National Graduate Programme – Counter Terrorism (Metropolitan Police Service)
Salary: £42,210
Contract: Permanent
Programme length: Two years
Location: London
Programme start date: July 2026
Application deadline: Sunday 18 January 2026
For every ambition, every action, every change. If you are ready to step into a role where your decisions shape real lives and communities, this is where your journey begins.
As a Times Top 100 Graduate Employer, our two-year programme is designed to train and develop graduates, from any degree discipline, who want to build public trust and confidence in policing, reduce crime; and transform communities.
You don\'t need any previous policing knowledge or experience to join our programme; however, you\'ll need to show that your motivations align with our mission.
The role
Being a detective is all about how you interpret information and being able to spot clues where others don\'t, allowing you to see below the surface. Society is changing and people are demanding better, for our communities, and from our police service.
You\'ll collaborate with others, combining insight and evidence to pursue terrorists and work to bring them to justice. You will protect the public and places from terrorist attacks and prevent vulnerable people from being drawn into extremism.
You\'ll work on complex and sensitive investigations, requiring discretion and precision. The intelligence you develop and the answers you\'ll uncover, will be crucial to the security of our society and protect innocent lives.
Why Police Now?
- Your salary of £42,210 will be paid from day one of the training academy.
- You\'ll have access to a Performance and Development coach during the two years.
- Beyond the programme, we offer support with promotion and progression.
- Join a peer network of 3,500 officers at other forces across England and Wales.
Rewards and benefits
- Leave - You\'ll start with 22 days per year (on top of public holidays), rising to 30 days depending on your length of service.
- Work-life balance - This is not your typical 9-5. Police officers work varied shift patterns which gives them flexibility and freedom to maximise their time outside of work.
- Pension - You\'ll automatically be enrolled as a member of the Police Pension Scheme 2015, which awards police officers for their dedication and service to the public.
- Travel – You\'ll have access to free and discounted travel perks in London.
Eligibility
To apply for this programme, you must:
- be over 17 years of age or older on application, (and 18 by the time of appointment)
- be a British citizen or have settled or leave to remain and work in the UK without restrictions
- have been resident in the UK for the past 10 years (some exemptions allowed)
- hold at least two UK level 3 qualifications in any subject, or non-UK equivalent
- have a 2.2 or above in any undergraduate degree from a UK university (or equivalent from a non-UK university) and have completed all education by the programme start date July 2026 (this includes part-time or distance learning)
When applying to work in Counter Terrorism, you\'ll be subject to Advanced Vetting, or Developed Vetting (DV), which is the highest government security clearance and required for handling sensitive information.
Application Process
- Online application
- Immersive assessment
- Assessment centre
If successful, you will receive a conditional offer and be allocated a dedicated Recruitment Officer to assist with your onboarding and pre-employment checks including a fitness test, medical assessment, and vetting.
Job Type: Graduate
Pay: From £42,210.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
