Met Police - Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

Embark on an interesting and rewarding career at the Met with our new Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) and earn a competitive salary, while studying towards a fully funded degree.

Open to non-degree holders, this three year apprenticeship programme provides you with the opportunity to learn as you earn and gain a BSc (Hons) degree in Professional Policing Practice on successful completion. You will be employed as an officer from day one, making a difference to London’s communities, fully supported in applying your academic learning practically on the Job.

This programme is delivered in partnership with four London Universities (Brunel University, the University of West London, Anglia Ruskin University and the University of East London).

To apply, visit the apply now page and select the PCDA entry route on your application form.

Training

The Police Degree Apprenticeship Programme (PCDA) is a three year work-based programme that combines practical "on the job" with training academic learning, based on a national policing curriculum.

Your training will start with an initial period of classroom-based learning at a London University before undertaking the majority of your training on the frontline alongside your experienced colleagues. You'll be fully supported in putting your classroom based learning into practice as part of your operational duties.

Your learning will cover a wide range of policing topics including officer safety training, emergency life support, safeguarding, crime investigation and operational policing skills.

In your final year, you’ll undertake a research project, which will focus on a practical policing problem with a solution that makes a difference to helping keep London safe.

Upon successfully completing all elements of the PCDA, including operational and academic assessments, you'll be awarded a BSc (Hons) degree in Professional Policing Practice and will become a fully qualified substantive police officer.

Entry requirements

In addition to the standard PC eligibility criteria, the following academic criteria applies for all candidates wishing to undertake the PCDA route:

You must hold a level 2 qualification in English Language at a GCSE grade C or above, or grades 4-9. If you do not have this qualification, we will also consider a higher level academic attainment (level 3 or above) in a UK qualification or an English Language equivalent overseas qualification.

You must also hold one of the following;

• 64 UCAS points within the meaning of section 3 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 (visit UCAS tariff calculator)
• 12 months service as a special constable having achieved independent patrol status
• 12 months service as a community support officer having passed probationary period
• An academic or vocational qualification gained outside England and Wales which is considered by the UK National Recognition Information Centre to be equivalent to 64 UCAS points
• Training or work experience, whether undertaken in or outside England and Wales, which is considered to be equivalent to UCAS points

In addition, a level 2 qualification in Maths is required, however if you do not currently hold a level 2 qualification in Maths we will support you to achieve this alongside your first two years of training with us.

Pay

As a new full-time police constable in the Met on the PCDA entry route, your total starting salary package will be circa £30,000 (including London allowances) increasing to circa £33,000 on successful completion of your probationary period. Base salary increases annually and typically police constables with seven years’ service can expect to earn circa £47,000 (including allowances.)