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Undergraduate study
Police Constable

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

The academic professional route studied is designed for those appointed as police officers to Cleveland Police. Apprentices develop their understanding of the policing role, knowledge of legislation and procedures, and the needs of those living and working within the Cleveland Police area.

 

Professional apprenticeship
Linked Level 6 University award: BSc (Hons) Professional Policing

 

Course overview

Cleveland Police: Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

Hear from both sides as employer and apprentice at Cleveland Police talk about the multiple benefits they’ve experienced throughout this apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship is aligned to the College of Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF) and is taught jointly by Teesside University academic staff and Cleveland Police officers and staff. Learning takes place both in the classroom and workplace.

The programme provides substantial training to enable apprentices to acquire full competency as a police officer. In addition to classroom studies, there are work-based elements, allowing apprentices to develop their workplace expertise in real life situations, and develop solutions to workplace challenges by using the workplace as a learning resource. In the later stages of the programme, apprentices develop expertise in specific areas of policing.

Apprentices are encouraged to manage their own learning and reflect on their experiences to inform their practice.

The apprenticeship aims to:
• meet the professional requirements of 21st century policing
• ensure national consistency of professional education
• champion a values-based, ethical approach to policing
• support equality of educational opportunity within the policing profession
• develop high-quality, evidence-based education for the policing profession
• promote a collaborative approach to education within the police service
• enable continuing professional development in policing roles.

All content is aligned to the relevant elements of the National Policing Curriculum. Course modules are delivered using a collaborative approach between Teesside University and Cleveland Police including trainers, operational officers (practitioners) and tutors. Learning in the workplace is supported primarily by police practitioners, with additional academic tutor support, and regular tutorial meetings.

Recruitment to join this course is undertaken in partnership between Teesside University and Cleveland Police. The first step of this process is to apply to Cleveland Police, not the University.

Please note, we can only respond to enquiries from employers, or individuals with agreement from their employer to undertake an apprenticeship.

Download pdf Order prospectus

 

Course details

Course structure

Year 1 core modules

Developing Professional Effectiveness in Policing Practice

Apprentices gain their first opportunity to consolidate learning in the workplace through a period of coached patrol.

This phase marks the point at which they move from the classroom or directed study aspect of their learning and begin to apply their knowledge and understanding in the workplace.

They begin to compile evidence in the Operational Competence Portfolio (OCP) for Independent Patrol Status (IPS). Real life practical policing issues are encountered and dealt with, with support and guidance from a tutor.

Apprentices demonstrate reflective practice to assist in the learning process. They undertake completion of workplace competencies to assist them to identify their own level of learning, and to contribute to the achievement of IPS.

Introduction to Policing

This module lays the foundations explaining the role of the police constable and the professionalisation of the service. It examines the legislation and codes which are necessary in the day-to-day role of a police officer. It discusses the ethical approach to policing, and how maintaining the highest professional standards is necessary in providing a service to the public. It proactively embeds equality, diversity, and human rights as a core theme of professional policing practice. The module explores the functions of the Criminal Justice System, explaining the police role within it, including the supporting of witnesses, and managing suspects.

Response and Community Policing

Apprentices understand how to engage in lawful, safe, and effective front-line policing in the specific professional areas of response policing, policing communities, policing the roads, information, and intelligence, and conducting investigations.

Apprentices explore ways of engaging and communicating with the community to solve policing problems (such as anti-social behaviour) and maximise social cohesion. They explore police risk assessment strategies, such as the national decision model, code of ethics, and national intelligence model.

Specialist Policing Issues

This is a classroom-based module that apprentices undertake prior to commencing the practical aspects of the apprenticeship.

Apprentices are equipped with knowledge and information relating to several areas within policing, that will impact on them in their operational duties and throughout their career.

They will explore managing conflict, understanding vulnerability and risk, public protection, case management, preparation for court and developing an investigative mindset.

 

Year 2 core modules

Policing in the Modern Era

This module is the final stage of the second year of study and provides an opportunity to consolidate learning during the year.

Apprentices experience an initial period of three weeks classroom-based study prior to entering the workplace for their final deployment in a core policing role.
Classroom study develops existing knowledge in the areas of managing conflict, criminal justice, digital policing, counter terrorism, roads policing, information and intelligence and conducting investigations.

Workplace deployment will be in one of the five core policing areas of Roads Policing, Intelligence, Investigations, Community Policing or Response Policing.

Policing Vulnerability

Apprentices explore the concept of policing vulnerability. They examine the nature, context, theories, models, and complexities of policing and multi-agency practices relating to vulnerability and public protection more broadly.

Apprentices recognise the development of the concept of ‘vulnerability’ and the changes that have occurred for the police service and public services. Following an introductory block classroom study, apprentices enter the workplace and are deployed to one of the core policing functions of Response Policing, Community Policing, Roads Policing, Intelligence, or Investigation.

Professional Standards, Ethics and Decision-Making

Apprentices consider the role of professional standards within professional organisations and the role of independent bodies (such as IOPC and HMICFRS).

They examine the development of policies and procedures designed to reduce police malpractice and increase public confidence and explore examples of abuse of power/authority and other forms of police misconduct. They also evaluate police decision-making and the response to policing incidents using the NDM, focusing on risk assessment and ethical considerations.

Following introductory block classroom study, apprentices enter the workplace and are deployed to one of the core policing functions of Response Policing, Community Policing, Roads Policing, Intelligence, or Investigation.

Workplace Culture

Apprentices explore wellbeing and resilience, leadership and team working and criminology and crime prevention.

Following a classroom study block, apprentices enter the workplace and are deployed to one of the core policing functions of Response Policing, Community Policing, Roads Policing, Intelligence, or Investigation.

Workplace Research for Police Practitioners

Apprentices are introduced to research methodologies relating to applied workplace research in police and policing, and to the concept of evidence-based policing.

They explore the key features of the research process, linking theory and research with police practice. They cover the concept of small-scale workplace research focused on the effective design, delivery and application of such research in policing contexts and workplace.

Following block classroom study, apprentices enter the workplace and are deployed to one of the core policing functions of Response Policing, Community Policing, Roads Policing, Intelligence, or Investigation.

 

Final-year core modules

Developing Specialist Practice

The apprentice explores topics that have been introduced in previous modules, consolidating their knowledge, and approaching them from a strategic perspective.

They also revisit and update previous learning to ensure knowledge is embedded before their specialist workplace deployments. They also revisit research methods and skills in readiness for subsequent modules.

Following an introductory block classroom period, they enter the workplace where they apply their classroom learning to their deployment.

Enhanced Policing Practice

This module combines academic study with practical workplace experience.
Apprentices explore challenges faced by response police officers in more complex situations, and the key social, political, and strategic drivers that influence contemporary response policing practices.
Following an introductory block classroom period, apprentices return to the workplace to complete the Occupational Competence Portfolio in readiness for entry to the End Point Assessment phase of the programme

Evidence-based Policing Project

The apprentice focuses on the practical application of problem solving to support evidence based, workplace research in the policing environment. They are expected to identify, from their workplace, an emerging issue or problem in a specific policing area suitable for a small-scale research project.
They use problem-solving models and theories and develop a research proposal to explore the nature, cause, and extent of the problem. They evaluate, present, and disseminate their findings. The apprentice demonstrates their skills and abilities to apply research methodologies to real world policing problems.

Reflecting on the Policing Role

This is a one week module in a classroom setting, where apprentices work face to face with police training staff and academic staff developing their knowledge relating to leadership, team-working, coaching and mentoring.

 

Modules offered may vary.

 

How you learn

The apprentice learns through a range of methods including lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory sessions, online learning, independent and group research projects, practical tasks and roleplays to enable contextualised learning.

• Block delivery with protected learning time built into the programme.
• First year consists of 24-26 weeks of classroom-based learning (training phase) before learners attend their passing out parades and then proceed onto their tutor phase.
• The tutor phase takes place over 16 weeks where learners work towards Independent Patrol Status (IPS).
• All taught learning is face to face and carried out by the University and Cleveland Police.

Off-the-job (OTJ) responsibilities
• The apprentice is expected to complete 1,435 planned OTJ hours as outlined in their training plans.
• OTJ learning is a combination of taught sessions, roleplay, workplace learning, policing attachments, responding to incidents, dealing with victims and vulnerability, and developing an understanding of policing perceptions in practice.

How you are assessed

Assessment includes a variety of written exercises, critiques, and reflective assignments, podcasts, poster presentation, evidence-based project and professional discussion.

End-point assessment (EPA)
• Integrated (supported by Liverpool John Moores University) nine month EPA period.

• Assessment 1: Professional Discussion underpinned by the IPS and Occupational Competency portfolios (OCP). Attendance required from the apprentice and independent assessor.

• Assessment 2: Evidence Based Project Assignment. Marked by HEI and final grading decision by Independent Assessor.

• Assessment 3: Presentation and Panel Discussion on the Evidence Based Project. Involving the apprentice, HEI representative, independent assessor, and Cleveland Police representative.

• Grading for each assessment: Fail, Pass, Pass with Distinction.


Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services

 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

To be accepted on to a degree apprenticeship course you must have support from your employer and meet the course entry requirements.

Typical offers are 80-104 tariff points, from two A levels (or equivalent).
Before starting their Teesside University apprenticeship, learners must hold Level 2 qualifications in English and maths. Find out more.

Applicants apply directly to Cleveland Police. Applications are welcome from those with non-standard entry level qualifications. Such applications are considered on a case by case basis, recognising that considerable knowledge can be gained from work, volunteering and life.

Once initial police recruitment processes are completed, Teesside University confirms whether the learner meets the entry criteria before being offered a place.

Applicants who are not members of the European Economic Area are required to have leave to enter or leave to remain in the United Kingdom (UK) for an indefinite period. Such applicants must reside in the UK free of restrictions or have an entitlement to do so.

Job role responsibilities
Applicants must:
• have a full drivers licence
• be 18 or over (or 18 at the point of entry)
• complete satisfactory background and enhanced DBS checks
• complete and satisfy health and fitness tests with Cleveland Police
• satisfy Cleveland Police’s entry criteria.

International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country


You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL

 

Employability

Career opportunities

Work placement

Workplace learning is presented at different levels. In Year 1 the apprentice's initial operational duties are closely supported by the tutoring processes. As an apprentice police officer they observe a tutor modelling practice in the first instance, then demonstrate their learning while being observed by the tutor, ultimately operating as an independent police officer. Guided reflective practice supports their development. In Year 2 there is greater focus on the policing practice areas of:

  • response
  • community
  • roads
  • information and intelligence
  • conducting investigations.

Workplace deployments are supported by tutors and workplace assessors. interspersed with blocks of classroom learning, and more specialist knowledge.

 

Information for international applicants

Qualifications

International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.

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Useful information

Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.

Talk to us

Talk to an international student enrolment adviser

 
 

Professional apprenticeship

An apprenticeship combines vocational work-based learning with study for a university degree. Designed in partnership with employers, apprenticeships offer it all - a higher education qualification, a salary, and invaluable practical experience and employment skills.

Find out more

Full-time

Entry to 2024/25 academic year

Fee for UK applicants
£24,000

More details about our fees

Fee for international applicants

More details about our fees for international applicants


What is included in your tuition fee?

  • Length: 3 years plus 6 months end-point assessment
  • Start date: Various
  • Typical offer: 80-104 tariff points

Apply online (full-time)

 

Part-time

  • Not available part-time
 
 
 

Teesside University Law School

At Teesside University Law School we have over 30 years' experience of delivering high-quality education in the field of law and criminal justice.

Find out more

Get in touch

UK students

Email: apprenticeships@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: 01642 738888


Online chat (general enquiries)

International students

Email: internationalenquiries@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0) 1642 738900


More international contacts

 

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