Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship - Level 6

A police constable is responsible for maintaining law and order, protecting the public and reducing crime within local communities.

Police Constables (PC) work primarily within their designated police force areas to protect life and property, maintain public order, prevent crime and bring offenders to justice. Each officer holds an independent legal responsibility for their actions and must operate within the law as Crown Servants and warranted officers.

the role centres on building trust and confidence within communities by working closely with the public, local organisations, and partner agencies such as the NHS, social services, schools, and the Crown Prosecution Service. PCs aim to reduce crime and fear of crime while improving the quality of life for citizens through professional, fair, and proportionate policing.

In their daily duties, PCs respond to a wide range of incidents, often independently or in small teams, including situations that may be complex, confrontational, or life-threatening. They are expected to maintain high professional and ethical standards, using strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and appropriate levels of force where necessary. Their responsibilities include investigating crimes, gathering intelligence and evidence, managing suspects and crime scenes, and carrying out risk assessments to ensure public safety. Officers must also be prepared to justify their decisions and actions within legal frameworks and under public scrutiny.

Who is it for?

Individuals who are working in the police force to become qualified police constables. Specific job roles may include Apprentice Police Constable; Apprentice Police Officer; Student Police Officer.

Location
Duration: 3 years including the Apprenticeship Assessment
Start date(s): Multiple start dates throughout the year

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Course content

This apprenticeship will prepare individuals for a career as a police officer. It is licensed by the College of Policing and provides a recognised route into the police service. The programme combines practical policing skills with academic study, covering areas such as law, investigation techniques, response policing, and understanding crime, victims, and social issues. Apprentices learn how to handle real-life policing tasks like interviewing suspects, managing crime scenes, and gathering evidence.

Teaching uses a mix of lectures, workshops and realistic simulation facilities (like mock custody suites and courtrooms) to practise policing scenarios.

Teaching staff have extensive academic and operational expertise, including former police officers. They have backgrounds in areas such as investigating missing people, child sexual exploitation and major crimes.

What qualification will be achieved?

BSc (Hons) Professional Policing Practice
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship Certificate

Modules

Year 1:

Introduction to Policing Practice and Professional Development
Introduction to Response, Roads and Community
Introduction to Investigation and Intelligence
Understanding Crime and Crime Prevention
Independent Patrol Status

Year 2:

Policing Practice and Research Methods
Information and Investigation
Response, Roads and Community Policing
Crime and Society
Operational Competence

Year 3:

Advanced Response, Roads and Community
Advanced Investigation and Intelligence
Advanced Policing Practice
Evidence Based Research Project

Entry requirements

To be eligible, apprentices will need to provide evidence of the following:

Achievement of Level 2 Maths and English (GCSE, functional skills or equivalent) OR demonstrate ability at Level 2 in both Maths and English, this would be determined by an initial assessment conducted by University of Staffordshire.
Level 3 qualification equal to 64UCAS points or Step up to Policing Qualification

Fees

For levy-paying organisations the cost is paid from their digital account at a rate of £27,000 per apprentice.

For non-levy paying organisations there may be a financial contribution of 5% which equates to £1,350 per apprentice.

Delivery and assessment

Delivery

This programme is delivered and designed by request of the employer.

Assessment

There will be a variety of assessment methods used for formative and summative assessment. This could include:

Written assignments
Examinations
Reflective activities
Group assessments
Presentations
Professional discussions
Academic assignments
Critical analysis

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support provided by the course teaching team, our central Academic Skills Team provide resources, group and one-to-one help to support learning in a number of areas. These include:

study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
academic writing (including how to reference)
research skills
critical thinking and understanding arguments
revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

The Student Life Team offer support, advice and guidance to apprentices with inclusion requirements. The team can arrange reasonable adjustments to support with learning needs, long term health condition, mental health condition or disabilities

Feedback

Progress feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, written feedback will be made available to all apprentices who take written examinations or assessments.

Responsibilities

Employers must not ask the apprentice to contribute financially to the direct cost of learning.
Ensure apprentices spend at least 6 hours per week of their time on off-the-job training.
Enter into a contract with University of Staffordshire.
Participate in reviews with the apprentice and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones.
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets the needs of the apprentice.
Provide apprentices with a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning.
Provide the apprentice with paid time to attend off-the-job training, including additional support for English and Maths, or support accessed for learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
Recognise that apprentices must complete the apprenticeship within their working hours.
Support the apprentice to gain new skills.

If they are a citizen of the UK or a citizen of a country within the European Economic Area with Pre-settled or Settled status, they must have been an ordinarily resident in the UK or EEA for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning.
If they are a non UK national or EEA National without pre-settled or settled status, they must hold a visa (not for educational purposes) for the full duration of the apprenticeship at the start of the programme and been an ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning.
Able to complete the apprenticeship in contracted working hours.
Be an employee (have a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship) on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning.
Be in a job role relevant for the apprenticeship where significant new knowledge and skills are required.
Be in full-time employment for typically 30 hours a week.
Has the right to work in England.
Maintain a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets your needs.
Not enrolled on another apprenticeship or accessing other government funding at the same time.
Participate in reviews with the employer and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones.

Administer the funding and running of the Apprenticeship Standard to an acceptable level of quality and in compliance with the DfE’s requirements.
Agree jointly between the University, the Employer and Apprentice, an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) ensuring that satisfactory progress is achieved and to ensure that the contents of the ILP fulfil the requirements of the Apprenticeship Standard.
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive learning environment, which meets the needs of the Apprentice.
Provide off-the-job learning and assessment and oversee the on-the-job skills development as detailed in the ILP.
Provide support on selection of the apprenticeship assessor, if applicable. The apprenticeship assessment will be completed by University of Staffordshire for all integrated degrees.

Careers

Upon completion apprentices will have gained the necessary knowledge and skills to be a competent Police constable. They may wish to seek further development such a postgraduate degree or further specialisms.

Apprentices will also have access to career support, our dedicated careers team can support with professional branding, career mapping and accessing potential.

Facilities

Lifelike living space

The lifellike living space in Ashley 2 lets you practice your skills in a variety of non-clinical settings, including bedroom, bathroom, lounge and bedsit. Read more

Bedrooms:

The bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and is used for simulated crime scenes where students can practise investigative skills or social work and healthcare can use the space for urgent situations and interviews.

Lounges:

The lounges have a homely feel, with comfy furniture and framed photos. Students can use these spaces for policing or forensic investigations. Social work and healthcare can also use the space for realistic interviews and clinical emergencies.

Bathroom:

The bathroom provides a lifelike backdrop for students to practise their skills. It can be used a range of simulation scenarios, such as domestic crime scenes or clinical emergencies.

Bedsit:

With a kitchen diner, bedroom and bathroom, the bedsit provides a lifelike backdrop for students to practise their skills. Scenarios can range from gathering evidence at simulated crime scenes to dealing with clinical emergencies.

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Prison cell

With its single bed and toilet, this space can be arranged as a holding cell for detainees. It’s where students can practise offender management techniques. The room can also be turned into a more long-term prison cell.

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Custody suite

There is a front desk where suspects are booked in after arrest. Read more

Other features include equipment for measuring height and taking fingerprints and custody photos, along with evidence bags and lockers for personal belongings.

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Mock Courtrooms

One room is designed as a crown courtroom and the other for cases at magistrates’ court. Read more

Students can present legal arguments, act as expert witnesses, or take part in mooting.

Our digitally enabled mock court rooms are designed to create simulated scenarios for students to put theory in to practice and gain confidence, skills and knowledge to take forward in to their career.

One room is designed as a crown courtroom and the other for cases at magistrates’ court. Students can present legal arguments, act as expert witnesses, or take part in mooting. Each space includes a dock, lawyers’ area and a bench for the judge or magistrates.

The courtrooms are used by a wide range of students from different perspectives including law students, policing, forensics, international relations and more, to give practice with not only mooting but also in presenting evidence and various other aspects of trials.

In our video, learn about simulation in our Mock Court Room, used by students to practice their skills to prepare them for their future career.

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Shop simulation space

The is ideal for simulated commercial crime scenes, where students can collect evidence and speak to witnesses or victims. Read more

They can also learn about retail law and deal with medical emergencies that occur to customers in the retail space. The space includes shelves, a counter and a small café. It’s ideal for simulated commercial crime scenes, where students can collect evidence and speak to witnesses or victims. They can also learn about retail law and deal with medical emergencies that occur to customers in the retail space.

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Enquire

To join a higher degree apprenticeship programme or recruit an apprentice for your business, enquire with us today.

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