Protective Services - Foundation Degree (Progression from Cert HE)

Summary

This is a progression course from the Protective Services - Certificate of Higher Education to the Foundation Degree in Protective Services and follows the second year of the Foundation Degree programme.

Designed for students who have decided to extend their studies beyond their one-year Level 4 programme, this degree-level progression route gives them the opportunity to achieve a Level 5 qualification with the possibility of then going on to study for a full honours degree in Protective Services at Level 6.

During this year, students will build on the foundational knowledge and practical understanding gained at Cert HE Level as they grow and widen their understanding of protective services and all the various elements at play in the sector. They will 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 and offers the opportunity for work-based learning to help students cement their theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Course code TH1HE0007
UCAS code LL91
Duration 1 Year
Day/s of week Monday and Tuesday
Time 09:00 - 17:00

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
07 Sep 2026	University Centre	1 Year	Apply now

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.

Key information

Entry Requirements

Students must have successfully completed their Certificate of Higher Education in Protective Services to be considered for entry onto this programme.

Qualification obtained

FdA Protective Services

Fees and funding

To receive tuition fee funding for the Foundation Degree (Progression from Cert HE) students will need to make a second application to Student Finance England. The same is also the case for Maintenance Loans which will also require another application. As always, more information can be found on our dedicated fee and financial support pages on this website.

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.

What will I learn?

This progression route in Protective Services at Blackpool and The Fylde College is designed to develop your professional knowledge, practical skills, and leadership potential across a range of protective and emergency service roles.

Through Work-Based Learning, you’ll gain hands-on experience within real professional settings, applying theory to practice and building valuable industry connections. Preserving Life focuses on the essential principles and techniques of emergency response and crisis management, ensuring you’re prepared to act effectively in high-pressure situations.

In Public Protection in a Digital Era, you’ll explore how technology, data, and digital threats are transforming the protective services landscape, learning to respond to challenges such as cybercrime and online safeguarding. Offender Management and Rehabilitation deepens your understanding of crime prevention, rehabilitation, and community safety strategies.

Finally, Leadership, Innovation and Change in Protective Services and Multi-Agency Approach to the Criminal Justice System develop your ability to lead teams, drive positive change, and collaborate effectively across organisations to protect and serve communities.

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 (Progression from CertHE) 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 degree-level courses 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 professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them the to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.

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.