Practical Vs Theory
Course overview
This course, as part of Stamford College’s Air and Defence College is an amazing opportunity to pursue a career with the RAF within the Public Services pathway in job roles such as a Regiment Gunner.
You will take part in a blend of practical and theory activities with a range of assessment methods including three hours per week of personal training to develop your physical fitness. These activities will ensure you are well equipped to pass RAF basic recruit training and as a student of the Air and Defence College you will be guarenteed a place (subject to entry criteria)
What Does The Programme Include
The curriculum for the Air and Defence Career College is packed with enrichment activities ranging from expert guest speakers from our industry partners, to existing visits to RAF bases and industry workplaces, along with residential visits and adventure training.
You will undertake 30-hours of work-related activity linked closely to the Defence industry
You will participate in activities around Science, Technology, English and Maths (STEM) led by The Royal Society of Engineers
You will participate in general and trade RAF station visits
You will participate in a week-long residential visit developed by the RAF
You will participate in outdoor and adventurous activities, including high/low ropes activities; climbing and canoeing
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at grades 4/C or above, including English and maths.
Or a Merit in Public Services Diploma Level 2 or the Air and Defence (Public Services) First Diploma Level 2.
Need to re-sit? No problem. If you don’t achieve a Grade 4/C in GCSE maths or English, you’ll resit the exams with us and we’ll help you prepare.
Worried about your grades?
Whatever your results, we want to assure you that extenuating circumstances will be considered should you not have the grades indicated above.
We will review each application on a case-by-case basis to ensure you get a place on the course most suitable for you.
One of the ways we do this is through a very effective ‘6 weeks to success programme’ that operates from the first day you start your course. This includes support such as (but not limited to):
- Allowing you to change courses if you change your mind in the first 6 weeks
- Moving you between course levels if you are finding your current level too easy / too hard
- Incorporating English and maths GCSE resits in to your timetable if you don’t meet the grades you need
- One-to-one reviews with your academic tutor to ensure you are progressing and achieving well
Our course enquiries and admissions team are available remotely throughout this unprecedented period. They can be contacted at enquiries@stamford.ac.uk should you have any further questions.
How The Course Will Be Assessed
Air and Defence College assessment will follow BRTC (basic recruit training course) attitude goal requirements at Grade A throughout your study. In addition you will prepare and sit the Airman Selection Test (AST) for entry in to the RAF should you wish to do so. You will also participate in the Industrial Cadet Award written assignment, presentations and practical tasks, alongside other personal development focused projects.
Additional Information
You will be required to be in Air and Defence College uniform on your Air and Defence days in college, both in theory and practical sessions. This will be at a cost of £85 for the basic Air and Defence College uniform package with the opportunity to purchase other items if you desire. You will also require a pair of running trainers (no fashion flat soled footwear). Course fees for Air and Defence College will be £150 for the year. This will cover all trips and visits outside of the college. You will be required to attend each lesson with a notebook and stationary. Please note; there are additional costs for Public Services uniform/course fees. More information and details will be given at interview.
Potential Future Career
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to the Air and Defence (Public Services) Diploma Level 3 to pursue a career with the RAF.
Course Content
You will study the following units:
- Government, Policies and the Public Services
- Leadership and Teamwork in the Public Services
- Citizenship, Diversity and the Public Services
- Understanding Discipline in the Uniformed Public Services
Optional Units (not all will be selected)
- Fitness Testing and Training for the Uniformed Public Services
- Physical Preparation, Health and Lifestyle for the Public Services
- International Institutions and Human Rights
- Understand the Impact of War, Conflict and Terrorism on Public Services
- Outdoor and Adventurous Expeditions
- Skills for Land-based Outdoor and Adventurous Activities
- Skills for Water-based Outdoor and Adventurous Activities
- Crime and its Effects on Society
- Command and Control in the Uniformed Public Services
- Responding to Emergency Service Incidents
- Planning and Management of Major Incidents
- Police Powers in the Public Services
- Communication and Technology in the Uniformed Public Services
- Current and Media Affairs in Public Services
- Security Procedures in the Public Services
- Instructing Physical Activity and Exercise
- Land Navigation by Map and Compass



My course fast tracked my dream career as a Police Officer. I work as a Police Special in my spare time, and I’ve been accepted on a BSc (Hons) Crime and Investigative Degree!