Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
Applying to join as a police constable via the Investigate First pathway is still very much about on-the-job training, but with the added benefit of gaining a BSc (Hons) in Professional Policing. A work based degree that you complete whilst working for us as a student police officer.
PCDA at a glance
- suitable for those who do not have a degree (you must meet the entry requirements)
- there is no cost to you as a student police officer - Kent Police will cover all qualification fees
- three-year degree apprenticeship in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) including our comprehensive student officer training at Kent Police College in Maidstone
- you study whilst serving as a full-time or part-time officer
- the programme will count as your three-year probationary period as a student officer and upon completion you will graduate from both the degree and your probation
You must meet the eligibility criteria for becoming a police officer, pass the online assessment and:
- 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 the Kent Police training college in Maidstone with some classroom-based learning. You will also join an operational policing team who you will work alongside in operational day-to-day policing.
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.
If you are interested in joining our policing family and undertaking the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), apply today and start your rewarding career with Kent Police.
We will be in contact with you and work with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) to enrol you as a student.