Entry routes

The Initial Police Learning Development Programme (IPLDP) entry route is to be replaced from April 2024 with the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP). Please continue to apply for the IPLDP programme as we are accepting applications.

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There are four entry routes available. The entry requirements are varied - you don't need a degree to join us, but we do require a minimum standard of education or equivalent work-experience.

Further details on the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) entry route will be available in due course. If you have already applied to the IPLDP programme then your application will continue to progress, you do not need to do anything further.

You may be eligible for more than one entry route e.g. you have A-levels, a degree and work experience so you can choose from IPLDP, DHEP or PCDA. Each route offers different benefits so you can choose the route that suits you.

You must also meet the eligibility criteria as detailed in Who we are looking for.

Important information about entry routes

Please select your preferred entry route on your application form. We aim to offer you the entry-route of your choice however, if that route is fully-subscribed we may offer you an alternative based on your qualifications, skills and experience.

If you have work experience or GCSE/A-Levels

All qualifications will have to be evidenced before a formal offer is issued.

Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP)	Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
Two year programme Probation: two years Qualification you'll gain: No qualification Training: 19 weeks at the Kent Police Training College Apply to a specialist team: after two years. View available specialisms	Three year programme Probation: three years Qualification you'll gain: BSc (Hons) in Professional Policing Training: 22 weeks at the Kent Police Training College Apply to a specialist team: after two years. View available specialisms
Entry requirements: work experience where you can evidence understanding and supporting public/customer needs adapting your communication style solving complex problems making decisions or hold a GCSE in English and Maths (Grade C and above or Level 4 to 9) or equivalent. You must also be able to evidence understanding and supporting public/customer needs adapting your communication style solving complex problems making decisions or hold a level 3 qualification as defined in the Education and Skills Act 2008 e.g. one A-Level or equivalent or have a minimum of three years’ service with the UK Armed Forces and have achieved an exemplary reference on discharge or are a member of Kent Police staff, a PCSO or special constable who have passed their probationary period	Entry requirements: are a member of Kent Police staff, a PCSO or special constable who have passed their probationary period have a minimum of four years’ service with the UK Armed Forces and have achieved an exemplary reference on discharge or hold a GCSE in Maths and English (Grade C and above or Level 4 or above) and have achieved or be working towards two Level 3 qualifications (Grade C or above). Equivalent to two A-Levels or 64+ UCAS points If you do not meet the above entry requirements, you will need to undertake further assessments.
Apply for IPLDP	Apply for PCDA

Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP)

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

Two year programme
Probation: two years
Qualification you'll gain: No qualification
Training: 19 weeks at the Kent Police Training College
Apply to a specialist team: after two years. View available specialisms

Three year programme
Probation: three years
Qualification you'll gain: BSc (Hons) in Professional Policing
Training: 22 weeks at the Kent Police Training College
Apply to a specialist team: after two years. View available specialisms

Entry requirements:

work experience where you can evidence
- understanding and supporting public/customer needs
- adapting your communication style
- solving complex problems
- making decisions

hold a GCSE in English and Maths (Grade C and above or Level 4 to 9) or equivalent. You must also be able to evidence
- understanding and supporting public/customer needs
- adapting your communication style
- solving complex problems
- making decisions

hold a level 3 qualification as defined in the Education and Skills Act 2008 e.g. one A-Level or equivalent

have a minimum of three years’ service with the UK Armed Forces and have achieved an exemplary reference on discharge

are a member of Kent Police staff, a PCSO or special constable who have passed their probationary period

Entry requirements:

are a member of Kent Police staff, a PCSO or special constable who have passed their probationary period
have a minimum of four years’ service with the UK Armed Forces and have achieved an exemplary reference on discharge

hold a GCSE in Maths and English (Grade C and above or Level 4 or above) and
have achieved or be working towards two Level 3 qualifications (Grade C or above). Equivalent to two A-Levels or 64+ UCAS points

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, you will need to undertake further assessments.

Apply for IPLDP

Apply for PCDA

If you have a degree or are in your final year of study

All qualifications will have to be evidenced before a formal offer is issued.

Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)	Pre-Join Degree
Two year programme Probation: two years Qualification you'll gain: Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Training: 22 weeks at the Kent Police Training College Apply to a specialist team: after two years. View available specialisms	Two year programme Probation: two years Qualification you'll gain: Level 6 Degree in Professional Policing Training: 22 weeks at the Kent Police Training College Apply to a specialist team: after two years. View available specialisms
Entry requirements: degree in any subject	Entry requirements: have or are in your final year of undergraduate degree in Professional Policing
Apply for DHEP	Apply for pre-join degree

Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)

Pre-Join Degree

Two year programme
Probation: two years
Qualification you'll gain: Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing
Training: 22 weeks at the Kent Police Training College
Apply to a specialist team: after two years. View available specialisms

Two year programme
Probation: two years
Qualification you'll gain: Level 6 Degree in Professional Policing
Training: 22 weeks at the Kent Police Training College
Apply to a specialist team: after two years. View available specialisms

Entry requirements:

degree in any subject

Entry requirements:

have or are in your final year of undergraduate degree in Professional Policing

Apply for DHEP

Apply for pre-join degree

Announcement

Entry routes

Important information about entry routes

If you have work experience or GCSE/A-Levels

If you have a degree or are in your final year of study