How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time non-advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to funding.
Why take this course?
Learn about specific uniformed services and the career opportunities within them. The different work-related units allow you to build key skills and understanding relating to realistic workplace situations activities and demands – effectively preparing you for work in the uniformed services (Police, Fire and Rescue Service, Prison Service, Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force).
You will also attend visits from the services to gain first-hand knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the services, the joining processes, progression routes and more.
What you will experience
The course will give you the knowledge and fitness required to apply for your chosen service.
You will get the opportunity to undergo a range of outdoor and adventurous activities.
Other topics include:
- Leadership
- Equality and diversity
- Physical preparation
- Impact of conflict, war and terrorism
- Security procedures and responding to adventurous activities
- Sport, fitness testing and training
- Research armed and emergency services
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place on Saturday, 15 March 2025, from 10am to 2pm. Register your interest to receive email updates about the event.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
College transport to Fraserburgh
You may be eligible for College transport to Fraserburgh Campus from a number of locations. Please contact collegetransport@nescol.ac.uk for more information.
Entry requirements
- Two National 5 passes at grade C or above
Or
- Completion of Level 2 Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services (SCQF Level 4/5)
- You must have an interest in studying uniformed services and be willing to take part in all theoretical and practical elements of the course
- Relevant industry experience or equivalent qualifications will also be considered.
Additional selection requirements
Suitable candidates will be invited to attend an interview which includes a group presentation, one-to-one interview and a practical team building activity.
Following the interview, you must attend the Transition to the Uniformed Services Day – Thursday 19 June 2025.
What you will get
NCFE Level 3 Certificate for Entry to the Uniformed Services (Broadly comparable to SCQF Level 5/6)
What you will need
- Prior to starting your course, you will be required to purchase a NESCol Sport kit and outdoor wear to be worn in all practical classes.
- In non-practical subjects, students may wear smart but casual clothes but no football colours are permitted in any environment.
- You will need access to a digital device such as a laptop or tablet.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time non-advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place on Saturday, 15 March 2025, from 10am to 2pm. Register your interest to receive email updates about the event.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
College transport to Fraserburgh
You may be eligible for College transport to Fraserburgh Campus from a number of locations. Please contact collegetransport@nescol.ac.uk for more information.
Entry requirements
- Two National 5 passes at grade C or above
Or
- Completion of Level 2 Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services (SCQF Level 4/5)
- You must have an interest in studying uniformed services and be willing to take part in all theoretical and practical elements of the course
- Relevant industry experience or equivalent qualifications will also be considered.
Additional selection requirements
Suitable candidates will be invited to attend an interview which includes a group presentation, one-to-one interview and a practical team building activity.
Following the interview, you must attend the Transition to the Uniformed Services Day – Thursday 19 June 2025.
What you will get
NCFE Level 3 Certificate for Entry to the Uniformed Services (Broadly comparable to SCQF Level 5/6)
What you will need
- Prior to starting your course, you will be required to purchase a NESCol Sport kit and outdoor wear to be worn in all practical classes.
- In non-practical subjects, students may wear smart but casual clothes but no football colours are permitted in any environment.
- You will need access to a digital device such as a laptop or tablet.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Employment
Career opportunities in the uniformed services include:
- Army
- Fire and Rescue Service
- Police
- Prison Service
- Royal Air Force (RAF)
- Royal Navy
- British Transport Police
Student Stories
Coby Keith
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
HND Sports Coaching & Development
“There are excellent volunteering opportunities during the course and it’s so useful to be able to apply your newly learned knowledge in a real-life setting.”
Read more about Coby's story
Casey Spriggs
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
HND Fitness, Health & Exercise
“Everyone, regardless of age or background, deserves success. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; if you have a goal, believe in yourself and take that first step.”
Read more about Casey's story
Jenny Duncan
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
HND Fitness, Health and Exercise; Sport and Exercise Massage (part-time )
“After finishing the evening course my mind was set on Sports Massage as my future career and I knew that I no longer wanted to go to University.”
Read more about Jenny's story
Karen Watson
Part-time
Sport and Exercise Massage (Introductory & SCQF Level 6) followed by HNC Soft Tissue Therapy
“The evening class was a revelation. I never dreamt of a different career path but I just got completely hooked!”
Read more about Karen's story
Lyn Taylor
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
Level 3 Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science
NC Applied Science
“College has given me confidence to try challenging things out of my comfort zone. It’s better to try something and reach your full potential. I wouldn’t have considered working with children before or had the confidence to look at university degrees to consider applying for in the future. College has made me truly happy about my future and optimistic I can succeed and achieve things even at my age.”
Read more about Lyn's story
Lee Goodwin
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
Entry to Uniformed Services – Level 2 Diploma
“The air cadets boosted my passion for joining a service, and College gave me the confidence to grow as a person and develop my social skills in an environment where I felt I could thrive. It’s important to push yourself – you may surprise yourself by how much you can actually achieve.”
Read more about Lee's story
Christopher Hay
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
HND Health, Fitness & Exercise
“I’d recommend the course to anyone interested in a career in sports & fitness. The facilities at College were great, the course was really interesting and I made some good friends along the way.”
Read more about Christopher's story
James Pert
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
HND Fitness, Health & Exercise
“It’s a qualification that definitely leads directly to related employment which is what most people want out of their College experience.”
Read more about James's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once completed, this will be received by our Admissions Team who will then process your application.
Aberdeen City Campus
-
Starts Aug 2025
-
Duration 1 year
-
Course Code C00049
Fraserburgh Campus
-
Starts Aug 2025
-
Duration 1 year
-
Course Code C00141
Completed forms should be signed and returned to us at the following freepost address:
The Student Information & Admissions Manager
North East Scotland College
FREEPOST RTJJ-TXBA-AEZS
Aberdeen City Campus
Gallowgate
Aberdeen
Scotland
UK AB25 1BN
Full-time Application Form
Full-time Application Process
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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