Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

This three year work-based programme combines practical “on the job” training and academic learning, based on a national policing curriculum.

Your training will start with an initial period of classroom-based learning at Northumbria University before undertaking the majority of your training on the frontline alongside your experienced colleagues. So, you’ll be fully supported in putting your classroom based learning into practice as part of your operational duties.

Your learning will cover a wide range of policing topics including officer safety training, emergency life support, safeguarding, crime investigation and operational policing skills.

And, upon successfully completing all elements of the PCDA, including operational and academic assessments, you’ll be awarded a BSc (Hons) degree in Professional Policing Practice and will become a fully qualified substantive police officer.

After you have successfully completed your PCDA you 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.

Whilst studying you will work Monday-Friday 9-5pm. When you are deployed in one of our area commands you will work a variety of shift patterns in line with our 40 hours a week requirement.

No, the academic costs of this degree are covered by Northumbria Police.

Whilst you are studying you will earn a starting salary of £26,682. This will rise each year as you gain the relevant skills and experience. For more information please refer to the pay and benefits page.