Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
The programme has been designed and developed to meet the requirements of the College of Policing (CoP), the professional body for all those working in the Police Service, for the professional education of new entrants into policing via a newly-established police constable apprenticeship entry route.
The core curriculum has been designed by the CoP to be professionally transformative and to reflect the contemporary areas of knowledge, skills, behaviours, and professional practice essential to the 21st century police constable role. These include (but are not limited to):
Successful completion of all three years of the programme, including completion of the integrated End Point Assessment, will result in the achievement of full competency to operate safely and lawfully as a Police Constable in the workplace (public arena) and achieving a Degree in Professional Policing Practice.
Apprenticeship Standard
Apprenticeship programmes at Northumbria University are designed to support apprentices in acquiring the appropriate knowledge, skills and behaviour and retain the integrity of the apprenticeship standard as defined by IFATE. For further details please consult the IFATE Apprenticeship standards / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education webpage.
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
DA4094 -
Introduction to the Police Constable Role and Practice (PCDA) (20 Credits)
This introductory module opens with a week-long induction to the PCDA programme that combines an introduction to your police force and to the university. To prepare you for your role as a Police Constable you will undertake sessions in key topics including understanding the role of the Police Constable, valuing difference, and inclusion, and maintaining professional standards. The university induction prepares you for the academic learning components of the programme through a learning resource introduction, academic learning and research skills sessions, guidance on how to make the best use of available technology within your learning, and overall confidence building in becoming a work-based learner.
Your induction is followed by communication skills, wellbeing and resilience, leadership and team working in the context of the Police Constable role. There are a number of research tasks which will make you aware of the various organisations that are related to policing and their role and functions. Additional research and role playing exercises allow you to understand the importance of tactical communication, the use of body worn video, and statement writing. Upon culmination of this module, you progress onto other modules during the initial university phase before you embark on supported deployment.
PCDA curriculum learning outcomes (Core National learning):
The Police Constable Role and Professional Standards 1.1-7.2, 9.1-10.3
Valuing Diversity and Inclusion 1.1-4.3
Wellbeing and Resilience 1.1-1.2, 1.5-2,2
Communication Skills 1.1-1.8, 6.1
Decision-making and discretion 1.1-2.8
Community policing and partnership working 4.1-4.2
PCDA learning outcomes (Core Local learning):
The Police Constable Role and Professional Standards 1.1-3.1
Valuing Diversity and Inclusion 1.1-1.3
Wellbeing and Resilience 1.1-2.1
Communication Skills 1.1-1.2
Community policing and partnership working – 8.1
DA4095 -
The Police Constable and the Law (PCDA) (20 Credits)
This module will introduce students to the criminal law, police powers and procedures, such as arrest, stop and search and making seizures, including how police powers are to be used ethically and professionally to detect crimes, protect the public and police the roads. This will include gaining an understanding of relevant legislation and guidance associated with different forms of policing. The module will consider general themes and principles in relation to the role of the Police Constable and the law, while introducing students specifically to:
• Understanding how to exercise police powers and procedures fairly and without bias, including recording incidents, powers of arrest, stop and search, and making seizures while respecting the core principles of equality, diversity and human rights.
• How to protect the public and police the roads.
• An overview of the criminal law in England and Wales and how to apply points to prove to practical arrest scenarios.
The module will cover the following Learning Outcomes from the Police Constable Entry Route (PCER):
The Police Constable Role and Professional Standards: 7.3, 8.1-8.7
Wellbeing and Resilience: 1.3, 1.4
Communication Skills: 1.1, 6
Decision-Making and Discretion: 1.1, 2.1, 2.5, 2.8
Protecting the Public (Core Local Learning): 1.1, 1.2
Suspect/Offender Management: 6.2-6.5, 7.2-7.5
Response Policing: 1.1-1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.5-2.10, 3.2-3.8, 4.1-4.4, 5.1-5.3
Response Policing (Core Local Learning): 1.1, 2.1
Roads Policing: 1.1-1.3, 2.1
Roads Policing (Core Local Learning): 1.1
DA4096 -
Police Investigations and Processes (PCDA) (40 Credits)
This module introduces criminal investigations and police processes. The module covers the various stages of the law enforcement process, from the legislation/guidance underpinning information and intelligence to the provision of materials for disclosure by the Crown Prosecution Service. In doing so the module examines broad themes such as how information and intelligence held by other agencies can help police operations to specific ones such as things to consider when responding to an incident. It necessarily covers the fundamental principles, legislation and powers related to such activities as well as the police processes that are derived from these.
The core of the module provides a detailed examination of the processes involved in conducting investigations. The module considers the appropriate approaches and/or processes for both responding to and attending incidents as well as gathering and managing evidence/information and carrying out investigations at the crime scene and elsewhere. In doing so it examines the nature and management of evidence and its use within court process.
In addition, the module considers police ethics and how the police support the vulnerable, victims and witnesses but also the responsibilities and procedures for detaining and escorting suspects to and once within custody. It also explores processes surrounding the building of effective case files such as the securing of evidence and the management of exhibits. It also considers the data protection and the general management of management of information and intelligence.
The module will cover the following Learning Outcomes from the Police Constable Entry Route (PCER):
Protecting the Public
Core National: 2.1
Core Local: 1.1
Victims and Witnesses
Core National: 1.1, 1.5-1.6a, 4.2, 5.1-5.4, 6.1-6.2, 7.1-7.2.
Suspect / Offender Management
Core National: 6.1, 6.4-6.5, 7.1-7.5, 8.1, 9.1-9.4, 10.1.
Criminal Justice System
Core National: 1.1-1.2, 2.1-2.5, 4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.5, 6.1-6.2.
Community and Partnership Working
Core National: 1.3
Core Local: 5.1, 8.1-8.3
Response Policing
Core National: 2.8-2.9
Information, Intelligence and Evidence
Core National: 1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.5
Core Local: 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1
Conducting Investigations
Core National: 1.1-1.1a, 2.1-2.1a, 3.1-3.5, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1-6.2, 7.1-7.2.
Core Local: 1.1, 2.1
DA4097 -
Achieving Independent Patrol Status (PCDA) (20 Credits)
This module consolidates all the learning you have undertaken to date around the five key areas for policing (as identified below). It is delivered via classroom-based sessions and formal practical scenarios over the period of one week.
DA4098 -
Risk and Vulnerability (PCDA) (20 Credits)
Throughout this module there is a strong emphasis on understanding and recognising how vulnerabilities impact upon victims, offenders, and the work of the police and the principles behind and practices of safeguarding. Having considered what vulnerability means, ideas of vulnerability are explored further with reference to crimes including domestic violence, sexual assault, child criminal exploitation and abuse, terrorism, and hate crime. You will also draw upon criminological and sociological theory to better understand the root causes of crime and will consider from this, ways to prevent and reduce crime. Through these topics you will learn how police operate in terms of processing cases, suspects, and victims from the initial response through to the offender management processes. You will understand the complex environment in which police operate and the importance and challenges of multiagency working. You will learn about the various ways in which police interact with criminal justice, public and private sector, and third sector organisations, and how decisions and processes within those multiagency environments impact on what police do. Throughout the sessions you will consider how police engagement with the public can have a significant impact on communities and individuals in terms of trust, confidence and safety, life-chances and well-being, risk, and security.
PCDA curriculum learning outcomes (Core National learning):
Communication Skills 1.1, 1.4
Response Policing 2.1-2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6-3.8
Protecting the public 1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.4, 3.1, 3.2
Community policing and Partnership working 5.2
Victims and Witnesses 1.1-1.4, 1.6, 2.1, 3.1-3.3, 4.1-4.4
Community Policing and Partnership Working 1.3, 5.1, 5.3-5.5, 6.1-6.3
Valuing Diversity and Inclusion 2.6
Suspect/Offender Management 1.1-1.3, 2.1, 3.1-3.3, 3.8, 4.1, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3
Prevention and Problem solving (incorporating EBP) 1.1-1.6, 2.1-2.4, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 5.2
PCDA learning outcomes (Core Local learning):
Prevention and problem solving (incorporating EBP) 1.1, 2.1
Community Policing & Partnership Working 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1-4.3, 5.2, 9.1
Community Policing 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.1
Response Policing 3.1, 3.2, 3.8
Victims and Witnesses 3.1
DA5116 -
Enhanced Professional Practice in Key Areas (PCDA) (40 Credits)
During this module you will further develop and build on the knowledge around Policing Practice in key areas, which were originally introduced during the first year of the programme. The module is organised around two weeks of class-based learning in which you will learn about the importance of communication and language in terms of your interactions with members of the public. You will further develop your knowledge around policing communities and potential barriers associated with this. You will understand the importance of partnership working to contemporary policing. In preparation for your 32-week deployment in year two, you will learn about the various approaches the police can take in terms of dealing with public order scenarios which are a regular feature in contemporary policing. As a frontline officer you will need to develop your ability to be able to identify the signs of drink and or drugs associated with driving incident and during this module you will learn the correct procedure for administering Preliminary Impairment Tests and obtaining evidential specimens in preparation for a potential charge.
You will learn about some of the key considerations you will need to make in terms of the gathering and handling information and intelligence in operational policing. Furthermore, you will learn about some of the practical issues that impact on the sharing of information and intelligence internally and with external agencies. Finally, you will learn about the more complex types of investigation such as when the suspect is a serving officer or a member of police staff.
During your operational deployment, you will be supported by a nominated Response Sergeant and Area Support Team.
DA5117 -
Professional Policing Culture (PCDA) (40 Credits)
On this module you will explore aspects of policing deemed fundamental to developing a positive police culture: leadership; well-being and resilience; valuing diversity and inclusion; and the Police Constable and professional standards. The module will cover leadership at all levels in the policing organisation, as well as highlighting the how the Police Constable assumes a leadership role in the community setting and in the context of teamworking. Models of leadership and leadership styles will also be covered. The module also focuses on the importance of valuing diversity and inclusion within the policing organisation, exploring the importance of diverse representation within policing as part of a more diverse and- equitable criminal justice system.
The module will cover the following Learning Outcomes from the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
YEAR 2
The Police Constable role and professional standards 1.1 -1.3, 2.1
Leadership and team-working 1.1-1.4, 2.1-.2.2, 3.1 ,4.1 ,5.1-5.3 ,6.1
Valuing diversity and inclusion 1.1-1.2
Wellbeing and resilience 1.1
Communication Skills 1.1
Community Policing and Partnership Working 2.1-2.4, 3.1-3.2
DA5118 -
Achieving Full Operational Competence (PCDA) (40 Credits)
This module extends your knowledge around the five key areas of policing that you were introduced to in previous modules. You will explore in more detail theories, concepts and practicalities around response policing, policing communities, roads policing, information and intelligence and conducting investigations. In addition to the classroom-based sessions you will have the opportunity to put your theory into practice through your operational deployment. The operational deployment stage will also provide you with the practical experience in these key areas which are essential to efficient and effective policing in the 21st century.
More informationDA6100 -
The Established Police Practitioner (PCDA) (40 Credits)
This module begins with students returning to the classroom to undertake advanced learning around the key specialist areas of policing determined by the College of Policing and which are reflected in the PCDA Core curriculum. The module builds on the learning around these areas that was covered in year one and year two of the programme. In terms of Response Policing, you will consider how the strategies involved in this part of policing can remain effective in an increasingly challenging environment. Your learning around policing communities will consider and evaluate problem-solving approached and their application in both reducing community tensions and promoting community cohesion. For policing the roads, you will build on your existing knowledge and consider some of the challenges that impact on reducing offences, deaths, and injuries. Additionally, you will consider the impact of roads policing to disrupt crimes which are enabled by the road network. Your skills and knowledge around information and intelligence will be further developed with both classroom-based sessions and operational experience relating to the use of intelligence to support live time or crime in action situations. As well as taking responsibility for escalating information and intelligence, you will learn about applying appropriate processes associated with sensitive information and / or intelligence. Finally, the module takes you through the knowledge and skills required for conducting complex investigations where the focus will be on using specialist knowledge in conducting interviews and liaising with experts in the field.
More informationDA6101 -
Coaching and Mentoring in the Workplace (PCDA) (40 Credits)
This module explores aspects of coaching and mentoring within a contemporary police service. The module will centre on the concepts of coaching and mentoring and how these may enable individuals to meet personal, professional, and organisational goals. You will learn about the theories pertinent to the above concepts and their relevance to a policing context. Throughout the module you will understand the importance of mentoring in terms of learning, development, and performance. You will explore how learning from coaching and mentoring sessions can be applied in the workplace. In addition to the above, the module will focus on the principles of work-based assessment within policing and the relevance of this in promoting consistent, professional standards within the organisation.
COP Curriculum Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Coaching, Mentoring and Assessment.
DA6102 -
Advanced Evidence-based Research (PCDA) (40 Credits)
You will learn about the core research methods used in social sciences. This will enable you to apply academic knowledge and research skills to practical challenges in contemporary policing. Throughout this period, you will identify, understand, and interpret information about the selected topic that feeds into Northumbria Police’s Force-specific objectives; organise that information in order to arrive at and answer a focused research question; and make appropriate use of theory and methodologies. You will understand ethical considerations in relation to conducting research. In addressing the topic, you will demonstrate understanding of the overall strategic context of policing and professional practice. An important part of the project will be for you to identify potential interventions or applied strategies to address challenges identified in relation to the selected topic. To communicate research outcomes effectively, you will be required to provide an executive summary based on your project; one which is written in a succinct, accessible format for the Northumbria Police Force Sponsor.
The learning on this module is informed by the College of Policing PCDA Curriculum December 2023 Version 1.1. This is as follows:
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship – College of Policing Curriculum (Core National)
Community Policing and Partnership Working, 1.1
Response Policing, 2.1, 2.2
Roads Policing, 1.1, 2.1-2.4
Information, Intelligence and Evidence, 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4
Information, Intelligence and Evidence, 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4
Conducting Investigations, 1.1-1.7, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship – College of Policing Curriculum (Core Local)
Prevention and Problem Solving (Incorporating Evidence-based Policing): 2
A full list of the curriculum content is available on the Blackboard site.
To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.
During the programme, apprentice officers will undertake a number of supported and specialist deployments in order to achieve Independent Patrol Status and Full Operational Competence. On the programme, they will address critical questions that span a range of areas, to explore problems from multiple perspectives relating to the role, function, and delivery of 21st century policing, including expertise in:
At the end of the programme, apprentice officers will undertake an individual project based around evidence-based policing and the specialist area they have undertaken in year three. Apprentices will also develop transferable key skills throughout the apprenticeship, including:
End Point Assessment
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (2020) state that - Rigorous, robust and independent End Point Assessment (EPA) gives employers confidence that apprentices can actually perform in the occupation they have been trained in and can demonstrate the duties, and knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the occupational standard. For details of the current EPA for your standard please consult the IFATE Apprenticeship standards / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education webpage.
This apprenticeship normally takes 3 years full-time, including the endpoint assessment which will typically be completed within 3-12 months. Full details are available on the IFATE website.
Our work is characterised as informing policy and practice, providing wide-ranging, cutting-edge science and applied research, which is developed in partnership with the Police and agencies regionally, nationally, within European networks and internationally.
During the three-year apprenticeship, apprentice officers will have a minimum of 20% of contracted hours of off the job training over the course of the programme for university study. They will be taught and supported by a diverse range of highly experienced Northumbria Police and Northumbria University personnel. This includes law trainers and tutors who will provide practitioner specific curriculum input in relation to law and procedures; operational tutors who will provide support, guidance and encouragement during periods of work-based learning.
Based at Coach Lane Campus, apprentices have access to an unprecedented range of facilities including:
Additionally apprentices will have access to unrivalled facilities at City Campus including:
Specially designed courtroom equipped with DVD recording;
The brand new dedicated Computer Network Technology and Digital Security labs;
Open access computing areas;
The comprehensive media centre with television and radio studios;
City Campus University Library which is open 24/7 during term time.
Immersive Interactive™ suite
This is a flexible learning space where images and videos are projected onto three walls to enhance realism and give a fully immersive, multi-sensory and interactive learning environment. The space incorporates a control room and observational area and as a fully interactive teaching facility is one of the biggest and best in the country. Providing realistic safe learning environments for apprentices to practice their skills, it will play a pivotal role in educating and training officers, through simulated learning, an invaluable experience of “real life” policing situations, for example public order, custody suites, road traffic collisions.
Forensic Suite
An entire property converted into a crime scene house to enable apprentices to examine simulated crime scenes. Apprentices will also be able to access Return to Scene software that provides a 360-degree interactive scan of a crime scene allowing them to perform analysis in detail. The rooms in the crime scene house are also fitted with recording software which can be played live to another room or recorded later for analysis.
Purpose-built interview rooms
A number of purpose-built interview rooms which are installed with recording equipment suitable for simulating interview skills which can be recorded and reviewed, as well as live streamed to another venue. The interview rooms are set up in both a traditional manner and also for cases where more vulnerable witnesses/victim may need a less formal environment.
Apprentice Officers will be deployed operationally on tutor-supported phases, in order to achieve Independent Patrol Status (IPS) by the end of year one. Apprentices will then continue to develop their personal Occupational Competency Portfolio (OCP) during years 2 and 3 in specialist and general attachments to prepare for the End Point Assessment at the end of year 3. This will include a work-based project, presentation and discussion around personal OCP.
Key members of wider police teams will provide support and assistance as apprentices apply in practice the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to deal competently, lawfully and safely with work related duties in a range of situations relevant to the role of the police constable. Tutors, mentors, coaches and line managers will support individuals as well as having a role in the Progress Review Meetings with employer, University and apprentice officer.
Applications for this course are made directly through Northumbria Police.
Before entry onto the programme, all Apprenticeship applicants must complete an Initial Skills Assessment which maps their prior knowledge against the apprenticeship standard. This is part of the University’s regulatory funding obligations. The purpose of an apprenticeship is to provide new learning and the skills assessment will be used to establish whether we need to tailor your programme in any way to account for your previous qualifications or experience. It also provides a benchmark against which to map your progress on the programme.
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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