Bursary scheme supports police officers and staff completing studies

Since the College bursary scheme started in 2016, it has helped 441 police officers and staff to study for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. This year, we awarded a record number of bursaries to police officers and staff to help towards their tuition fees. 

The bursary scheme is open to police officers and staff in England and Wales. Since the scheme started:

• 59% of bursary awards have gone to PCs and sergeants
• 25% of bursary awards have gone to police staff
• 30% of recipients have never studied at degree level before

A lack of formal qualifications is not necessarily a barrier to higher education. Your workplace skills and experience can contribute towards a qualification using recognition of prior learning.

One of this year's recipients, PC Emma Bloodworth from South Yorkshire Police, had experience and specialism in county lines and child exploitation but no formal qualifications. When she applied to study a degree in criminology at Sheffield Hallam University, a lecturer suggested she apply for a master's degree instead. Her experience in policing meant she could use the recognition of prior learning scheme, which the university supports. 

I have experience and specialism in policing exploitation and protecting vulnerable people but no formal qualifications, and feel I have nothing to show for everything I have learnt. I want to put that right so applied for a College of Policing bursary so I could research more into an area I am passionate about.

PC Emma Bloodworth, South Yorkshire Police

Some recipients have applied to carry out research to help improve policing processes and practice. One of this year’s successful bursary recipients is a detective constable working in a Major Crime and Investigation Unit in Staffordshire Police. They are researching the shortage of female detectives within the criminal and investigation department (CID) by exploring the preferences of women when selecting detective positions.

Many of our bursary recipients are researching areas that will benefit others working in policing. Shrey Jhalani is about to start the second year of his PhD. He'll be continuing his research into how effective the current policing and forensic science processes are, as well as their impact on the criminal justice system. 

When I started studying again after 13 years, I was nervous, but I was passionate about policing and forensic science and this passion has driven me to get going with my PhD.

Shrey Jhalani, Business Change and Engagement Manager, Derbyshire Constabulary, currently seconded to National Digital Forensics Programme

Applications for the College of Policing bursary reopen again on Monday 13 March 2023.

Find out more about our bursary scheme