Undergraduate Course
Degree Holder Entry Programme
This course offers a unique route into policing, delivered through a close partnership between York St John University and Humberside Police.
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As you move through the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) you will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need to work as a police officer. With deployments throughout your study, you will also have the opportunity to apply your developing knowledge, skills and behaviours across various operational areas of policing.
Offered by York St John University in partnership with Humberside Police.
York campus
- Duration – Full time for 2 years. Part time routes are available on request following completion of your Independent Patrol Status.
- Start date – December 2024, June 2024, March 2024, September 2024
- School – York Business School
Course overview
This course has been designed to prepare and shape police officers of the future, who will go on to have a positive impact on local communities and wider society. It is a level 6 qualification, which means it is the same standard as the final year of an undergraduate degree.
As you progress through the course you will develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours required of a police officer. Alongside this, you will engage with various relevant and contemporary issues relating to policing both in the UK and internationally. There will be a comprehensive package of support available to you as you study, which has been commended by the College of Policing.
To enrol on this course, you must apply through Humberside Police. You will earn a salary while you study. Successfully completing the course will mean you are awarded the Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice and your position as a police officer with Humberside Police will be confirmed.
If you do not have a degree qualification or are looking for other routes into policing, find out about the other options available at York St John University.
Course structure
Year 1
The course is structured into 3 phases, distributed across the 2 years of study
In the first year, you will cover the initial learning and the start of the consolidated learning phases.
In the initial learning phase, you will study 3 compulsory modules. In the workplace you will work towards achieving Independent Patrol Status (IPS).
When you move on to the consolidated learning phase, you will study another 3 compulsory modules. During this phase you will also have varied policing deployments and visit different policing departments. This will enable you to observe the interdependencies and teamwork taking place across the service
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will focus on:
- The role of a police constable
- The associated professional standards, values and principles
- The legislative framework in which the police operate
- The foundational skills that are required across all policing contexts
- The range of policing areas serviced by the police.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will examine how crime, policy, social inequalities and divisions impact upon policing. You will cover the fundamental of public protection, criminal justice, and conducting investigations. You will examine the factors that contribute to vulnerability and risk, requiring intervention and multi-agency support.
Pass / Fail
Compulsory module
This module does not contribute credits to your final grade but must be passed to complete the course. To pass this module you must:
- Demonstrate all 10 criteria required for independent patrol status
- Pass your officer safety training, including first aid
- Have your portfolio reviewed through an assessed discussion.
Credits: 10
Compulsory module
On this module, you will further analyse the role of a police constable. This will include examining incidents of malpractice and considering how to maintain professional standards when working across diverse communities. We will introduce you to some of the techniques used to promote wellbeing and resilience within the police service, You will also be introduced to to coaching, mentoring and self-assessment skills in the context of the police role.
Credits: 10
Compulsory module
On this module you will revisit criminology and crime prevention. You will draw on both criminological theory and the practical applications of public protection and criminal justice. You will explore the ways the police service can ensure vulnerable people are protected.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore the diverse range of contexts the police operate in including:
- Response policing
- Policing communities
- Policing the roads
- Information and intelligence
- Conducting investigations.
You will also critically evaluate the skills you are developing and their relevant application to these different policing areas.
Year 2
During the second year of the course you will complete the consolidated and advanced learning phases. You will finish the 3 modules within the consolidated learning phase, before going on to complete 2 further modules during the advanced phase.
In the workplace, you are given the opportunity to work in different operational contexts as you work towards Full Operational Competence.
Modules
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
Over the course of the advanced learning phase, you will research, plan, conduct and write up a research project in a specific area of operational policing. Based on operational and organisational need, Humberside Police are initially offering Response Policing as this area of specialism. However, other options may become available. You will be supported throughout this process by an academic adviser who will meet with you to discuss your progress.
Pass / Fail
Compulsory module
To pass this module you will need to demonstrate each of the 14 criteria which make up the Full Operational Competence on at least 2 separate occasions. You will compile these examples from your ongoing professional experience in a portfolio, which will be independently reviewed through an assessed discussion.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
On this course there is a blended teaching approach, combining face-to-face teaching with online learning. As you progress there will be increasing levels of online and independent learning. This course is designed to help you build on your prior learning and existing knowledge, as well as make connections and apply your knowledge, skills and behaviours in the workplace.
Your face-to-face sessions are varied and will include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Role plays and simulations
- Experiential learning.
Many of the sessions will be interactive, to help you to practise your policing skills and behaviours in a safe environment.
Your online learning will include webinars and group tutorials. You will also be expected to study independently outside of these sessions. This may include:
- Listening to filmed lectures or podcasts
- Preparing for sessions
- Research and reading around the topics that are discussed.
You will meet regularly with your police tutor and academic adviser throughout the year to receive feedback and discuss your progress.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods, giving you many different ways to demonstrate your learning. These include:
- Essay
- Self-reflection
- Case evaluation
- Individual and group presentation
- Portfolio
- Critical review
- An efficiency action plan and commentary
- Knowledge checks
- A research plan
- An evidence-based research study.
There are opportunities to undertake formative tasks prior to submitting work for assessment. This will help you to improve your work to inform your continuous development and work towards full Operational Competence.
Entry requirements
How to Apply
Applications for this course should be made directly through Humberside Police. Look out for the next recruitment round on their website.
To apply you must be over the age of 18 and meet the minimum entry requirements published on Humberside Police’s website.
Qualifications
You must have achieved a level 6 (degree level) qualification. This can be in any subject.
Driving licence
You must possess a full, valid manual UK/EU driving licence, or be working towards obtaining this before the end of your probation period.
Tattoos
You must declare and submit photographs of all tattoos, whether visible or not.
Police selection procedures
Following your application, you will need to pass all the national and local recruitment selection procedures.
English Language requirements
If your first language is not English, you need to take an IELTS test or an equivalent qualification accepted by the University.
Other options
If you are unsuccessful you may wish to consider an alternative route into policing by studying for York St John’s Professional Policing pre-join course or related degree.
To discuss your options, or ask questions about routes into policing, contact admissions@yorksj.ac.uk.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
If you are accepted onto the course, your degree will be fully funded. You will also earn a salary while you complete your qualification.
