Course description

This Access course is ideal for those who would like to progress to a Higher Education onto the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship and related HE Policing entry degree programmes. The course is designed for a wide range of adults 19+ including: -Those whose social, educational or individual circumstances meant they were unable to participate in or benefit from initial education; -People from groups under-represented in higher education and policing, who will bring valuable knowledge and understanding to the role; -People who are seeking a change of direction and are looking for a rewarding career in policing, in which they have the opportunity to develop, diversify their skills and serve the public.

Suitability - Who should attend?

GCSE English at grades 9-4/A*-C. Please Note: For those wishing to progress to a Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship, it is expected that they will hold have Level 2 English with an expectation that Level 2 Functional Skills Maths will be attained by the end of the first year of the degree apprenticeship. You can sit your GCSE Maths whilst on the Access Programme.

Training Course Content

The Access to Policing course offers adult returners a coherent, integrated and supported year of study through which they will gain the knowledge, awareness, skills and confidence necessary for successful undergraduate studying in the intended progression routes for this Diploma.

The course aims to provide a balance of essential study skills with specialist subject knowledge to enable the students to be prepared for the academic and practical rigors of undergraduate study in HE Policing entry programme. It must however be noted that the Access to HE Diploma does not provide guaranteed entry to UK Higher Education Institutions.

The Diploma covers key topics within police such as ethics, values, communication skills and evidence-based policing. In addition to this, there is also a section focusing on the importance of community policing. There are also units available in criminology, law and sociology

Supporting quotes

Superintendent Tamsin Jones, Head of the Met Police's Centre of Initial Recruit Training, who joined as a direct-entry superintendent just over five years ago, said: "London's communities need more police officers who are as diverse as them, who understand them and who have a real desire to make everyone safer.

"Many people we speak to have a wealth of life experience and other skillsets that would make them fantastic police officers but they don't yet have the educational qualifications needed to apply for a career in policing. This course is designed specifically for them. The new Diploma in Policing was jointly developed by experienced Met Police officers and education experts, to help people gain the qualifications and confidence they need to apply to join the Met.

"I truly believe that policing is one of the most fulfilling careers in the world. Each day is different, each shift is challenging and every moment is an opportunity for you to change someone's life for the better."

Course delivery details

The assessment procedures vary to include written essays/report, extended project, oral presentation, worksheets, control assessment and examinations. All of the units use continuous assessment processes, which means that there is no dependence on final examinations (except GCSE Maths, if you chose to sit your GCSE alongside this Access course, as this is externally assessed through exam)

Expenses

This course is eligible for fee. You can access support for fees through the Adult learner loan (student finance England).

Please note: Students will not be eligible for the Access to HE Diploma loan waiver for the adult learner loan as the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship is not eligible for funding under Student Finance England. However, students would be salaried and would not be eligible for any HE fees.