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This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
This programme is designed for applicants who do not already have a degree.
Those who hold a degree must not apply. There will be an opportunity to do so via the DHEP route in the future.
In the modern age, police officers undertake a complex role and operate at a degree level every day, so we are recognising the work we do with the appropriate level of qualification.
The qualifications directly relate to the role of a police officer. You will learn law, policy and procedure, as well as a range of interpersonal and educational skills. You'll also learn the operational skills need to support your communities. You will be a police officer from day one, earning while you learn, and will spend three years as a student officer.
We have partnered with York St John University (YSJ) to deliver the training of our student officers. Upon successful completion of your training period you will achieve a BA (Hons) in professional policing practice from YSJ.
Your training will be demanding as you'll be an operational police officer working full shifts, but you will be fully supported in your studies. The programme is not delivered in a lecture/seminar style but instead integrated into your police training. It is more about workshops, group work, general teaching and interactivity. All learning material will be available to you ‘24/7’ online.
You will be given 20 per cent ‘off the job’ time to carry out your studies over the three years and assessments are based on the role of a police officer. Yes, there will be some essays and examinations on law and policy, but it is so much more, including e-portfolios, operational policing plans, problem solving, presentations, policy reviews, investigation plans, case studies and evidenced-based policing projects.
You will undergo initial police training to prepare you for your operational role. Educational modules will be integrated into the initial programme and post tutor phase.
To apply for the programme you must:
*Proof of qualification is required at the time of application and an image of all relevant qualifications must be uploaded at the time of application. We are not able to accept predicted grades.
Note: If you have qualifications from outside the UK then please contact us before you apply so that we can make an individual assessment about whether you meet our application criteria.
Alternatively, if you have served in the armed forces and have successfully completed the minimum term of service (usually four years) and have achieved an exemplary reference, please contact us before you apply so that we can make an individual assessment about whether you meet our application criteria.
A requirement to be eligible to apply for the PCDA route of a student police officer is any level 3 qualification that is the equivalent to two A-levels. It may be possible for certain qualifications to be grouped together if your highest level of qualification does not meet the level 3 requirement on its own.
The below table may provide some further guidance on if your qualification meets the requirement. Please note that this is just a guide for reference and is subject to change. Each qualification will be subject to eligibility checks at shortlisting.
Qualification | A-level equivalence |
---|---|
Level 3 Certificate | 0.5 |
Level 3 Extended Certificate | 1 |
Level 3 National Foundation Diploma | 1.5 |
Level 3 National Diploma | 2 |
Level 3 Extended National Diploma | 3 |
2 A-levels | 2 |
1 AS-level | 0.5 |
Advanced Diploma | 3 |
National Certificate - level 3 | 2 |
National Award - level 3 | 1 |
Level 3 Diploma | 2 or 3 dependent on subject |
Level 3 Award | 1 |
Level 3 Certificate | Case-by-case assessment |
Level 3 international certificate in computer studies (ICCS) NCC Education UK | Case-by-case assessment |
Level 3 NVQ | Case-by-case assessment |
City and Guilds level 3 | Case-by-case assessment |
Here is a quick check list of what you will need to have to hand in preparation for the next time our window opens: