BSc (Hons) Professional Policing Practice | Degree Apprenticeship
- Entry year:
- 2026/27
- Start date:
- July, October, January, April
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Course duration:
- 3 years
- Campus:
- Mount Pleasant
About your course
The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship is one of a number of entry routes into the policing sector. Successful applicants will enter a programme that will include on-the-job learning within police constabularies to ultimately become a police constable.
PLEASE NOTE: Applications for the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) will only be to a host Police Force. Currently, the Police across England and Wales are involved in a procurement process. LJMU will be involved in the delivery of the PCDA, but each Police Force will retain control of their recruitment for the Degree Apprenticeship. To view current policing vacancies please view individual Police Forces' websites.
- The Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF) introduced by the College of Policing states from 2020 there will be three entry routes into policing, including the PCDA
- Degree Apprentices will study for three years while training to become a police constable
- The starting salary for new PEQF entry Police Constables is £23,586
- Subjects you will study include: code of ethics; duty of care; professional standards; equality; service delivery; efficiency and effectiveness; value for money; diversity and human rights; criminal law; work with communities and evidence-based practice
- Delivered by experts in the Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies
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An initial face-to-face period at University will be supplemented by access to police training facilities at Mather Avenue in Liverpool and Lea Green in St Helens. Academic staff will be supported by competent police practitioners, while learning will be classroom-based with scenario and role-play work. You will receive training on typical equipment utilised by police officers, as well as health and safety, police IT and systems. Many of our Policing Studies students receive specialist training and experiential events, such as the in Liverpool.
Further learning blocks across the rest of the programme will be supported by workplace education and practice. A reflective Occupational Competence Portfolio (OCP) will be compiled by the apprentices alongside the academic programme. Occupational competence will be a cornerstone, alongside intellectual ability. At the end of the programme, successfully completing the EPA will result in permanent appointment.
Deadline for applications: 30th June 2026
Course modules
What you will study on this degree
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Introduction to Policing
30 credits
30 credits
This module provides the apprentice with an introduction to the academic and policing aspects of their apprenticeship. It is designed to develop their academic skills and provide a solid theoretical basis of policing theories and practices, whilst developing an awareness of the wider Criminal Justice System, external scrutiny and the agencies responsible for this. Apprentices will then develop an knowledge of the Office of Constable, and how they can use their powers in a fair, ethical and unbiased way in order to deliver an excellent service across a diverse community.
Practical Policing
40 credits
40 credits
During this module the apprentices will be given the underpinning knowledge of their practical policing powers in a classroom environment before developing their practical skills as an operational officer during an accompanied patrol phase.
Vulnerability & Risk
30 credits
30 credits
This module will familiarise the apprentice with the complex nature of vulnerability whilst providing an understanding of how situational and environmental factors, combined with personal vulnerabilities, may result in a person becoming a victim and or perpetrator. Apprentices will explore how the effective use of training, knowledge and skills can assist in supporting those who are vulnerable and why it is necessary to use a safeguarding approach to those who are vulnerable. Also, apprentices will investigate the need for first responders to identify their own vulnerabilities when dealing with sensitive or violent incidents.
Evidence Based Research
20 credits
20 credits
This module will discuss a range of key concepts relating to evidence based policing, exploring the relationship between
community engagement, crime prevention, and academia by empowering the apprentice to select appropriate evidence to support problem solving approaches.
Core modules
Developing The Officer
40 credits
40 credits
This module will compare the professional standard requirements within the police service to those of similar professional organisations. Apprentices will examine the success of the Independent Police Complaint Commission (IPCC) and identify potential links between terrorism and other forms of crime. Within this module apprentices will also explore the potential for an insider threat within the police service and strategies in place to prevent this.
This module will also explore how the theories and principles of psychology and human behaviour can be applied in a variety of response contexts. Apprentices will explore the role and responsibilities of the Response Officer and develop an understanding of the need for joint interoperability between emergency services whilst identifying the core policing functions, strategies, and legislation available to deal with a variety of road related crime and incidents.
Investigation
40 credits
40 credits
This module will take you on a journey of identifying the complexities and importance of running an effective and lawful investigation. You will analyse potential links between serious and organised crime and public protection issues. You will investigate the fine line between protector and perpetrator by examining instances where law enforcement personnel have misused their position of authority and police powers to commit sexual offences. You will evaluate the effect of media coverage on public protection policing strategy, especially in relation high-profile cases resulting in major investigations.
You will also explore concepts linked to Disclosure and the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act and apply these to simulated scenarios.
Working Together In Partnership
40 credits
40 credits
Lectures will provide the students with information and theories. Apprentices will then explore the theory in more detail and context through facilitated discussion and exercises. Apprentices will examine community vulnerability and risk and will develop their understanding of strategies to reduce harm for different communities. Apprentices will explore the role of other groups and communities in preventing crime. Apprentices will spend time working with community-based organisations enhancing their understanding of collaboration in action and drawing upon their learning about what works in evidence led policing. Apprentices will then work in groups to put their knowledge into practice.
Core modules
Evidence Based Research Project
40 credits
40 credits
The module will equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to conduct research into more complex
issues within the context of your own occupational interest. You will be provided with the opportunity to develop a
research question and develop research methods to justify your choice. The research should develop practical
solutions to provide effective policing methods in this area whilst showing your competence as a police constable.
Optional modules
Pathway - Information & Intelligence
60 credits
60 credits
The module is intended to ensure that you have the knowledge, understanding and skills to conduct more complex issues in information and intelligence. You will review the evidence base and research how to implement and develop practical solutions to provide effective policing methods in this area whilst furthering your own competence within the pathway.
Pathway - Policing Communities
60 credits
60 credits
The module is intended to ensure that you have the knowledge, understanding and skills to conduct more complex issues in a Community Policing context. You will review the evidence base and research how to implement and develop practical solutions to provide effective policing methods in this area whilst furthering your own competence within the pathway.
Pathway - Policing the Roads
60 credits
60 credits
The module is intended to ensure that you have the knowledge, understanding and skills to conduct more complex investigations in a Roads Policing context. You will review the evidence base and research how to implement and develop practical solutions to provide effective policing methods in this area whilst furthering your own competence within the pathway.
Pathway - Response Policing
60 credits
60 credits
The module is intended to ensure that you have the knowledge, understanding and skills to conduct more complex investigations in a Response Policing context. You will review the evidence base in this area and research how to implement and develop practical solutions to provide effective policing methods in this area whilst furthering your own competence within the pathway.
Professional accreditation
Your Learning Experience
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
The LCAPS teaching team includes three former Chief Constables, Detective Inspectors, criminal investigators, criminologists and criminal justice specialists who will provide you with the very latest learning, insights and expertise across a wide cross-section of policing and law enforcement matters.
As an LCAPS student, you will have access to a wide range of learning events, including Masterclasses with key law enforcement experts and annual chief constable lectures.
Successful completion of the Degree Apprenticeship will result in permanent employment as a police constable. While you will be employed by the host constabulary and will learn on-the-job, you will spend one-day per week in university where you will study a range of degree-level modules written to the College of Policing's PEQF guidelines.
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
As a police constable apprentice you will receive support from your employer and learning guidance, tutor support and online support from LCAPS staff. You will also receive access to LJMU's student support services, libraries and online resources.
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
Generally you will be assessed using written assignments, presentations and exams.
The majority of the assessment of professional skills will be carried out in the workplace with the compilation of an Occupational Competence portfolio (OCP). This will be supported by workplace mentors and assessors as well as LJMU staff. In addition there will be a requirement for self-reflection and at least one assessment in level 5 and 6 will include reflection reports.
These together with the OCP will be subject of the End-Point Assessment. Each level will have a pass/fail element within one module. This is to ensure incorporation of the OCP during the whole learning phase, both in University and in the workplace. Degree Apprentices must prove their academic ability in the workplace to move though the programme.
Where you will study
Based within the John Foster Building, in the Mount Pleasant Campus, the School of Law and Justice Studies is a leading provider of education in Policing Studies, Criminology and Criminal Justice. We provide specific training for policing students wishing to enter the service as a graduate recruit. The John Foster Building has many outstanding facilities, including well-equipped IT Suites, a light-filled Student Common Room and dedicated study areas. At the back of the John Foster Building is the Mount Pleasant Campus Library, which gives you access to an exceptional range of materials to support your studies.
Course tutors
Prior to joining Liverpool John Moores University, I worked in law enforcement for over ten years, having experience across many different departments. I am experienced in both the administration and delivery of training having being a Force Trainer for a local police force for many years. During this time, I taught a variety of subjects from initial learning to leadership and delivered to officers and staff of all levels. I was also a member of the Special Constabulary with operational experience at a supervisory level. <p><p>In my previous role, I was seconded to work on the All Wales Policing Education Qualifications Framework as the North Wales Police Practitioner lead on both the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) and the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP). This role involved writing materials for use across Wales, planning the implementation of the PCDA and DHEP, preparing for validation events and presenting information to senior officers. I was also been part of a small team which developed a regional Neighbourhood Policing development course in conjunction with the College of Policing. I have recently completed a MSc in Terrorism, Security and Policing.
Policing is a really exciting industry to be involved with and the undergraduate policing programmes at Liverpool John Moores University are an outstanding introduction to this field and provide you with the skills you need to be successful in pursuing your ambitions.
Career paths
On completion of the three-year Degree Apprenticeship programme, the participants will undertake an End-Point Assessment. Completion of the EPA will lead to permanent employment as a police officer with the particular police force.
Achieving this degree is a requirement but does not guarantee appointment to a police force. Recruitment and appointment is subject to the relevant regulations and requirements of police recruitment and selection processes. This includes medical and fitness testing along with background and security checks. Recruitment and selection processes are rigorous and may vary between forces.
Candidates applying to join a police constabulary must also undertake a series of assessments including National Recruitment processes and Force vetting. Guidance on recruitment can be found on the College of Policing website.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.
Tuition fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students beginning their studies in September 2026 will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year, subject to Parliamentary approval.
In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are set in accordance with the Government’s regulated fee cap. The Government has confirmed that this cap will be £9,790 for 2026/27 and £10,050 for 2027/28, in both cases subject to Parliamentary approval.
The Government has also stated that from the 2028/29 academic year onwards, the fee cap will be adjusted annually in line with inflation. As a result, tuition fees in future years may increase accordingly. We will provide confirmation of any changes as early as possible in advance of each academic year.
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus Wi-Fi.
Financial Support
The University offers a range of scholarships to support students through their studies. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist funding pages, including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs including those for placements, visas and travel for studying abroad and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications:
Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth by visiting the UCAS Tariff Calculator.
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
- Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
- NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
- Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
- Higher Diploma in Maths/English
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/English
- Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
- Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU Degree Apprenticeship form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
LJMU entry requirements will align with the employing force. The programme recruits on a closed client basis, students may not fit the standard academic entry criteria for undergraduate policing courses.
What qualifications will I need?
To undertake the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) you will need to have achieved a minimum of Level 2 in English and Mathematics (or equivalent - see GCSE requirements for equivalents) prior to entry.
To complete the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) you will need to have achieved an Honours Degree; Third class and above.
When can I apply depending on my results. Will you accept a conditional offer?
Police Regulations state you need to be 18-years of age in order to apply to become a police officer. We will accept applicants who meet the age criteria and who are waiting for results from Level 2 or equivalent qualifications (or Degree results if applying for the Degree Holder Entry Programme, however the minimum entry criteria requirements must be met prior to being offer a start date.
The recruitment process will follow national requirements for police recruitment, which involves a Police Initial Recruitment Test (PIRT), an interview, medical test, fitness test and police vetting procedures. Candidates will be offered employment once they have satisfied all stages. In order to apply to a police organisation the normal entry criteria for a police officer must be fulfilled, for example, aged 18 or over, nationality requirements etc.
There will also be input from LJMU Academic Registry and the LJMU Student Administration and Recruitment teams, but as a programme with a closed client group the students will be first and foremost apprentices employed by the relevant police organisation. For more information please view the College of Policing Programme Specification document.
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