Degree Holder Entry Programme
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.
We are the sector leader in blended learning, enabling forces to develop officers without compromising frontline delivery. Our DHEP programme is developed and refined through 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. Cohort intakes can reflect force requirements such as a detective or neighbourhood focus.
Study method: Online/work-based learning with tutor support
Duration: 2 years
Specific entry requirements: See entry requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Yes. See additional information
Available in: England only
Why choose The Open University’s Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)?
Our DHEP is aimed at degree-holders, attained in any subject area and is delivered on a similar basis to our policing apprenticeship programmes to ensure a comparable experience, regardless of their entry route.
Our Department of Policing brings together experienced practitioners from a range of professional policing areas, alongside leading academics in teaching in research. This expertise is amplified by our Centre for Policing Research and Learning (CPRL). Together we deliver education, research, and knowledge exchange that not only generates new evidence for policing practice, but ensures it is applied – supporting forces to embed learning, drive improvement and deliver real-world impact.
Our programme is suitable for people who are looking for a career in policing and already have a degree. Our DHEP programme can be tailored to reflect local recruitment and workforce strategies, including specialist pathways for Neighbourhood Policing and Detective roles.
Alongside a degree, any further entry requirements can be set by the relevant police force.
Throughout the programme, student officers will be exposed to and engage with emerging interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange initiatives that are being produced by the OU’s CPRL.
Students will study a range of topics including:
- Key stakeholders in policing
- Police ethics and accountability
- Criminology
- Crime prevention
- Digital crime
- Vulnerability and risk
- Public protection
- Evidence-based policing
- Policing and the wider criminal justice system
- Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice.
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 student officers will be exposed to, and engage with, emerging interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange initiatives that are being produced by the OU’s CPRL.
Professional Policing Practice (Work-Based Learning)
- This Professional Policing Practice module supports student officers to integrate and apply their learning within the operational policing environment. Working alongside force-delivered initial training, this module enables officers to evidence the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of a Police Constable, as prescribed by the College of Policing.
- This module supports officers throughout key stages of their development, including tutored patrol, progression to Independent Patrol Status (IPS), and achievement of Full Operational Competence (FOC). Through structured reflection, workplace learning activities and professional development planning, student officers are supported to connect their academic learning with operational practice and professional standards.
Professional Learning
- This Professional Learning module develops the theoretical, evidence-based and professional foundations that underpin contemporary policing practice. Drawing on disciplines such as criminology, victimology, sociology and psychology, alongside evidence-based policing and the wider criminal justice system, student officers explore the concepts, theories and research that inform professional decision-making.
- Learning is integrated with operational practice throughout the programme, enabling officers to apply academic knowledge to real policing challenges. This module culminates in a work-based project or output aligned to force priorities, allowing student officers to demonstrate their learning while contributing to organisational development and improvement.
Completion
- Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice.
Study 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 students 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 students
- 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 students have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.
Our DHEP is delivered in partnership with your force, combining 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.
Students benefit from dedicated tutor support throughout their journey, covering both academic study and work-based learning. Tutors engage regularly with students and work in collaboration with 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
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 Tutor
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.
Student Experience Manager (SEM)
Works in partnership with your force to oversee programme delivery and manage the student journey from enrolment to completion. This includes providing regular performance data and ensuring a smooth and effective delivery experience.
Follow Open University Police Education on X at @OUPolicing.
For further details, please see the following resources:
- Quality and Governance: Information related to the Open University's apprenticeship Quality and Governance policy.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): To maximise previous investment in policing education, we can work with forces to explore opportunities for recognising learning already achieved.
Next steps
Thinking about a career in policing?
- Police forces recruit to different entry routes at different times throughout the year. To find out which programmes are currently available, including DHEP opportunities, please visit the website of your local force or the force you would like to join.
Considering a DHEP Partnership?
- Whether you are exploring options, reviewing your current arrangements, or preparing for procurement, we would be pleased to discuss how our DHEP programme can support your force's workforce and recruitment priorities. Contact us to arrange an initial conversation or 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)
