Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

You must meet the eligibility criteria for becoming a police officer outlined in who we are looking for. You will also need to:

• have a GCSE in Maths and English Grade C or level 4 or above and
• achieved, or be working towards obtaining, two level 3 qualifications minimum grade C or above (two A-levels or equivalent to UCAS points of 64+). Use the register of regulated qualifications website to check your qualification is recognised as being level 3. Candidates who apply pending completion of these qualifications, must be due to complete the full qualification by the end of the current academic year

If you do not hold the required qualifications, you can still apply if you possess one of the following qualifications and/or have the required experience. In this instance, you will be required to undergo additional assessments as part of our recruitment process. View further information about the support available in study skills assessment and education support.

Entry requirements

• 32-63 UCAS points from 2 A-Levels or equivalent
• GCSE Grade C or level 4 in Maths and English and under 32 UCAS points or no evidence of a level 3 qualification
• have the required experience as detailed below

Required experience

• you are a member of Kent Police staff, a PCSO or special constable who have passed their probationary period
• you have a minimum of four years’ service with the Armed Forces and have achieved an exemplary reference on discharge
• no evidence of Maths and English at GCSE and under 32 UCAS points or no evidence of a level 3 qualification - you have a minimum of four years’ service with the armed forces

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

You will start your training at our training college which will involve both classroom-based and practical learning. Upon successful completion of your initial training, you will join an operational policing team where you will continue your learning and development whilst undertaking operational day-to-day police duties.

The programme will cover a wide range of policing topics including:

• policing, police law and police powers
• protection, vulnerability and public protection
• policing communities, response policing and investigating crime
• police leadership, coaching and mentoring
• officer safety training
• emergency life support
• safeguarding
• crime investigation and operational policing skills

You will undertake both operational and academic written assessments (including exams, essays and presentations) throughout the programme to demonstrate your ability to carry out your policing responsibilities. You will also be required to complete an Operational Competence Portfolio with evidence of your achievements and pass operational assessments against a range of critical policing skills.

You will also be required to produce a 10,000 word dissertation based on research into a policing topic.

You will be fully supported in applying new skills and knowledge as part of your operational duties. This will let you put into practice what you are learning and help you to develop the skills and experience you need for this challenging but rewarding role.

You will need to successfully complete both operational and academic assessments before being awarded the degree.