Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)
Why choose the Degree Holder Entry Programme?
Our degree holder entry programme gives you the opportunity to learn as you earn, laying the foundations for a rewarding career with teamNP.
This entry route is open to degree holders of any subject – including those with a Professional Policing Degree – or students within the final year of study for a degree.
Our two-year vocational programme focuses on practical learning and is specifically tailored for a career in policing. You’ll learn how policing works in theory, so that when you encounter practical situations in real life, you’ll be prepared and know what to do.
Those without a Professional Policing Degree will gain a fully-funded Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice on successful completion.
Why choose the Degree Holder Entry Programme?
Our degree holder entry programme gives you the opportunity to learn as you earn, laying the foundations for a rewarding career with teamNP.
This entry route is open to degree holders of any subject – including those with a Professional Policing Degree – or students within the final year of study for a degree.
Our two-year vocational programme focuses on practical learning and is specifically tailored for a career in policing. You’ll learn how policing works in theory, so that when you encounter practical situations in real life, you’ll be prepared and know what to do.
Those without a Professional Policing Degree will gain a fully-funded Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice on successful completion.
What’s involved in the DHEP?
Your training will start with an initial period of learning at Northumbria University. You’ll then undertake the majority of your training on the frontline alongside your experienced colleagues. Throughout the programme, you’ll be fully supported in putting your classroom based learning into practice as part of your operational duties.
Learning will cover a wide range of policing topics including officer safety training, emergency life support, safeguarding, crime investigation and operational policing skills.
To help you navigate the challenges of 21st century policing, you’ll also look at issues like:
- Evidence-based policing
- Decision making and discretion
- Criminology and crime prevention
- Pro-active approaches to vulnerability, risk and public protection; and modern policing trends such as digital policing
Contracted hours per week: 40 hrs.
Once you’ve successfully completed all elements of the programme, including your operational and academic assessments, you’ll be awarded a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice and will become a fully-qualified substantive police officer. Those who have already achieved a Professional Policing Degree will not need to complete the diploma element of the programme.
Do I need specific qualifications to apply?
Degree holders – or students within the final year of study for a degree – are eligible for our Degree Holder Entry Programme. You can have a degree in any subject area.
We also welcome applications from those who have already gained a Professional Policing Degree. This must be completed with a College of Policing approved provider.
In addition to the general requirements to join as an officer, you must have 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.
What happens when I complete DHEP?
After you have successfully completed your DHEP you have the opportunity to specialise. There are opportunities across our Neighbourhood Policing Team where a more collaborative community approach is required or as a detective, investigating more complex crime.
The detective role is varied and includes Major Crime Investigation (Homicide, & Cyber Crime), Intelligence (Priority & Organised Crime and Special Branch) and Safeguarding (Child Abuse/Protection of Vulnerable adults, Rape and Multi Agency Risk Assessment roles).
Other specialist roles could include: Motor Patrols, Firearms, Mounted, Marine, Airport Policing and Dog Handler.
Frequently asked questions
About the Degree Holder Entry Programme
What you need to know before you apply
What you need to know before you apply to the DHEP
Police Officer Applications – Register your interest
Applications to become a detective through our Graduate Programme, or a police officer through our degree holder programme and degree apprenticeship are currently closed. However, registration is still open. You can register your interest by clicking the REGISTER button below.
In the meantime you can visit the pages for the different entry routes below to find out more about the application process and how to prepare for the role, entry requirements, and police officer pay & benefits.