PCDA (Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship)

Now more than ever, start a career like no other in London’s Met

Do you want a challenge? To be part of a brilliant team all working hard to keep London safe for everyone. A job where no two days are the same, but you know you are making a difference to millions of Londoners? If you do - join the Met, as a Police Constable.

This is your chance to be part of the team who keeps our capital city safe. If you’ve got good communication skills; love teamwork; thrive on variety; and don’t want to be tied to a desk - then this is the job for you. As a Police Constable you’ll protect; investigate; negotiate; bring offenders to justice and much more. It’s a job that makes a difference to people’s lives every day – often at the time they need you the most.

A job 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.

To help juggle your commitments you can now join and train with us on a part time basis, so you’ve got the flexibility you need to achieve your goal of becoming a Police Constable.

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) keeping London safe for everyone whilst earning a degree for you

Our PCDA pathway, fully funded by the Met, recognises policing as a degree-level profession. The PCDA is a vocational course that focuses on practical learning and is specifically tailored to help you start your career in policing.

From day one you’ll be employed as a police officer spending most of your time on the frontline working alongside your team, turning your learning into practical experience.

The PCDA is delivered in partnership with four London universities: Brunel University; University of West London; Anglia Ruskin University; and University of East London. It is a three-year apprenticeship programme for non-degree holders resulting in a BSc degree in Professional Policing Practice.

Eligibility

We’re looking for people from all backgrounds to join us. People who share our values of professionalism, integrity, courage and compassion.

See how you measure up against the criteria below:

Academic requirements to join our PCDA

You must hold a level 2 qualification in English Language at a GCSE grade C or above, or grades 4-9. If you do not have this qualification, we will also consider an English Language equivalent overseas qualification.

You must also hold, or be working towards, one of the following.

64 UCAS points within the meaning of section 3 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 (visit UCAS tariff calculator)12 months service as a special constable having achieved independent patrol status12 months service as a community support officer having passed probationary periodAn academic or vocational qualification gained outside England and Wales which is considered by the UK National Recognition Information Centre to be equivalent to 64 UCAS points

Age:

If you are 17 when you submit your application, you will be able to progress through our recruitment process however your start date with the MPS would need to be on or after your 18th Birthday. The upper age limit for applications to become a police officer is 57.This normally provides enough time for you to take part in the recruitment process and complete a probationary period before the normal retirement age of 60.

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:

If you do some form of regular exercise you should have no issue meeting the physical requirements of the job, set in 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.

Apply now to start your Met journey today.