Entry to the Uniformed Services Diploma

Course information

Our Military and Protective Services (MaPS) Academy provides the ultimate preparation for a career in the Armed Forces, Emergency and Rescue services, the fire, police, ambulance, UK Border force as well as, Non-uniformed roles, civil service, voluntary or private security sector.

We offer two options for you to start your studies in the military and protective services depending on your GCSE results. On completion our Level 3 course offers you the choice of university study or employment. Our Level 2 course is ideal should your GCSEs not be what you expected with the option to progress to Level 3 on successful completion of your course.

Preparing you for a career in the armed forces is our ultimate goal. We pride ourselves on our success rates with 80% of
students who pass going straight into the military or protective services and the remaining 20% continuing their studies.

This course will challenge you, take you out of your comfort zone and put you one step ahead of the rest. More importantly it will offer you the opportunity to find out more about the benefits of a career in the uniformed and non-uniformed services before you commit yourself.

You will love taking part in our annual field trip to the Houses of Parliament or our three-day survival school and two five-day residential military exercises. Expect to visit local Armed forces monthly such as HMS Raleigh. We also have accommodation on campus at Bicton College.

Please note: As part of your course you will be required to carry out Work Experience and/or an Industry Placement.

What You Will Learn

You will study a range of core modules including preparing for a career in a chosen uniformed service, developing aspects of physical fitness for entry to the uniformed services, developing leadership skills and equality, diversity and inclusion. You will also study specialist subjects depending on which area of the uniformed services you would like to enter as well as outdoor and adventurous expeditions to further challenge you. Take part in numerous field trips to military and protective service establishments and carry out residential military exercises. You will also have the opportunity to undertake first aid training.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Four or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and/or Maths, or successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification.
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and/or Maths will be considered as alternatives to GCSE, but a GCSE resit may be required depending on grade.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and maths and/or English at GCSE Grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2.

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Four or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and Maths, or successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification.
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and/or Maths will be considered as alternatives to GCSE, but a GCSE resit may be required depending on grade.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and maths and/or English at GCSE Grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2.

Please note: Some of our courses may have extra entry requirements or need a bit more information, like evidence or experience. Don't worry—we’ll guide you through everything when you apply!

Work Experience

Nathaniel, 16, would like to join the RAF and completed his work experience with the RAF Air Cadets “The benefit of doing cadets as an industry placement whilst completing the MAPS Academy course is that they both follow the military route so complement each other. The content of the course and cadets allows me to reinforce my knowledge. When I applied for rank at Bicton, I had a stepping stone towards this as I had already been awarded Corporal status in cadets. If you have the commitment and you want to succeed in joining the military/protective service, I would recommend joining a cadet programme as you learn a lot of valuable information and a better insight into the roles that you may want to join in the future. The cadet programme has given me skills, knowledge and behaviours and also taught me about the values in the military. I remember joining the MAPS academy at the beginning of the year and this felt like an easy transition because of the confidence I have obtained during my time in the cadets. Through continuing to volunteer with cadets I had a better understanding going into the course of what to expect. I also want to join the Army cadets next year as there is so much to learn in different cadet organisations as the Army operate in a slightly different way. You never stop learning with whatever you are doing so through yourself into everything and anything you can.”

Progression

After completing this course you will be mentored through the selection process for you chosen career or be ready for further study on our Entry to the Uniformed Services Extended Diploma Level 3

Bicton College

Bicton College

Bicton College is based in East Devon, near Exeter, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just two miles from the Jurassic Coast. The historic Georgian mansion, commercial farm, animal husbandry school, modern veterinary nursing building, world-class engineering and heavy plant machinery workshop, walled garden and arboretum are all set in over 200 hectares of historic parkland.

Find out more about our Bicton campus

Events

Taster Event

Bicton College

Taster Day at Bicton College

• 17 Feb 25
• 28 May 25

Open Event

Bicton College

Open Event at Bicton College

• 26 Apr 25