Qualifications

Apprenticeships

These programmes equip learners with the knowledge, skills and behaviours necessary to become a competent Police Constable.

As a national university, we have the infrastructure to deliver our programmes across all four nations of the UK.

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

The PCDA mixes on-the-job training with off-the-job learning and will provide the skills and knowledge needed for a policing career that will also lead to a nationally recognised degree qualification.

The PCDA offers a greater breadth, depth and complexity of learning than current training and also provides officers with an income while they learn.

Police Community Support Officer Apprenticeship

The PCSO programme mixes on-the-job training with off-the-job learning and will provide the skills and knowledge needed for a policing career.

The programme leads to a nationally recognised Certificate of Higher Education qualification and offers a significant breadth, depth and complexity of learning whilst providing officers with an income while they learn.

Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)

The programme is aimed at degree-holders, attained in any subject area. This two-year practice-based programme enables candidates to perform the role of Police Constable. Successful completion results in achievement of a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice.

Although not an apprenticeship itself, the Degree Holder Entry Programme is delivered using the same methodology as the PCDA.

We also have plans to develop further qualifications and would welcome enquiries from police partners who are seeking to enhance their accredited learning offer and develop curriculum partnerships.

Visit our Apprenticeship page for more information or to sign up

Microcredentials

Gain specialised skills in just 10–12 weeks with flexible online learning delivered on our social learning partner platform, FutureLearn. 

Created by world-class OU academics and with many endorsed by leading industry partners, microcredentials offer a perfect balance of academic excellence and workplace relevance.

With 10–13 hours of study a week, you can gain:

  • cutting-edge knowledge in a specialised subject, informed by world-class academics
  • practical skills you can immediately apply to your work or boost your CV
  • undergraduate or postgraduate credit you could use in the future towards further study

Undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications

Our 230 undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications deliver in-demand, in-depth expertise to help organisations face the future with confidence.

Free Learning

As part of The Open University’s mission to widen access to higher education, we have developed a wide range of free online learning resources – helping to bridge the gap between informal and formal learning.