Uniformed Protective Services Academy

The UPS course gives you an advantage as you prepare for a potential career in the Protective/Public Services. Whether you are interested in the emergency services, armed forces, civil service or head to university, the UPS course offers you nationally recognised qualification (worth up to 168 UCAS points) is perfect for you.

Each term includes input from protective service personnel and visits to protective service barracks, stations and locations. You will regularly visit elite facilities such as Merseyside Police HQ, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, so if you have a passion for adventure, you will have the opportunity

Gain Qualifications
BTEC Extended Diploma in UPS (equivalent to 3-A Level) and worth up to 168 UCAS points

Gain Connections
Grow a professional network within the Protective and Public Services

Gain Employment
The perfect foundation for anyone looking for a career in Protective or Public Services. With vocational work experience included in the programme.

Our partner schools

The Mosslands School, Wirral.

Partner since 2018

Queens Park High School, Chester. Partner since 2021

What does this qualification cover?

The UPS Academy Programme is split into three strands covering the following seven mandatory units and six specialist units:

Social Sciences and Citizenship

  • Citizenship and Diversity
  • Behaviour and Discipline (Psychology) – Exam
  • Global Affairs, the Media and the Uniformed Protective Services
  • Government and the Protective Services – Exam
  • Sociological Perspectives
  • Introduction to Criminology

Personal Development and Wellbeing

  • Physical Preparation, Health and Well-being
  • Teamwork, Leadership, and Communication
  • Developing Personal Fitness Programmes

Practical Skills and Emergency Preparedness

  • Planning for and Responding to Emergency Incidents
  • Skills for Outdoor Activities and the Uniformed Protective Services
  • Expedition Skills
  • Criminal Investigation Procedures and Practice

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. Click here to see stakeholder recognition.

What could this qualification lead to?

What could this qualification lead to? This qualification aims to equip APST students with specialised knowledge in protective services and develop valuable transferable skills highly sought after by universities and employers. APST graduates can pursue further education or employment opportunities in various fields, including:

University Progression

BA (Hons) in Criminology

BSc (Hons) in Fire & Leadership Studies 

BA (Hons) in Social Work

BA (Hons) in Sociology

BA (Hons) in Public Services

BA (Hons) in Policing

LLB (Hons) in Law

Employment and Apprenticeships

Police Force

Fire & Rescue Services

British Army

Royal Navy and Royal Marines

Royal Air Force

Prison and Probation Service

U.K Border Force

In addition to your academic qualification, you will undertake a comprehensive personal development package which will include the following elements:

  • Careers and Employment Syllabus 
  • British Army Residential  
  • Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
  • Protective Services Careers engagement sessions 
  • Educational Visits include Police HQ, Fire and Rescue HQ, Liverpool Airport, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Liverpool Magistrates, Crown Court and many more.
  • Regular PE sessions
  • Team Sports 
  • Adventurous Activities 
  • Health and Wellbeing Syllabus
  • Future Leaders Programme

What is expected of you

At APST, our programmes are designed for individuals who are dedicated, tenacious, have a great sense of humour and are willing to take on any challenge and embody the APST Values of

  • Striving for Excellence
  • Act with Integrity 
  • Care for People

You must actively participate in all lessons, practical tasks and extra-curricular activities. This includes helping during breaks and lunchtimes and assisting with breakfast and after-school clubs.

Attendance and punctuality are essential; if you are not in class, joining in with practical courses or trips and visits, you will not acquire the necessary skills to become a successful member of Protective Services.

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