graduates leave ready to make a meaningful impact in today’s complex and dynamic protective services sector.
- Course code TH1HE0006
- UCAS code LL91
- Duration 2 Years
- Day/s of week Monday and Tuesday
- Time 09:00 - 17:00
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
07 Sep 2026
|
University Centre
|
2 Years
|
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.
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
Graduates of the Foundation Degree (FdA) in Protective Services are well-equipped for a wide range of careers across the statutory and non-statutory protective services sectors in the UK. Opportunities span both uniformed services—including the Police, Fire, Ambulance, Prison Service, and Ministry of Defence—and non-uniformed roles within organisations such as the Probation Service, HM Revenue & Customs, Civil Service, Local Government, and Criminal Justice Agencies.
The course’s strong emphasis on multi-agency collaboration and community engagement enables graduates to pursue careers in community safety, crime prevention, offender management, emergency planning, and public policy. Roles may include Community Safety Officer, Anti-Social Behaviour Officer, Case Manager, or Security Consultant, among many others.
Graduates can also progress to senior management, specialist technical roles, or continue their studies to achieve a BA (Hons) degree and ultimately, a postgraduate qualification, strengthening their expertise and employability within the protective services and public safety sectors.
Next steps at B&FC
BA (Hons) Protective Services Top Up
Other study options
Fast-track graduate schemes are available in policing, intelligence, and public administration. Progression to postgraduate study (e.g. MA Criminology, MSc Criminal Justice, PGCE) is also supported. The CertHE provides an accessible entry point for those seeking a shorter qualification or a stepping stone to further study.
Employment Opportunities
Some career paths will require additional qualifications and training. Post graduate qualifications that Protective Service graduates will go on to study include Master’s courses such as MA or MSc in Criminal Investigation, Counter Terrorism, Criminal Justice, Cybercrime Investigation, DNA Profiling, Forensic Psychology, Forensic Psychology, LLM Law, LLM in Law and International Security
Key information
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
Qualification obtained
FdA Protective ServicesFees and funding
To find out more about tuition fees and the various funding options available for degree-level study, please visit our dedicated financial support page and tuition fees page for degree-level learners. As well as information on how to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans, there is also information on the various non-repayable financial support available for eligible students to make studying at this level more accessible for individuals on a low income or with other financial commitments.
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 dynamic and practical learning experience designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in the UK’s protective services sector.
You’ll begin your studies with Introduction to Academic Study and Introduction to Protecting Contemporary Society, developing core academic and analytical skills while exploring how protective services operate within modern communities. Modules such as Risk, Resilience and Emergencies and Public Protection equip you with the knowledge to assess threats, manage incidents, and safeguard individuals and society.
Through Understanding Human Behaviour and Offender Management and Rehabilitation, you’ll explore the psychological and sociological factors behind crime and rehabilitation. Work-Based Learning allows you to apply theory in real-world settings, building valuable professional experience.
Advanced modules including Preserving Life, Public Protection in a Digital Era, and Leadership, Innovation and Change in Protective Services develop your practical, technical, and leadership capabilities. Finally, Multi-Agency Approach to the Criminal Justice System focuses on collaboration across services, preparing you to work effectively in complex, multi-disciplinary environments.
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?
The Foundation Degree in Protective Services is delivered at the University Centre campus, offering a supportive, resource-rich environment with access to IT services, library facilities, dedicated study spaces, learning mentors, and student wellbeing support. At induction you will be introduced to the academic and pastoral support available to help you succeed.
The course itself is structured around a blend of classroom-based learning and independent study, with students attending one day per week and benefiting from online resources and guided learning. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, practical workshops, role plays, simulations, tabletop exercises, and scenario-based activities. These interactive and applied approaches encourage deeper learning, support better time management through “long and thin” modules, and foster a personalised experience thanks to small cohort sizes. There will also be the opportunity to engage with guest speakers to further enrich your learning.
Throughout the course, you will develop key skills such as multi-agency collaboration, research techniques, and a comprehensive understanding of the protective services sector.
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?
You will be assessed on this programme using a variety of different methods but with the emphasis primarily on coursework and practical submissions such as essays, reports, case studies, presentations,briefing papers and a research project. There will also be open book (where you will have access to reference material) and multiple choice exams. You will receive regular feedback during the course to allow you to improve your work and increase your grade performance. All of the assessments are designed to be in line with current policing practice to support your progression post this qualification.
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 75% | 70% | 0% |
| Exam | 0% | 10% | 0% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |