DEGREE
APPRENTICESHIP

What’s involved in the degree apprenticeship entry route?

  • Our 3 year degree apprenticeship programme gives you the chance to train as a 999 response officer, detective or  a neighbourhood officer.

  • From day 1 you’ll earn a salary of £29K whilst studying towards a full-funded BSc (Hons) degree, delivered in partnership with academic staff from Northumbria University.
  • This entry route is open to non-degree holders only.
  • You begin with an initial 18-week period of classroom-based learning. Located at Coach Lane campus, Newcastle working Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
  • Your learning will focus on risk and vulnerability, your role as an officer, legislation, the investigative process and much more.
  • The second part of your first year will involve joining experienced officers in a response team if you’ve chosen to be a detective or 999 response officer. Or, you’ll be paired with a neighbourhood team if you’ve chosen the neighbourhood pathway. Whichever you choose, you’ll have a dedicated tutor who will build your skills and offer practical and pastoral support.
  • After a further month of classroom learning, you’ll then be placed into a neighbourhood or CID (criminal investigation department) team to broaden your knowledge of policing.
  • You’ll spend the majority of year two with your 999 response shift, consolidating your experience gained so far.
  • Your final year of training concludes with a further placement on a 999 response shift.
  • As with any degree programme, there will be written assessments throughout the programme.

What qualifications do I need?

To apply for the degree apprenticeship programme, you’ll need:

  • Level 3 qualification where the grades total 112 UCAS points or higher (your tariff points can be made up of a number of different types of qualifications and you can utilise the UCAS calculation tool to help you)  or you’ll need to be aged 21+ and have a minimum of 2 level 3 or higher qualifications
  • Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths. For example a GCSE or iGCSE at grade C (level 4) or above, Functional Skills Level 2, Key Skills Level 2 (Communication and / or Literacy) or Adult Numeracy / Literacy Plus

OR

  • Be aged 21+ and have a minimum of 2 Level 3 or higher qualifications PLUS a minimum of 3 years work experience to support your progression as a Police Officer.

If you don’t meet the above entry requirements for this entry route, you may still be eligible to become a Police Constable. Explore alternative entry routes.

What support will I get?

You’ll be supported to reach your full potential and succeed in the degree apprenticeship programme. A dedicated tutor will guide you through your first few months who will help you build your skills and offer practical and pastoral support. 

The role of a police officer is a challenging one. We continue to invest in trained mental health first aiders onsite and other valuable support mechanisms, an employee advice service offering 24/7 access to trained counsellors and a peer-led support programme as well as other holistic approaches to caring for your wellbeing. 

Where will I be based?

Once at final offer stage of your application, we’ll let you know where you will be based. The decision is based on our needs as an organisation, but also takes into account where you live, any personal circumstances or restrictions of areas you cannot work. We always try to make your commute to work as reasonable as possible, but we’re unable to guarantee that you’ll be placed in a nearby area.

What you need to know before you apply

What you need to know before you apply

Ready to get started?

Before you apply to become a 999 response officer, detective or neighbourhood officer you’ll need to join a mandatory information event.

Here, you’ll gain insight into what working at Northumbria Police is really like, find out more about the application process and how to prepare for the roleeligibility requirements, police officer pay & benefits, and you’ll have the opportunity to speak to current officers.

Choose your preferred date below to sign up to an upcoming Teams, online event.
Can’t make these sessions? We’ll be running events all year, check back for later dates. 

What you need to know before you apply