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Uniformed Public Services

Uniformed Public Services

Welcome to Uniformed Public Services

Saving lives as the first call of response, protecting others from any type of threat or danger, and generally keeping the country safe is an incredibly important job.

You could be working on the frontline for one of the country’s emergency services, to serve and protect for:

  • the police
  • the prison and probation service
  • fire service
  • ambulance service
  • Army, RAF, Royal Marines or the Royal Navy

It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you think you've got what it takes, our protective services study programmes will make a whole range of careers available.

Uniformed Public Services

“The support I have had at all times has been so positive. It's been about me and what I can do. My Tutors have all helped me grow as a person, with confidence and a positive outlook on the future.”

Chloe Thompson, former public services student

Why should I study at The Sheffield College?

  • Train for a range of careers including as a police or fire officer, prison or security guard, paramedic, or in one of the country’s armed forces
  • Qualifications include a mix of practical assessments and classroom walks, including training days, residential courses, guest speakers and navigation challenges
  • Be taught by industry specialists who are passionate about your progress
  • Our qualifications have been designed with employers so they are industry standard and you’re studying the latest topics
  • Study all the way to degree level
  • Fantastic work placement opportunities available at our top employer partners
  • English and maths support is available to all students

Study our university level qualifications

There’s a pretty big misconception about getting a degree level qualification; you have to go to university to get one. Quite simply, that’s not true!

At UC Sheffield, you can join an increasing number of students who are choosing to study university level qualifications in a wide range of career driven courses with us.

Our qualifications include:

  • FD in Public Services: Policing Studies

Who we work with

Our students have fantastic opportunities to work and learn alongside some of the best employers in the region, including:

  • Duke of Edinburgh Award
  • South Yorkshire Police Force
  • Yorkshire Ambulance Service
  • Army Cadets

Where will I be studying?

Our students study at our Hillsborough Campuses, making use of our fitness suite.

Work-related activity, trips and visits

As a student at The Sheffield College, you will be encouraged to spend time with an employer in a real life or simulated working environment as part of your study programme.

We work closely with employers across Sheffield and the region to make sure you develop the exact skills and industry-specific knowledge that will enable you to shine throughout your career.

We create opportunities for you to:

  • work on live projects with employers
  • engage in industry expert masterclasses
  • visit employers at their place of work
  • take part in sector-specific competitions and events
  • use our Virtual Reality placement programme
  • undertake industry placements and much more

Enrichment activities include visits to places such as a Territorial Army base, a Magistrates Court, or climbing walls. Residential visits also offer you the chance to visit army bases and outdoor adventure activity centres where you will take part in activities such as abseiling, taekwondo sessions, and gorge walking.

What can you do after?

By 2028, there will be a total of 8,850 jobs in the protective services in South Yorkshire. That’s 100 new jobs that will have been created since 2023! Roles will be available as a:

  • Firefighter
  • Police officer
  • Security guard
  • Prison officer
  • Armed forces officer

After finishing their studies with us, many students go on to university or into employment.

Careers advice during your studies

Need a hand figuring out your career plan?

Our Careers Advice Team are available throughout your studies to provide advice and guidance.

Example careers

Ever wondered how much an accountant is South Yorkshire earns? Or what skills you need to become a developer?

Police Officer

Starting Salary
£32,689.50

Average Salary
£40,071

High-end Salary
£42,234.50

Fire Service Officer

Starting Salary
£26,362.50

Average Salary
£31,365

High-end Salary
£35,853

Prison Officer

Starting Salary
£30,702

Average Salary
£34,433.50

High-end Salary
£38,165

What Courses are available

Uniformed Public Services icon

Public Services

Hillsborough Campus
Level 2

More info