Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship
The Open University (OU) is a leading provider of policing knowledge. Through a growing portfolio of programmes our Department for Policing and national Centre for Policing Research and Learning (CPRL) deliver impactful education research and knowledge exchange.
Our policing programmes are delivered through the OU's Faculty of Business and Law, home to the internationally recognised OU Business School. The Business School is among the top 1% globally to hold triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.
We are the largest academic institution in the UK and a world leader in flexible blended learning, having taught over 2 million students worldwide since 1969.
The OU is an experienced supplier of the Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF), and our Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) is a structured police constable programme that blends on-the-job training with off-the-job learning. It equips apprentices with the practical skills and academic knowledge needed for a policing career, leading to a nationally recognised police constable degree qualification. Our PCDA offers significant breadth, depth and complexity of learning, while allowing officers to earn an income during their training.
Level: Apprenticeship Level 6, BSc (Hons) in Professional Policing Practice
Study method: Online/work-based learning with tutor support
Duration: 3 years, including integrated end-point assessment
Specific entry requirements: None. See entry requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Yes. See additional information
Available in: England only
Why choose The Open University’s Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship?
Our PCDA is aimed at forces in England and Wales wanting to use PCDA as a recruitment pathway.
We are the sector leader in flexible blended learning enabling forces to develop officers without compromising frontline delivery. Our PCDA programme is developed and refined in close collaboration with partner forces, ensuring it remains current, relevant and responsive to the demands of policing, the National Policing Curriculum and Quality Standard Assurance requirements of the College of Policing.
Our PCDA programme enables apprentices to combine study with the demands of their police role, while minimising abstractions from duty.
Some distinctive aspects of our PCDA include:
- Tutor-supported blended learning that is delivered flexibly around the demands of the force, enabling apprentices to balance study with personal commitments and minimise time away from the workplace.
- High-quality, interactive and engaging learning, designed by our extensive interdisciplinary team of academics and practitioners, who are all engaged in cutting-edge research and knowledge exchange with police partners through our Centre for Policing Research and Learning.
- Our mission to be open to all means all our PCDA apprentices, regardless of their background, receive personalised support and development opportunities, including help with study skills.
- Our expertise in professional learning ensures our PCDA apprentices are able to apply what they learn immediately into their practice.
Our PCDA programme is suitable for forces seeking a cutting-edge, fit-for-purpose solution to recruit, onboard, and develop high-calibre talent to meet the demands of twenty-first-century policing, whilst minimising abstractions from duty.
Our PCDA programme provides aspiring officers with a supported, flexible route to become Police Constables 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:
- Key stakeholders in policing
- Police ethics and accountability
- Criminology: Key theories and perspectives
- Crime prevention
- Digital crime
- Vulnerability and risk
- Public protection
- Evidence-based policing
Upon successful completion of the programme, apprentices will be awarded:
- BSc (Hons) in Professional Policing Practice
- Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship awarded by the Department for Education (DfE)
Academic excellence and expert teaching
With more than 50 years of expertise in distance education and a worldwide reputation for flexible blended learning, the OU is a leader in developing apprenticeships that combine rigour with real-world relevance.
OU programmes, including the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), have been designed and tested through existing police partnerships, ensuring they are cutting-edge and fit for the demands of twenty-first century policing. For those considering a police constable course or looking to gain a recognised police constable degree, the OU offers a flexible and supported route.
Our reputation for quality is nationally recognised:
- University of the Year 2025
- Gold-rated Teaching Excellence Framework
- Exceptional student satisfaction (NSS, 2025): teaching (92.8%), organisation (90%), and assessment and feedback (89.2%)
- Ofsted rated 'Good', 2025
Programme information
Underpinned by the National Policing Curriculum our PCDA apprentices will be exposed to, and engage with, emerging interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange initiatives that are being produced by the OU’s CPRL.
Our PCDA is delivered through blended learning. This means our apprentices gain the necessary skills, knowledge and behaviours required for the role of Police Constable via a mix of innovative, engaging digital and traditional methods. They are able to access programme content, assessments and feedback through online portals, as well being able to connect with fellow apprentices and contact tutors and support when they need to do so. Our apprentices have 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.
Stage 1
- Work-based module: Professional policing practice 1: integrating initial training, tutored patrol to Independent Patrol Status and underpinning operational knowledge, skills and behaviours.
- Theory module: Evidence, concepts and theories in policing 1: introduction to criminology, victimology, social theories and evidence-based policing.
- English and maths (functional skills) development*.
Stage 2
- Work-based module: Professional policing practice 2: integration of Full Operational Competence requirements and underpinning knowledge to advanced professional practice.
- Theory module: Evidence, concepts and theories in policing 2: further development of critical analysis skills and application of theories to policing practice.
- English and maths (functional skills) development*.
Stage 3
- Work-based module: Professional pathways in policing (EPA): undertaking all the requirements to complete the apprenticeship and degree programme, as lain out by the College of Policing and Skills England/Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
- Theory module: Policing for the future: Leadership in context, mentoring and assessment in the workplace.
- English and maths (functional skills) development*.
Completion
- BSc (Hons) in Professional Policing Practice awarded.
- Completion of Apprenticeship.
* Subject to funding requirements.
Want to know more?
Please download our brochure to gain a more in-depth understanding of our programme and its benefits.
Download brochureStudy structure
The Open University is a global leader in flexible, work-based learning with over 50 years’ experience in distance education. Our approach gives officers the flexibility to study at the most suitable times around alternating shift patterns, minimising time away from the workplace and reducing operational disruption.
- 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.
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:
Practice Tutor (PT)
Supports the integration of learning into the workplace across the programme, particularly within practice-based modules. They work closely with students and in-force mentors, leading structured tripartite progress reviews at least quarterly to monitor development and evidence progress.
Academic Tutors
Provides expert academic support across knowledge modules, including personalised guidance, delivery of online tutorials, assessment of work, and detailed developmental feedback to support student success.
Apprentice Enrolment and Support Team (AEST)
Our AEST supports apprentices throughout their apprenticeship journey. Our team of friendly Senior Advisors offer advice and support for a range of queries apprentices may have whilst studying their modules, whether they want advice on an upcoming assignment or exam, help navigating around the OU online learning platforms or if they are experiencing difficult circumstances which are having an impact on their studies. Our AEST is able to reach out to a range of relevant teams across the OU to help apprentices remain, or get back, on track with their studies.
Apprenticeship Programme Delivery Managers (APDM)
Work in partnership with your force to oversee programme recruitment, onboarding and delivery and manages the student journey from enrolment to completion, including interventions if an apprentice needs additional support. They also provide regular force-level performance data to ensure a smooth and effective delivery experience.
Tutor Constable
An operationally competent force-based constable who will provide apprentices with one-on-one professional tutoring to Independent Patrol Status and mentoring to Full Operational Competence.
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.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): You may be able use relevant previous learning to reduce the length of the programme.
Next steps
Are you interested in becoming a Police Constable?
- Police recruitment is handled by individual forces. Visit your chosen force’s website to find out about current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and how to apply. They will support you through each stage of the process, including vetting and selection.
Are you a force interested in procuring the PCDA?
- Explore our full proposition on Bluelight, or contact us to discuss your requirements, understand our collaborative approach, and arrange a demonstration of our learning.
Related programmes
As an experienced supplier of Police education, our programmes benefit from our innovative blended learning delivered in partnership with police services nationally.
Police Constable Entry Routes (PCER)
Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF)
- Police Community Support Officer Apprenticeship (PCSO-A)
- Special Constable Programme (Phase one and two learning)
