Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship combines paid frontline policing with a fully funded degree. And we’ve been delivering this course since the outset of the launch in 2018.

The PCDA combines paid frontline policing with a fully funded degree. You’ll be a police officer from day one, learning on the job and in the classroom, with your studies underpinned by research into crime, ethics, human rights, and governance. This integration offers fresh perspectives and practical solutions for law enforcement.

Your apprenticeship is made up of different knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) which will help you perform as a Police Constable.

You will develop against these criteria throughout your apprenticeship and will be formally assessed at the end of your programme.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will be set formative and summative assessments to ensure that you are progressing correctly and understanding the content being delivered.The delivery of the KSBs will consist of teaching, online learning, shadowing, research and academic writing.

Year 1 - Level 4 Overview

Year 1 introduces the core foundations of policing, combining academic study with practical skills. Students explore policing theory, legislation, community engagement, intelligence, and investigative practice through a mix of written assessments, practical scenarios, and observed activities.

Year 2 – Level 5 Overview

Year 2 builds on core policing knowledge with a focus on response policing, victimology, investigative decision making, and research skills. Students complete a blend of professional assessments, academic work, and applied research tasks.

Year 3 – Level 6 Overview

Year 3 focuses on advanced professional development, research skills, and specialist policing practice. Students complete a major research project, develop coaching and mentoring capability, and choose an optional module to deepen expertise in areas such as major incidents, partnership working, or advanced investigations.

To find out more about the knowledge, skills and behaviours you will be working towards, see the police constable apprenticeship standard.

This apprenticeship runs over three years. 80% of your time will be spent completing on-the-job learning and uploading evidence of this to an e-portfolio, and the other 20% will be academic study for a Bachelors Degree in Professional Policing Practice.

You will rotate around key departments in your second year and be able to apply for specialisms in your third year.

To find out more about how you will be assessed, take a look at the police constable assessment plan (PDF).

Juliana's journey

Age and employment requirements

You will need to be at least 18 years old and be employed by a police force. You will also need to meet the standard PC eligibility criteria. Understand the different routes and assessment processes to policing to help you apply.

We're partnering with Nottinghamshire Police on this programme.

Nottinghamshire Police have two recruitment intakes per year; March and October. Visit the careers page and search ‘Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship’, then select ‘Save this search as a job alert’ to set up alerts.

Academic requirements

Typically, you will need to have achieved a level 3 qualification (A-level or equivalent). Forces may accept training or work experience, whether undertaken in or outside England and Wales, which is considered to be equivalent to a level 3 qualification.

You need to have Level 2 in English and Mathematics (or equivalents) prior to entry. If you don’t have the Level 2 requirements, we can offer guidance and support to gain these. Please mention this during the application process. 

The cost will be paid for by the employer.

More details for employers

The cost of this apprenticeship will normally be in line with the funding band £27,000 but we will consider individual agreements, depending on student numbers and your involvement. Apprenticeship Levy funding will be used.

Contact us

Apprenticeship Hub

• Email: apprenticeships@derby.ac.uk
• Phone: 01332 593092