Police Constable 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 PCEP 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 Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)?
Our PCEP offers depth, breadth and rigour, enabling officers to earn while they learn and develop as reflective, evidence-informed practitioners. Combining on-the-job experience with structured off-the-job training, our programme equips student officers with the skills, knowledge and behaviours required for a successful policing career.
Designed with impact in mind, our PCEP delivers a clear return on investment: strengthening capability, professionalism, and workforce development. Student officers are fully prepared for operational duties through embedded support, while structured pathways enable ongoing leadership and career progression beyond the initial entry role.
Our programme is fully aligned to the National Policing Curriculum and meets the professional requirements set by the College of Policing, ensuring student officers are equipped with the knowledge and standards required for contemporary policing practice.
This programme is suitable for people who are looking for a career in policing. Our PCEP programme can be tailored to reflect local recruitment and workforce strategy and complements the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship programme.
These are set by the force. To be registered on this programme students must be employed and sponsored by a police force.
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
- This entry route is non-accredited; however, on successful completion, student officers are eligible to claim a Diploma of Higher Education in Professional Policing Practice from The Open University. This provides formal recognition of learning and can support future educational and professional progression, with no additional assessment required.
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)
- The Professional Policing Practice modules support student officers to integrate and apply their learning within the operational policing environment. Working alongside force-delivered initial training, the modules enable officers to evidence the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of a Police Constable, as prescribed by the College of Policing.
- The modules support officers throughout key stages of their development, including tutored patrol, progression to Independent Patrol Status (IPS) by the end of year 1, and achievement of Full Operational Competence (FOC) by the end of year 2. Through structured reflection, workplace learning activities and professional development planning, student officers are supported to connect academic learning with operational practice and professional standards.
Professional Learning
- The Professional Learning modules develop 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. The second-year module culminates in a series of authentic assessments that enable student officers to apply evidence and theory to policing challenges, communicate recommendations to senior leaders, and reflect on their development as evidence-informed practitioners.
Completion
- This entry route is non-accredited; however, on successful completion, student officers are eligible to claim a Diploma of Higher Education from The Open University. This provides formal recognition of their learning and can support future educational and professional progression, with no additional assessment required.
- Successful completion of PCEP may enable progression onto Year 3 of the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), recognising prior learning and supporting continued development towards a degree qualification.
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.
- Employer-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.
The programme 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 your force to ensure high-quality delivery, consistency and continuous programme oversight.
Student officers benefit from dedicated tutor support throughout their journey, covering both academic study and work-based learning. Tutors engage regularly with student officers 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 (PT)
Supports the integration of learning into the workplace across the programme, particularly within practice-based modules. They work closely with student officers and in-force mentors, leading structured tripartite progress reviews at least quarterly to monitor development, evidence progress, and ensure compliance.
Learning Tutor
Provides expert learning 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 ensuring a smooth and effective delivery experience.
Follow Open University Police Education on X at @OUPolicing.
For further details, please see the following resources:
- 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 PCEP opportunities, please visit the website of your local force or the force you would like to join.
Considering a PCEP Partnership?
- Whether you are exploring options, reviewing your current arrangements, or preparing for procurement, we would be pleased to discuss how our PCEP 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)
