Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) in London

Change needs you, start a career like no other in London's Met. The Met is working hard to restore Londoners' trust and confidence, reduce crime and maintain high standards. To do this we recognise the need to change. We want people who share our values of integrity, courage, accountability, respect and empathy to join the dedicated, honest, committed, hard-working officers and staff already in our team. Those who are committed to working hard to bring offenders to justice, protect vulnerable people and deliver the change needed for London and its communities.

If you thrive on problem solving; have good communication skills and love teamwork, then this is the job for you. It's a career that comes with excellent pay and benefits; stability but with varied career progression and opportunities for promotion like no other employer can offer. You could work with our dogs and horses, become a cybercrime specialist or keep the Thames safe in our Marine Unit. Maybe you'll excel at financial investigation or supporting the victims of domestic abuse. Ultimately, it will be up to you to choose your path, and the only limit will be your ambition.

The PCDA is a vocational course that focuses on practical learning and is specifically tailored to help you start your career in policing. This three-year apprenticeship, fully funded by the Met, is delivered in partnership with Middlesex University, resulting in a BSc degree in Professional Policing Practice. You will be employed as an officer from day one, making a difference to London's communities. You'll be fully supported throughout your three years, spending most of your time on the frontline working alongside your team, turning your learning into practical experience.

Officer Pay

You'll receive a starting salary of £42,210. The salary includes allowances. Your salary increases to £47,475 after three years, upon satisfactory completion of probation. Salary may increase each year up to £59,994 after five years.

Eligibility

• Academic requirements: You must hold a Level 2 qualification in English language at a GCSE grade C or above, or grades 4 to 9. We will also consider an English Language equivalent overseas qualification. You must hold or be working towards two A Levels at grade E or above in any subject or a Level 3 qualification, including an International Baccalaureate Diploma or NVQ.
• Work experience: If you don't hold a Level 3 academic qualification, we also take work experience: You must have at least 18 months of professional experience in a role that requires leadership, decision making, risk assessment, specialist knowledge.
• Age: If you are 17 when you submit your application, you will be able to progress through our recruitment process, but you will not be able to start your training until you are 18.
• Nationality: If you're from outside the UK, it's essential that you have indefinite leave to enter or to remain in the UK.
• Physical fitness: You will need to pass our fitness test. You must also meet the police eyesight standards agreed by the College of Policing.
• Tattoos: Some tattoos will stop you working for the Met depending on what they depict and where on your body they are.
• Criminal conviction/caution: If you do have any criminal convictions or cautions on record you can still apply, eligibility will depend on the age and nature of the offence.
• Membership of groups or organisations: You will not be able to join the Met if you are a member of a group and/or organisation that contradicts our values or ethics and our commitment to inclusion.

After submitting your application, please monitor your emails (including your junk folder) and the recruitment portal for updates. We'll also share monthly newsletters to support you through the process. Due to expected high application volumes, we encourage you to apply as early as possible. Candidates who apply and pass all stages of the recruitment process during this campaign period are likely to be offered a start date after March 2027.

Important information about entry routes - While we aim to offer your preferred entry route, if it becomes fully subscribed, we may consider you for an alternative based on your qualifications, skills, and experience.