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Degree Apprenticeship

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with Humberside Police. It offers a unique combination of learning on the job and in the classroom, as well as independent study.

If you want to join the police service but do not yet have a degree, this course is an opportunity to achieve both. This degree apprenticeship aims to prepare police officers of the future, who will have a positive impact on their communities and society as a whole.

Offered by York St John University in partnership with Humberside Police.

  • Humberside Police

York campus

  • Duration – Full time for 3 years. Part time routes are available, on request, after your first year.
  • School – York Business School

Course overview

The blended, experiential approach to learning we use on this course will prepare you for a rewarding career in the police service. The course will enable you to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to work as a police officer and apply them across various operational areas. Throughout the course you will follow the National Policing Curriculum. You will also engage with contemporary and current issues facing both UK and international policing. Your modules will be taught across teaching blocks throughout the year, interspersed with professional deployments which increase in length throughout the course.

You will be supported throughout your study both by a team at the university and colleagues within Humberside Police. The package of support on offer 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 graduate with a BA (Hons) in Professional Policing Practice and your position as a police officer with Humberside Police will be confirmed.

If you already have a degree, or are looking for other routes into policing, find out about the other options available at York St John University.

Course structure

Year 1

In your first year, the course is structured into 2 teaching blocks. You will study 5 compulsory modules which are taught across both teaching blocks.

In the workplace, you will work towards achieving Independent Patrol Status (IPS). You must achieve this before progressing to the next level of your studies.

Modules

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

On this module you will explore both the history and the future of policing. We will introduce you to the professional standards you need to follow in your career as a police officer. Within this introduction you will cover core legislation, policy and processes, including those relating to:

  • Human rights
  • Equality Police conduct
  • Diversity
  • Wellbeing.

From the moment you begin your service as a police officer you will be expected to adhere to these standards and the Code of Ethics. Both are covered in detail during this module and provide a solid foundation for your policing career.

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

This module introduces you to fundamental skills needed in policing, including problem solving, communication, managing conflict and decision making. We will also introduce you to the range of operational practice areas serviced by the police. This includes:

  • Response policing
  • Community policing
  • Policing the roads
  • Digital policing and counter terrorism.

You will begin studying this module before your first deployment, so that you are fully prepared to operate safely and lawfully in the workplace. The module will also develop your academic skills, including critical writing, research methods and using primary and secondary sources.

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

On this module you will explore the role of effective investigation on both victims and organisations. You will analyse the importance of protection within the police officer role, and reflect on practices and policies around information sharing and multiagency involvement.

You will explore the risk factors impacting vulnerability, learn to identify individuals at risk, and consider the responsibility of the police force to appropriately support them. As you gain more operational experience, you will gain a deeper insight into public protection and vulnerability. You will be encouraged to reflect on this experience and apply this to your learning.

Credits: 20

Compulsory module

On this module you will develop your understanding of how criminal investigations are conducted as part of operational policing. You will learn how to interview victims, witnesses and suspects. Through this you will gain insights into the issues faced by interviewers and develop an adaptable approach to this task. You will examine the impact of diversity on investigation outcomes and understand how people can be affected by the criminal justice system, as well as considering the range of support agencies that can assist victims of crime. Through this module, you will develop your interviewing skills, before you put them into practice during your deployments.

Pass/fail

Compulsory module

This module does not contribute credit towards your degree, but it must be passed in order to progress to the next level of study.

You will be deployed on patrol following the initial teaching block, and will supported by an experienced and trained police tutor until you have completed your Independent Patrol Status (IPS). You will be required to demonstrate your knowledge, behaviours, and skills in various different areas of policing against all 10 IPS criteria. You will collate your evidence in an ongoing Operational Competence Portfolio (OCP).

Year 2

In the second year of the course, you will study 8 compulsory modules.

Your teaching blocks will be interspersed with work-based deployments. These will increase in length as you progress. They will be as varied as possible, introducing you to different policing contexts. You will become increasingly independent, working across various police operational areas. At this level you will collect evidence and reflect on your practice as you work towards achieving Full Operational Competence (FOC).

Modules

20 Credits

Compulsory module

On this module you will build on the knowledge, skills and behaviours you developed in your first year. You will further develop the analysis and evaluation skills which are an important part of your professional approach to policing. Through this module you will also reinforce your understanding of the application of professional standards of behaviour and the Code of Ethics when working across diverse communities. You will consider the relationship between professional standards and relevant organisations. You will also review how misconduct and malpractice has a detrimental effect on policing.

10 Credits

Compulsory module

The rapid technological advancements of recent years have led to corresponding changes in crime. Policing has had to adapt to address these issues and complexities and respond effectively. On this module, you will enhance your knowledge and practical skills relating to digital policing and counter terrorism, enabling you to deal with incidents of this nature in your operational work. You will explore the additional complexities involved in digital policing, giving you an up to date awareness of the policies and procedures in place.

20 Credits

Compulsory module

Response policing provides the foundation for all areas of policing. The types of incidents the police deal with vary, and you will explore the complexities and challenges involved in operational policing. On this module you will enhance your approach to dealing with critical incidents as first responders. You will explore theories of human behaviour and psychology, and learn to apply them to aid in dealing with emotionally impactful incidents.

20 Credits

Compulsory module

On this module you will learn to deal with various road offences and incidents. You will develop your knowledge of the legislation concerning roads policing and build confidence in using it for commercial vehicle law enforcement. You will become familiar with the most prevalent forms of crime which are facilitated by the road network and learn about the prevention and disruption options available to you.

20 Credits

Compulsory module

Community policing is an essential element of your training. On this module you will learn about the legislation and practice of policing communities. You will build on the knowledge and experience you have already gained in earlier modules and through your deployment so far. You will:

  • Explore how the police force engages with communities
  • Consider incidents which have negatively affected community relationships
  • Evaluate the role of community policing in fostering community cohesion.

20 Credits

Compulsory module

On this module you will discover how to apply models of crime prevention in your work. You will investigate the links between theory and practice across three areas:

  • Criminology and crime prevention
  • Criminal justice
  • Conducting investigations.

You will explore the crime prevention theories from sociology and criminology which can be used to solve problems in your operational work. You will learn to differentiate between volume and priority crime and serious and complex crime. You will also learn more about appropriate investigative processes and working with different sources of intelligence.

20 Credits

Compulsory module

On this module you will further develop your understanding of vulnerability and risk in a policing context. You will learn about the impact curve in early intervention, and the effect of crime on victims. You will explore concepts and theories about how a person becomes a victim, investigate motivations for offending, and discuss how to tackle repeat offending. You will also evaluate the effectiveness of current public protection practices and consider the effect of media coverage on public protection policing strategy.

Pass/fail

Compulsory module

The Operational Competence Portfolio (OCP) is a verified record of incidents that you have attended and dealt with during your deployments. It demonstrates that you have achieved a standard of policing skill, knowledge and behaviours which proves you are operationally competent. You will need to collect evidence from across your various second year deployments as you work towards achieving Full Operational Competence (FOC). You must also show that you can:

  • Take ownership of your own developments
  • Maintain high professional standards
  • Adhere to the Code of Ethics
  • Challenge inappropriate conduct and language when required.

Year 3

In your final year, you will study:

  • 3 compulsory modules
  • 1 specialist module in a specific operational policing area.

It is not guaranteed that all specialist modules will run every year.

You will also complete 3 modules as part of your End Point Assessment. This will include an extended study in the same operational policing area as your specialist module.

Your teaching blocks will take place in the first half of the year. There will be time set aside for research in the second half of the year, for you to prepare towards your End Point Assessment.

Modules

10 Credits

Compulsory module

On this module you will evaluate and analyse professional approaches to policing. You will scrutinise the concept of professionalism in policing, drawing on your experience from deployments as well as relevant research and scholarship. You will also consider how leadership, teamwork, coaching and mentoring in the workplace can benefit personal, professional, and organisational goals. You will explore the various support networks in place for coaching and mentoring in the police service and how you can access them.

20 Credits

Compulsory module

On this module you will further develop your skills in:

  • Communication
  • Evidence-based policing
  • Problem solving
  • Research.

Building these skills will help you prepare for your End Point Assessment, especially your extended study. As part of your focus on communication skills, you will learn to draw on social media as an effective tool for engaging with local communities.

Pass/fail

Compulsory module

You will continue to build your Operational Competence Portfolio, collating evidence of incidents you have dealt with. You will need to demonstrate that you have meet all fourteen criteria on at least two separate occasions to achieve Full Operational Competence (FOC). Your portfolio will be reviewed by an independent assessor through an assessed discussion. You will be required to show that you can critically reflect on your own progress and performance. You will need to have successfully completed your FOC before you can start working towards your End Point Assessment.

30 Credits

Compulsory module

This is a specialist module in which you will focus on advanced knowledge and skills associated with response policing. On this module, you will explore the specific challenges raised by complex response situations in relation to a range of contexts.

You will be taught strategies for remaining effective in increasingly challenging environments. You will reflect on how the decisions you make in these scenarios can impact upon the outcome. You will draw on the HMICFRS (Her Majesties Inspectorate of Constabulary (and) Fire and Rescue Service) and PEEL (Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy) reports into police effectiveness.

Pass/fail

Compulsory module

This module will form part of your End Point Assessment (EPA). Through this module your operational competence will be independently assessed. You will take part in a professional discussion to reflect on the policing knowledge, skills and behaviours you have gained over the course of the apprenticeship. You must pass your professional discussion before other elements of the EPA can be assessed.

40 Credits

Compulsory module

This module is the second part of your End Point Assessment (EPA) and is independently assessed. You will complete an extended study on an agreed research topic in your nominated specialist area. You will be supported by an academic adviser and specialist tutor with expertise in your specialist area. Through this study, you will be able to demonstrate your research, independent thinking, analysis, and communication skills. It will give you an appreciation of the role of research in developing new approaches or practices in policing./p>

20 Credits

Compulsory module

This module forms the third (and final) part of your End Point Assessment and is also independently assessed. It will involve critically analysing and reflecting on the findings of your evidence-based research project and considering their implications for policing practice. This module will be assessed through a presentation and panel discussion.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and learning

On this course we will use a blended teaching approach, combining face to face teaching with online learning. This approach allows you to build on your existing knowledge, make connections between your studies and learning in the workplace, and understand how the course content can be applied.

Teaching sessions will include:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Role plays and simulations.

You will have interactive and experiential learning opportunities to help you to practise your policing skills and behaviours in a safe learning 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 being discussed.

You will meet regularly with your police training mentor and academic adviser throughout the year to receive feedback and discuss your progress.

Assessment

You will experience a variety of assessment methods, giving you many different ways to demonstrate your learning. These include:

  • Individual or group presentation
  • Reflective diary
  • Documenting a role play scenario
  • Critical review
  • Case study
  • Case evaluation
  • Essay
  • Operational reports
  • Personal development plan
  • Practical session
  • Virtual reality script
  • Operational Competence Portfolio
  • Professional discussion
  • An evidence-based research study.

You will receive feedback on your work throughout each module. This will help you to improve your work in preparation for your graded assessments.

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

  • 2 Level 3 qualifications (or equivalent or higher)
  • Level 2 in both English and Mathematics (if you do not currently hold these you must achieve them during the course).

You need to submit proof of your highest level of qualification when you apply. This could be scanned certificates, exam slips or a letter from your educational establishment. 

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 this course, you will not need to pay course fees. You will also earn a salary while you complete your qualification.

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