Protective Services - Certificate of Higher Education
Support safer communities through professional practice
This Certificate of Higher Education in Protective Services is designed for people who want to build a career in roles focused on public safety, protection and service to others.
Delivered in partnership with Lancaster University, this one‑year Level 4 qualification combines academic learning with real‑world application and is ideal whether you’re starting out or looking to progress within the sector.
What makes this course different
The course reflects the realities of modern protective services, where effective responses depend on teamwork, communication and multi‑agency collaboration.
You’ll gain insight into a wide range of protective service contexts, including:
- policing, fire and ambulance services
- probation and prison services
- criminal justice agencies and social services
With strong links to local and national employers, learning is shaped by current practice and the expectations of the sector.
Shape your learning around real‑world practice
A strong emphasis is placed on work‑based learning and industry‑led insight, helping you connect theory with professional practice.
You’ll explore key areas such as:
- risk, resilience and emergency management
- human behaviour in professional settings
- technology, community engagement and inter‑disciplinary working
Alongside this, you’ll develop transferable skills including communication, research and enquiry, enabling you to present clear, evidence‑based information in both academic and professional environments.
A recognised qualification with clear progression routes
This course can be completed as a standalone Level 4 qualification, or used as a stepping stone towards further degree‑level study.
It provides a strong foundation for progression into long‑term careers dedicated to protecting individuals, communities and society, across a wide range of public and protective service roles.
Support to help you succeed
You’ll be taught by an experienced teaching team with strong sector knowledge, supported by academic guidance throughout your studies.
The course is designed to help you grow in confidence as an independent learner, while building the knowledge and professional skills needed to progress within this fast‑moving and socially important sector.
- Course code TH1HE0008
- UCAS code LL92
- Duration 1 Year
- Day/s of week Tuesday
- Time 09:00 - 17:00
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
07 Sep 2026
|
University Centre
|
1 Year
|
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
Having successfully completed the Certificate of Higher Education in Protective Services, students will be well positioned to pursue a variety of entry-level roles across the protective services sector. This includes opportunities within both uniformed and non-uniformed services, such as: Police Service, Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service, Armed Forces, Prison and Probation Services, HM Revenue and Customs, Local Government and Civil Service, Community Safety and Engagement Roles, Charitable and Voluntary Sector Organisations, Emergency Planning and Neighbourhood Services.
The programme equips students with a foundational understanding of protective services, alongside key transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These attributes are highly valued in roles such as Community Support Officers, Emergency Call Handlers, Anti-Social Behaviour Officers, and other front-line or support positions within public service organisations.
Next steps at B&FC
On completion of this qualification, graduates can progress onto the second year of the Foundation Degree in Protective Services.
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 once graduates have completed the BA (hons) Topup programme.
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
CertHE 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.
There are optional field trips which typically cost about £60 (partly 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 Cert HE in Protective Services at Blackpool and The Fylde College provides a comprehensive blend of academic knowledge and practical skills designed to prepare you for a successful career within the UK’s protective services sector.
Introduction to Academic Study
You’ll begin by developing essential study and research skills, helping you build confidence in analysis, communication, and critical thinking.
Introduction to Protecting Contemporary Society
In this module, you’ll explore the key organisations, policies, and challenges that shape modern protective services, from community safety to global security issues.
Risk, Resilience and Emergencies
You’ll learn how emergency services and partner agencies plan for, respond to, and recover from complex incidents and crises. A key focus is placed on the importance of coordinated, evidence-based decision-making in emergency and community settings. You will learn how to apply theoretical and empirical knowledge to real-world challenges, enhancing your ability to contribute to effective and innovative solutions.
Public Protection
This focuses on safeguarding individuals and communities, including understanding legislation, ethics and professional practice.
Understanding Human Behaviour
You'll examine psychological and sociological factors influencing behaviour, decision-making, and crime—vital knowledge for any protective services professional.
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 Certificate of Higher Education 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.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 288 | 0 | 0 |
| Independent | 912 | 0 | 0 |
| Placement | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1200 | 0 | 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% | 0% | 0% |
| Exam | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |