The Pre-join Policing degree is a new entry route into the police force and has been designed to prepare new recruits to meet the demands of 21st century policing. This vocational degree meets the new standards set by the College of Policing’s Policing Education Qualification Framework (PEQF), will be used by all police forces across England and Wales as part of the newly-categorised modes of entry into the policing profession.

The pre-join route gives you the opportunity to study for a degree and then apply to a force and follow a shorter on-the-job training programme to become a police constable or a special constable. The degree is designed so that you will undertake the learning as set out by the PEQF, attain a BA (Hons) Professional Policing and be equipped with the requisite skills and knowledge to be able to apply to the Police Force to become a police constable. 

This exciting new course focuses on the main challenges a 21st century Police Officer faces, such as protecting the vulnerable, digital policing and counter-terrorism measures. It also provides a foundation knowledge into the role of a Police Constable and the five core areas of professional policing practice: Response Policing, Policing Communities, Policing the Roads, Information and Intelligence, and Conducting Investigations. You will also undertake your own research project into your chosen policing practice area in the final year.

After completion of this degree, graduates will be equipped with the requisite skills and knowledge to be in a position to apply to the police force to become a Police Constable. Graduates must apply to their chosen police force within 5 years of their graduation date.