Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

Overview

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) – Surrey and Sussex Police. The programme allows you to join as an officer from day one while working towards a Degree in Professional Policing Practice over three years.

You will be paid a full-time salary of £31,907 (including £2,000 South East Allowance) and there will be no tuition fees.

Responsibilities

Through the three-year Police Constable Apprenticeship Programme, you will be employed as an officer from day one, gaining valuable experience in policing while studying for your degree. Study will be a mix of on- and off-the-job learning, with degree awarded at the end of the programme after probation completion. You will be involved in policing activities across specialisms such as safeguarding, community engagement, investigations and anti-terrorism, with opportunities for progression and to achieve a professional qualification in Policing Practice.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be aged 17 years or over on the day you submit your application; you must be 18 to start in post.
• Have lived in the UK for 3 continuous years immediately prior to application.
• Have leave to enter or remain in the UK for an indefinite period.
• Have a current full UK manual driving licence by the time of appointment.
• Not be a member of the BNP or any other proscribed terrorist organisations or groups.
• Not have tattoos which cause offence.
• Not have serious motoring offences or 6 or more points on your licence.
• Meet the qualification criteria outlined below.

Qualification Requirements

• GCSE Maths and English at grade A*-C/9-4 or an educational equivalent to Level 2. Copies of qualifications must be provided with the application.
• Have achieved one A Level grade A*-C or equivalent Level 3 and one A Level grade A*-E or AS level in a different subject, or equivalent Level 3.
• Minimum of 48 UCAS points when combined with the required qualifications. Copies of qualifications must be provided with the application. UCAS tariff calculator can be used to check points.
• Level 3 qualification flexibility: Level 3 BTEC or other combinations may be accepted if meeting the 48 UCAS tariff; the Certificate in Knowledge of Policing will also be accepted.
• Work experience considered as Level 3 equivalent may be accepted through assessment, including written experience assessment and online tests. A Level 3 form must be submitted with the application.
• Current serving special constable or PCSO with 18 months’ service (or left within last 18 months) may be considered with the Level 3 form.
• Other policing roles with at least 2 years’ service within last 5 years and strong references may be considered; armed forces experience with 2 years within last 5 years and strong references may be considered.
• If you hold a bachelor’s degree (or are studying for one), you may need to apply via the Police Constable Entry Programme; visit the official site for more details.

Recruitment Process

• Stage 1: Application Form and Eligibility Checks
• Stage 2: National Sift (Behavioural Style Questionnaire and Situational Judgement Test)
• Stage 3: National Assessment Centre (competency-based interview)
• Stage 4: In-Force Competency Based Interview
• Stage 5: Pre-employment checks (references, vetting, medical, biometric vetting, substance misuse testing, fitness testing)
• Starting dates anticipated from June 2026 onwards; no specific start date guaranteed.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to an anti-racist police service and open and accessible recruitment. We value diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. See the full anti-racism statement in the vacancy for more information. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion information for Surrey Police and Sussex Police is available on the official site.

Additional Information

After submitting your application you will receive a confirmation email. Some emails may go to spam; please check regularly. Attachments include the Level 3 Eligibility Form. For questions about eligibility, the application, or the recruitment journey, contact the recruitment team to book a one-to-one conversation. If you hold a degree or are studying for one, refer to the Police Constable Entry Programme for more information.