DEGREE HOLDER PROGRAMME

Is the degree holder programme right for you?

  • Through our degree holder programme, you can progress to becoming a 999 response officer or a neighbourhood officer. Whichever role you choose, the costs of the graduate programme are all covered by Northumbria Police.  

  • 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 police officer or detective. Those who have already achieved a Professional Policing Degree will not need to complete the diploma element of the programme. 

The 999 response graduate pathway

If you’re a graduate who chooses to be a 999 response officer, here’s what you can expect from the two-year training programme:  

  • 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. 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.
  • There are operational and academic assessments throughout 2 year programme.

The neighbourhood graduate pathway

If you’re a graduate who chooses to be a neighbourhood officer, here’s what you can expect from the two-year training programme:  

  • 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.
  • You’ll spend the following 20 weeks with an experienced neighbourhood team, working towards being able to patrol independently.
  • You’ll spend 4 weeks with a 999 response team, understanding how the department operates.
  • During year 2, you dive deeper into the neighbourhood specialism, with classroom modules on community engagement, problem solving, anti-social behaviour, prevention and serious and organised crime.
  • The programme wraps up with a final neighbourhood team placement.
  • There are operational and academic assessments throughout 2 year programme.

Frequently asked questions

To apply for the degree holder programme, you’ll need to have a level 6 or higher qualification (i.e. master’s degree) in any subject area or be a student within the final year (semester/term) of your degree. 

In addition, you must hold 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.  

You’ll be supported to reach your full potential and succeed in the graduate 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. 

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. 

Take your first steps into policing

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 role, eligibility requirements, police officer pay & benefits, and you’ll have the opportunity to speak to current officers.

We’ll also guide you through the different entry routes available, including the degree apprenticeship, graduate programme, and experience-led pathways — so you can choose the route that’s right for you.

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

3rd September 6pm – 8pm