Funding your Post Graduate Professional Development
Commencing postgraduate studies often comes with very real concerns about the associated costs. However, there are numerous avenues available to finance your learning journey and continue your professional development.
You should also check out whether your force or organisation offers internal bursaries and the potential for salary sacrifice schemes to fund or part fund your professional development.
Possible funding options to consider:
Masters Loan through Student Finance
If you’re starting a Masters course you could get a Masters Loan to contribute towards your course fees, living costs or both. Masters Loans are available for many of our postgraduate taught degrees and are provided by Student Finance. These loans don't usually need to be paid back until you have graduated, and your income is over £21,000.
College of Policing Annual Bursary
This is open to serving police officers and staff in England and Wales to contribute towards the cost of tuition fees only. This can be used for two years of study, for a range of undergraduate or postgraduate courses subject to meeting the specified eligibility criteria. Up to £2,000 per year for two years (maximum of £4,000). Bursary funds are paid to the recipient’s police force in the form of a grant. The application window typically opens for one month a year around March/April; the 2024 scheme is currently open until 4th April 2024.
Bursaries can only be used to fund study provided by a recognised or listed academic provider based in the UK; Staffordshire University is a recognised provider and current students have been awarded College of Policing bursaries in the past.
Bursaries do not have to be repaid subject to meeting the criteria as set out in the Funding Agreement signed by recipients and the Grant Agreement made with the force. Find out more.
Serve and Protect Police Education loan
Serve and Protect Credit Union is a not-for-profit organisation designed to help people in the police, prison, military, fire, and health services save money for their financial future and be there if they need to borrow throughout their career and beyond.
The credit union works with employers to make it as easy as possible for their employees to reach their financial goals via a range of savings accounts and personal loans.
Working with the Police Federation, Serve and Protect have developed a personal loan specifically to fund your academic studies. The police education loan offers an exclusive 5.9% APR with zero penalties for early repayment, and is designed to support your career advancement in the police.
Police Mutual
Police Mutual offer a personal loan through their trusted partner, Neyber, specifically for professional training. To qualify you must be a member of the Police family, which is serving or retired police officers, staff members, and special constables. Check your eligibility and details of this product.