How do you get into the police?

The best route into policing will depend on your individual circumstances. Here, we will consider each of the three possible routes, and look at the pros and cons of each.

Do you already have a degree?

If you have a degree the two-year work-based Degree Holder and Detective Degree Holder Entry programmes both see you end up with a graduate diploma in Professional Policing Practice when you complete your probation. You could also apply to the Police Now graduate programme.

I don’t have a degree

If you don’t have a degree you could consider the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship Scheme or you could apply for the pre-join Degree in Professional Policing.

To apply for the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship Scheme you would have to identify a police force that is recruiting and apply to them. If you are selected the programme will take three years and you will combine working as a police officer and studying. During the three years you will be paid but you have to combine the challenges of working and studying. If you do not complete the three years apprenticeship you will not receive any qualification.

The pre-join Degree in Professional Policing allows you to study as a full time student and at the successful completion of the course you will have a BSC in Professional Policing. This degree will not only allow you to apply to become a police officer but you may also consider roles within the broader criminal justice sector or you may even use this degree as a foundation for further study. Upon completion of your degree you can apply to a police force that is recruiting and go through their recruitment process and selection policy.