Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

Change needs you, start a career like no other in London’s Met

The Met is working hard to restore Londoners trust and confidence, reduce crime and maintain high standards. To do this we recognise the need to change. Whilst that change takes time, we want people like you to join and help to make a big difference.

We’re looking for people who share our values of integrity, courage, accountability, respect and empathy to join the dedicated, honest, committed, hard-working officers and staff already in our team. Those who are committed to working hard to bring offenders to justice, protect vulnerable people and deliver the change needed for London and it’s communities.    

With your determination, we will help you reach your full potential as a Met police officer and be the best you can be for yourself, your community and London.

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, who share in our values and are committed to protecting Londoners.

See how you measure up against the eligibility criteria below.

Academic requirements:

You must hold a Level 2 qualification in English language at a GCSE grade C or above, or grades 4 to 9. We will also consider an English Language equivalent overseas qualification.

You must hold – or be working towards - two A Levels at grade E or above in any subject or a Level 3 qualification, including an International Baccalaureate Diploma or NVQ.  We will also consider the equivalent overseas qualification.

Work experience:

If you don’t hold a Level 3 academic qualification, we also take work experience:

You must have at least 18 months of professional experience in a role that requires the following skills – leadership, decision making, risk assessment, specialist knowledge. 

12 months service as a special constable having achieved independent patrol status.

12 months service as a police community support officer or designated detention officer having passed your probationary period.

24 months as a member of the Met’s Volunteer Police Cadets.

Service in the Armed Forces, where you have completed the minimum term of service and have an exemplary reference.

Age:

If you are 17 when you submit your application, you will be able to progress through our recruitment process but you will not be able to start your training until you are 18.

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:

You will need to pass our fitness test.  If you do some form of regular exercise you should have no issue meeting that requirement.   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 career