Frequently asked questions

Some police services may let you apply with provisional results (with a prediction of 72 or 84 UCAS points - force dependent), but your application will be put on hold later, until you can provide evidence of your (final) results. You will not be able to start the apprenticeship until you can provide this evidence. Staffordshire Police are only accepting applications with final results.

Please refer to the Professional Policing Degree page for information on the full-time on-campus course (PPD route).

The entry requirements for the DHEP require a full level 6 (such as a degree or above), so your application would not be accepted with anything lower. You could, however, use this in place of a level 3 qualification for the PCDA, providing you also have your mathematics and English level 2.

If you want to come through the PCDA route with Staffordshire Police or Warwickshire Police, you will take internal qualifications within the police force once you have completed your initial three-year training period. This would be managed entirely through the force. West Mercia Police have a direct Detective Constable route on the apprenticeship. Please visit their website for more information.

As a student at the University of Staffordshire, you will have access to all student support services, mentors, Work Based Education Officers (PCDA only), learning support, clubs and societies and the Students’ Union. Although you will not need to come to campus, you are more than welcome to and will be able to access this support online.

You are not expected to have experience, but things such as Special Constables (and Cadets for under 18) will give you a taster to see if becoming a Police Constable is for you and would help you to write your application. Otherwise, use your personal and work experience to evidence your transferable skills. Please visit the force webpages for more information: Staffordshire Police, Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police.

Yes, police officers work on a rota system which includes day and night shifts, weekends and public/bank holidays.

No, you must have passed your level 2 mathematics and English qualifications before starting the PCDA. You will be required to provide evidence during the application process.

The police welcome applicants from all religions and alterations can be made to the uniform to accommodate some religious requirements – for example it is possible to wear a hijab; or the helmet may be replaced with a Sikh turban. Individual needs regarding time off and bank/public holidays will also be taken into consideration. Please contact your chosen force for more information. 

Unfortunately not. You will have already studied and attained the relevant degree-level qualification that is based on the same curriculum as the DHEP course, so you will be ineligible for funding.