Information on the different ways you can join the police and how to apply.
There are several ways you can join the police. Applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures and experiences are welcomed. You don't need a degree to join the police. Your route into policing will depend on:
- what your chosen force offers
- your qualifications
Thinking about joining the police?
There are four entry routes into policing:
- Police constable degree apprenticeship
- Police constable entry programme
- Degree holder entry programme
- Degree in professional policing
Thinking about joining the police? With four ways to become a police constable, there's an entry route to suit you.
The police constable degree apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn. You'll be a police officer from your first day and your training will be jointly provided by your force and a university.
You'll get a fully funded degree in professional policing practice when you complete your three-year initial training programme.
With the two-year police constable entry programme, you'll be a police officer from your first day. Your police force will provide all the training and development opportunities you need.
If you already have a degree, you can join the police through the two-year degree holder entry programme. You'll be a police officer from your first day and you'll gain a graduate diploma in professional policing practice on completion, funded by the police force you join.
If you'd like to study at university before joining the police, you can take a degree in professional policing. You can apply through the UCAS process and study is self-funded.
After completing a two- or three-year course, you'll need to apply to join the police. If you apply successfully, you'll receive operational training from the police force you join, so you can put your knowledge into practice.
Become a police constable and shape the future of policing.
Find out more at college.police.uk.
Joining without a degree
Police constable degree apprenticeship (PCDA)
This route into policing enables you to learn on the job while you study. It normally takes three years and, as set out in Police Regulation 10, you are likely to need a level 3 qualification to join (two A Levels or equivalent).
You will be awarded a degree in professional policing practice on successful completion of your apprenticeship.
Apply directly through your chosen force.
Thinking about joining the police?
The police constable degree apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn. You'll be a police officer from your first day and your training will be jointly provided by your force and a university.
You'll get a fully funded degree in professional policing practice when you complete your three-year initial training programme.
Become a police constable and shape the future of policing.
Find out more at college.police.uk.
Police constable entry programme (PCEP)
The PCEP does not require you to study for a qualification during probation. This route normally takes two years, after which, if you successfully complete probation, you become a PC. As set out in Police Regulation 10, you are likely to need a level 3 qualification to join (two A Levels or equivalent).
Apply directly through your chosen force.
Thinking about joining the police?
With the two-year police constable entry programme, you'll be a police officer from your first day. Your police force will provide all the training and development opportunities you need.
Become a police constable and shape the future of policing.
Find out more at college.police.uk.
Degree and degree holder routes
Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)
If you have an undergraduate degree (other than the Professional Policing Degree) you can follow a work-based programme supported by off-the-job learning. This route normally takes two years and is recognised by a graduate diploma in professional policing on completion of probation.
Apply directly through your chosen force.
Thinking about joining the police?
If you already have a degree, you can join the police through the two-year degree holder entry programme. You'll be a police officer from your first day and you'll gain a graduate diploma in professional policing practice on completion, funded by the police force you join.
Become a police constable and shape the future of policing.
Find out more at college.police.uk.
Professional Policing Degree (PPD)
The degree in professional policing is an academic route.
Apply to join the police within five years of your graduation. Some universities are working with local forces to offer complementary special constable opportunities.
Successful completion of the degree does not guarantee recruitment as a PC.
Thinking about joining the police?
If you'd like to study at university before joining the police, you can take a degree in professional policing. You can apply through the UCAS process and study is self-funded.
After completing a two- or three-year course, you'll need to apply to join the police. If you apply successfully, you'll receive operational training from the police force you join, so you can put your knowledge into practice.
Become a police constable and shape the future of policing.
Find out more at college.police.uk.
Applying to join the police
You can apply directly to the force you are interested in. Forces may offer different routes throughout the year. Joining the police website has detailed information on the application process and a list of which forces are recruiting.