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- Tasks: Become a Student Police Officer while earning a degree and making a real difference.
- Company: Join Merseyside Police, serving a vibrant community of 1.5 million people.
- Benefits: Earn £31,164 per year, with full support and training throughout your journey.
- Why this job: Experience a rewarding career in law enforcement while gaining valuable qualifications.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with strong support for under-represented groups.
Student Police Officer Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) Programme.
Starting Salary: £31,164 per annum. Normal working hours: 40 hours per week, working shifts (including nights, evenings and weekends). Various locations across Merseyside.
Our PCDA Programme
This is an exciting opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds to obtain a degree whilst working and earning a full salary as a Student Police Officer. The programme is delivered in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, lasts for three years and includes classroom delivery, practical application and tutorship. Your time will be varied between on-the-job training and active frontline operational duties, academic modules, coursework and exams. Full details are available on the PCDA information page.
Entry and Qualifications
We require Maths and English Language GCSEs Grade C/4 and above or Functional Skills equivalent for this role. Please ensure you have these certificates ready to upload before applying and do not upload non-relevant qualifications. If you have questions or trouble uploading qualifications or tattoo images, please contact us at the time of application. Internal applicants must apply externally using a new personal email address.
Recruitment Process
- Initial sift against the criteria outlined on the PCDA page (you would not be eligible if you already have a degree).
- College of Policing National Sift
- College of Policing Online Assessment (details available on the PCDA page)
- In Force interview assessing values and behaviours aligned to the standards of a Police Officer
- Pre-employment checks including references, fitness test, medical, biometrics and vetting
- Final offer, registration and acceptance into LJMUTimeline and Availability
We are progressing applicants for proposed June 2026 and November 2026 intakes. Please make yourself available for all stages as invited to enable timely processing. This vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive sufficient applications; submit your application at the earliest opportunity.
Inclusion and Support
We want our people to reflect the communities we serve and to bring diverse experience. We particularly welcome applications from women and Black & Ethnic Minority candidates. A dedicated Outreach team provides support and guidance to candidates from under-represented groups throughout the process. If you require reasonable adjustments during recruitment, let us know so we can provide the necessary support. Details about available support can be found via the Outreach team.
Supports may include classroom-based and work-based learning accommodations, such as assistive technologies or extended time for assessments, depending on individual needs. The sooner you inform us, the quicker we can arrange support. Adjustments can be made from the National Sift onwards for police officer roles.
Additional Information
Join us and you’ll be on the ground, preventing crime and making a difference in people’s lives. It’s a challenging but rewarding career. About Merseyside Police: from intelligence operator to armed officer, you will serve a population of 1.5 million across 647 square kilometres. We are committed to building a career that counts while gaining a degree.
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship - PCDA in Liverpool employer: Merseyside Police
Contact Detail:
Merseyside Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship - PCDA in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the PCDA programme and what it entails. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in becoming a Police Constable.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current officers or those who've completed the PCDA. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up on what to expect during the recruitment process.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the online assessments and interviews by doing mock interviews and assessment tests. This will boost your confidence and help you nail those tricky questions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Plus, if you have any questions or need support, we’re just a click away to help you through the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship - PCDA in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Documents Ready: Before you dive into the application, make sure you have your Maths and English Language GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above) ready to upload. It’ll save you time and hassle later on!
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for becoming a Police Constable shine through. Share why you want to serve your community and what makes you a great fit for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the values and behaviours expected of a Police Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute! The vacancy might close earlier than expected if we get enough applications. Get your application in through our website as soon as you can to avoid missing out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merseyside Police
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on the core values of a police officer. Understand how these values align with your own beliefs and experiences. This will help you articulate your motivations and demonstrate that you're a good fit for the role.
✨Research Merseyside Police
Familiarise yourself with the history, mission, and current initiatives of Merseyside Police. Being able to discuss specific projects or community engagement efforts during your interview shows genuine interest and preparation, which can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Practice responding to common scenarios a police officer might encounter, focusing on how you would handle them while upholding the law and community standards.
✨Dress the Part
First impressions matter! Dress smartly and professionally for your interview. Even though it’s a police role, showing that you respect the process by dressing appropriately can convey your seriousness about the position and your understanding of the profession.
