Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) - University of Staffordshire

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Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)

Looking to start your career as a Police Constable or Detective Constable and already have an undergraduate degree or higher qualification?

Our Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice (Degree Holder Entry Programme - DHEP) could be the best option for you.

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Academic entry requirements

You can apply for the DHEP with a Bachelor’s degree in any subject, excluding the Professional Policing Degree (PPD) that’s licensed by the College of Policing. If you’ve studied the PPD you’ll have gained the academic knowledge needed to start your policing career and can apply for this specific route directly with the police. We’ll need a copy of your degree certificate when you apply to evidence your qualification.

We also accept international qualifications if they’re comparable to a UK level 6 degree or higher. If you’ve studied outside of the UK, please email copies of your certificates to policerecruitment@staffs.ac.uk and we’ll assess these and confirm your eligibility.

Studying on the DHEP

The DHEP is a combination of full-time work and study for 2 years. You will receive on-the-job training whilst working towards your academic qualification.

Programme learning is designed and delivered jointly between university and police partners. Police partners are integral in assessing Full Operational Competency and Independant Patrol Status of student officers across all programmes.

The programme is delivered in block learning to complement your operational rotations, and is delivered online (virtual learning on Blackboard and Teams, webinars, online work and assessments) and face-to-face at the force location. You will also be required to carry out independent study and will have access to a range of resources for this.

You will be taught by a mixed team of academics and police professionals, and will have a variety of different types of assessment.

As a student officer at the University of Staffordshire, you have access to various support services to help you succeed in your early policing career and beyond. For any academic support needs, you can also contact the relevant Module Lead or the Study Skills Team in the library.

Assessment

There are a number of elements that make up the assessment, including diploma assessment i.e. formal assessment of the diploma modules and ‘on-programme’ assessment of operational competence.

The support from university is quite tremendous, in addition to the force I work with. You just need to be passionate about it.

Gus Nasser

Police Constable (DHEP)

Other Entry Requirements

UK driving licence – You must hold a current UK driving licence to work on patrol. Some forces may allow entry with a provisional driving license, you’ll need to check with the force you’d like to apply to.
Age – You can apply from the age of 17 but you must be 18 on appointment. If you’re under the age of 18 then you may only be allowed to progress so far in the process, depending on the force that you apply to. There is no upper age limit. You can only apply to one police force at a time.
Nationality/Residential status – You must have been resident in the UK for a minimum of three years before applying for the police, and have no restrictions on your visa. You may be asked to provide proof of your settlement status and right to work in the UK.
Exclusions - Potential exclusions apply, including if you are unable to meet the minimum medical requirements, have CCJs, are a member of the BNP/Combat 18/National Front, or you or a family member have been convicted of certain crimes. Always be honest and declare everything on your application form. Read more about the vetting process.

University checks

Part way through the police application process, the Recruitment Development Officers will contact you to evidence your qualifications and right to work/study and remain in the UK. Please make sure you have your certificates and your Share Codes (for Right to Work and Settlement Status) if you do not hold a British passport.

On your first day you will meet your police trainers, your University of Staffordshire Course Leader and the Recruitment Development Officers will carry out ID checks. This will be done over a computer with the force, so please bring two forms of ID (the original documents, not photographs or copies) of the following:

Passport
Driving Licence
Birth Certificate

College of Policing routes