Our PCSO-A programme is suitable for forces seeking a cutting-edge, fit-for-purpose solution to recruit, onboard, and develop high-caliber talent to meet the demands of twenty-first-century policing, whilst minimising abstractions from duty.

Our PCSO-A programme provides a supported, flexible route to individuals who are looking to become Police Community Support Officers able to deliver an enhanced service to the public by maintaining the peace and upholding the law across complex and diverse communities.

Entry requirements will be set by the relevant police service.

Underpinned by the National Policing Curriculum, apprentices will be exposed to, and engage with, emerging interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange initiatives that are being produced by the OU’s CPRL.

Apprentices will study a range of topics including:

• Foundations of PCSO practice
• Legal foundations of policing
• Community policing
• Partnership working and antisocial behaviour
• Information and intelligence
• Response policing
• Criminal justice
• Supporting victims, witnesses and the vulnerable

Upon successful completion of the programme, apprentices will be awarded:

• Certificate of Higher Education in Community Policing Practice
• Police Community Support Officer Apprenticeship awarded by the Department for Education (DfE)

Our PCSO-A programme is delivered through the OU’s successful blended learning approach. This means our apprentices gain the necessary skills, knowledge and behaviours required for the role of Police Community Support Officer through a mix of innovative, engaging digital and traditional methods. They are able to access programme content, assessments and feedback through online portals, as well as being able to connect with fellow apprentices and contact tutors and obtain support when they need to do so. Our apprentices have immediate access to resources and support at their fingertips without causing disruption to their working day or role.

Our well-developed blended learning approach enables us to deliver learning that is responsive to both force and staff needs, therefore maximising the return on investment.

* Subject to funding rules compliance.

Want to know more?

Please download our brochure to gain a more in-depth understanding of our programme and its benefits.

Study structure

The Open University is a global leader in flexible, work-based learning with over 50 years’ experience in distance education. Our approach allows apprentices to balance study with their job while delivering immediate impact in the workplace.

• Anytime, anywhere learning: access content 24/7 on laptops, tablets or mobiles.
• Tutor support and peer learning: online tutorials, forums and discussion groups connect apprentices with expert tutors and industry peers.
• Force-friendly delivery: our flexible model makes off-the-job training easier to manage with minimal abstractions and disruption from duty.

Each module is supported by a dedicated online platform with:

• A week-by-week study planner, giving apprentices a step-by-step guide through their studies
• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other apprentices
• Details of each assignment and their due dates
• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and their tutor’s contact details
• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If apprentices have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

Assessment and feedback

• Modules are assessed through a range of remote methods such as interactive computer marked assignments and tutor marked assignments during and at the end of each module.
• Work based learning is assessed through a portfolio of evidence related to the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the apprenticeship standard developed throughout each module.
• Feedback is given through tutorials, self-assessment, peer review, and during progress reviews with the Ou and force mentor.

Workload and off-the-job training

An apprenticeship requires a part of an employee’s working time to be allocated and protected for off-the-job training. Our tutor-supported online learning gives the force and apprentices the flexibility to pick the most suitable times based on force needs and personal circumstances which enhances productivity and reduces time demands on officers.

Want to know more?

For more details about each module and how they are assessed, please download our programme brochure.

Download brochure

Our PCDA is delivered in partnership with your force, combing in-force operational support with the academic and professional expertise of the OU. Our experienced academic and practitioner staff work closely with your force to ensure high-quality delivery, consistency and continuous programme oversight.

Apprentices benefit from dedicated tutor support throughout their journey, covering both academic study and work-based learning. Tutors engage regularly with apprentices and work in collaboration with the in-force colleagues to ensure learning is fully integrated with operational practice.

Alongside account management support, your force is supported by a specialist delivery team:

Follow Open University Police Education on X at @OUPolicing.

For further details, please see the following resources:

• Apprenticeship standard: The apprenticeship standard defines the specific skills, knowledge, and behaviours (KSBs) an apprentice must acquire to succeed in a particular job role. It also gives more details about the funding and apprenticeship assessment plan.
• Qualification descriptor: This provides more detail about the programme, specific modules, including teaching and assessment methods.
• Qualification regulations: You should be aware of these qualification-specific regulations in addition to the academic regulations (Apprentices).
• Quality and Governance: Information related to the Open University's apprenticeship Quality and Governance policy.