Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) - Recruiting now
Our officers are committed, compassionate and courageous, grabbing with both hands the opportunity to help those who need us the most. They’re already making a difference in Greater Manchester, but we need even more people to join them.
We’re looking for hardworking, dedicated people to join us on our mission to improve our much-loved neighbourhoods and help us become a force that does things differently.
This is an incredible opportunity for ambitious people, who are passionate about delivering the highest quality policing, to really make a difference to communities who deserve the best.
Do you:
- Thrive on a challenge?
- Enjoy a busy and varied workday?
- Strive for an interesting and rewarding career?
GMP offers a challenging and varied career for life, where no two days are the same.
If you have the skills and experience required, and believe you can make an impact in a police force that provides high levels of job satisfaction, what are you waiting for?
Greater Manchester Police champions diversity in our workforce. Applications from those in underrepresented groups or that speak a second language are welcomed so that we better reflect the communities we serve.
We’re committed to improving our services so there has never been a better time to join Greater Manchester Police.
We’re on an exciting journey to make GMP even greater.
Come and be the difference – apply to join our Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship course today.
We’re on a mission to make Greater Manchester a safer place to live, work and socialise – could you be the difference?
From our vibrant nightlife and our thriving workplaces to our rich communities and busy transport network, we’re proud to be protectors of an area known for its variety and diversity – but we need your help.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is a powerful force for good, but we know we could go even further.
Residents tell us they want a police service that is better at answering the phone, better at responding to incidents and better at investigating crime. They want us to be more visible and to deliver a much-improved service to victims.
You don't need a degree to join the police – you can earn one with us.
Our Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) lets you earn and learn on the job, and we’ll pay your university fees.
From day one you’ll be employed as a police officer, spending most of your time on the frontline.
You’ll combine campus study at the University of Salford with working alongside a team of police officers, enabling you to learn from them while applying what you’ve learned in the classroom about dealing with crime.
You’ll take part in an initial 19-week block that combines an induction from GMP, policing training and academic modules.
This is followed by a ten-week tutor phase in which students will be on operational deployment, working from a Greater Manchester police station alongside other officers.
Our approach of combining teaching with operational deployment is followed across the remaining time on the programme.
This three-year apprenticeship programme for non-degree holders results in a BSc degree in Professional Policing Practice and a role with GMP.
Your starting salary will be approximately £26,682 rising up to £43,032 per annum after 7 years’ service.
Visit our pay and benefits page for more details on what you can expect.
To apply to become a Police Constable Degree Apprentice, you’ll need:
- Level 2 GCSE grade C (4-6) or above in maths and English or equivalent e.g. Functional Skills Level 2 or Adult Numeracy
- Level 3 qualification, such as: A levels with grades CCC or equivalent; Pearson’s BTEC National Extended Diploma – MMM; Access to HE Diploma – Pass.
Candidates who don’t have a level 3 qualification
You may still be suitable for entry providing you meet the level 2 criteria above and can demonstrate Accreditation of Prior learning (APL).
This would be candidates that can show evidence of any learning and development within the last five years.
You would need to show relevant certified evidence and/or experience drawn from life or work, and demonstrate the ability to be successful on the programme.
Candidates that apply on this route would need to undergo a formal assessment by the university to assess their suitability.
As part of the application process, you’ll take a fitness test. Some people worry about not being fit enough to pass, but the test is simply designed to assess whether you’ve got the stamina needed to be a police officer. Applicants that are reasonably fit and have prepared for the test should be fine.
It involves a multi-stage shuttle run, also known as the ‘bleep test’, which entails running between two points that are 15 metres apart (a "shuttle") and reaching the other side before the next bleep. The test takes 3 minutes and 35 seconds and is made up of 35 shuttles.
There is also a medical test, which involves:
- Checking your height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI)
- A musculoskeletal assessment
- Blood pressure check / urinalysis
- Spirometry (Lung capacity test)
- Hearing and eyesight checks
For tips on passing the fitness test, visit: https://www.joiningthepolice.co.uk/how-to-apply/whats-involved-in-the-medical-and-fitness-tests/preparing-for-the-fitness-test
Age: You must be 17 or above to apply to become a police officer and, if successful, may take up appointment once you reach the age of 18.
Tattoos: Certain tattoos may exclude you from employment with GMP, depending on where they are on your body and what they may depict.
- Tattoos on the hands, face or neck that are visible above the collar line or below the cuff line will not be accepted irrespective of what they are.
- Tattoos which we consider to be rude, lewd, crude, racist, sexist, homophobic, violent, intimidating, or may potentially offend members of the public or colleagues; or bring discredit to the Police Service are not acceptable.
- All other tattoos will be considered on a case-by-case basis and candidates are required to provide a brief description and picture(s) of all their tattoo(s) at the application stage.
Convictions and Cautions: If you do have any criminal convictions or cautions on record you may still apply. Eligibility will depend on the age and nature of the offence.
Membership of groups and organisations: You will not be able to join GMP if you are a member of a group and/or organisation that contradicts our values or ethics and our commitment to inclusion.
Previous applications: You must not have had a Police Officer application rejected by GMP or another force in the last 3 months to apply to GMP.
Greater Manchester Police is committed to recruiting from under-represented communities as we believe a more diverse workforce will allow us to become more effective to fight, prevent and reduce crime, keep people safe and care for victims.
We are holding regular careers information sessions for individuals who are currently under-represented in the Greater Manchester Police.
The information session will be run by Greater Manchester Police’s Positive Action Team who support candidates that belong to an under-represented group. If you wish to attend a session or require further information, please contact the Positive Action Team at [email protected] prior to completing your application form – the team will then arrange an on-line session.
We aim to provide the best guidance and support to potential future applicants. The online sessions are an opportunity for you to get answers to any questions you may have from officers and staff, whilst you are still considering a career with the police.
Put simply, Greater Manchester is a great place to live and work.
It’s one of the largest policing areas within England and Wales, covering an area of almost 500 square miles, and home to about 2.8m people.
As the second largest city region in the UK, that gives it a great diversity that makes doing this job so interesting and varied.
The area is made up of two cities – Manchester and Salford – surrounded by eight large metropolitan areas, which are: Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan.
With a varied geography and diverse range of people who live and work here, we believe there’s no better place to be the difference.