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.
You 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.
You will gain a fully-funded Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice on successful completion.
What’s involved in the DHEP?
Are you ready for a career where you can play to your strengths and make a difference to the place you call home? With DHEP, you’ll undertake a two-year training programme, emphasising your readiness to deal with the policing challenges we face today.
The training programme will begin with an initial 17-week period of class-room based learning at our Coach Lane campus focusing on areas including law & legislation, understanding police powers, and safeguarding. Following this, you’ll work alongside experienced officers as part of a shift in a response team. You’ll have a dedicated tutor to guide you through your first 12-15 weeks, who will help you build your skills and offer practical and pastoral support.
You’ll be supported and given everything you need to reach your full potential and succeed in the DHEP programme. 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 (semester/term) of study for a degree – are eligible for our Degree Holder Entry Programme. You can have a degree in any subject area.
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.
If you don’t meet the above entry requirements for this entry route, you may still be eligible to become a Police Constable. Find an alternative entry route.
What happens when I complete DHEP?
There are many opportunities to progress through the ranks and/or specialise in an area of policing that interests you after your probation. Whichever direction you decide to take your policing career, we will support you and help you to develop into the best officer you can be.
Upon successful completion of your probation period, you will have the opportunity to specialise, whether this be in a 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
Ready to apply? Sign up to a Information Event today
Before you apply to become a detective through our graduate programme, or a police officer through our degree holder programme, degree apprenticeship or police constable entry programme you’ll need to join a mandatory virtual information event.
Here, you’ll gain insight into what working as a detective or uniformed police officer at Northumbria Police is really like, find out more about the application process and how to prepare for the role, eligibility requirements, police officer pay & benefits, and you’ll have the opportunity to speak to current officers about life at #teamnp.
Once you have signed up and registered your interest, we will be in touch with an email inviting you to book on to a information event of your preferred date and time.