Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

at  Sussex Police

As a Police Officer, you can change your life and the lives of others.
With opportunities to pursue a wide range of policing specialisms, a career as a Police Officer opens doors to roles in areas such as safeguarding, community engagement, investigations and anti-terrorism.
With this vast range of career opportunities to explore and diverse demands each day, policing is a job like no other, dedicated to catching criminals, protecting communities and delivering an outstanding service.
Through the three-year Police Constable Apprenticeship Programme, you will be employed as an officer from day one, gaining valuable experience of the role alongside studying towards a Degree in Professional Policing Practice. Study will be a mix of on and off the job and you will be awarded your degree at the end of the three year programme and with completion of your probation period.
You will be paid a full time salary of £31,907 which includes £2,000 South East Allowance and will not be charged any tuition fees – therefore no need for student loans.
We’re looking for people who have the judgement to make quick decisions; are confident to be first person in; have the compassion and empathy to help those in need and the resilience to serve the community every single day. In return, we offer you a good starting salary, great training experiences, opportunities for progression, the chance to achieve a professional qualification in Policing Practice and the pride that comes from helping others. Put simply, you can change lives.
Chief Constables’ Message
We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.
We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.
We wish you all the very best with your application.

YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE COPIES OF YOUR QUALIFICATIONS WITH YOUR APPLICATION FORM.

You must have a minimum of 48 UCAS points when both qualifications are combined. You can check how many points your qualification is worth on the UCAS tariff calculator. You will need to provide copies of your qualifications on your application form.
Applicants can hold a Level 3 BTEC as long as this qualification or combination of qualifications meets the minimum 48 UCAS tariff points. The Certificate in Knowledge of Policing will also be accepted.
Applicants who do not meet the above Level 3 criteria and believe they have work experience equivalent to a level 3 can apply. Your work experience will be assessed against a Level 3 framework. You will be asked to complete a written experience assessment and online verbal reasoning and numerical tests. The results will then be assessed by the universities who will certify whether your previous work experience is equivalent to a Level 3 qualification. Please complete the Level 3 form attached to this advert and submit this with your application.
Applicants without a Level 3 qualification can be considered if they are a current serving (or have left within the last 18 months, having completed 18 months’ service) as a Special Constable or PCSO with Independent Patrol with any police force. Please complete the Level 3 form attached to this advert and submit this with your application.
We will also accept current Investigating Officers, PIP Investigators, Contact Officer or Controllers who have completed 18 months service (or have left within the last 18 months, having completed 18 months’ service).
Experience in other operational policing roles can be considered on a case by case basis for candidates who have served a minimum of 2 years service within the last 5 years and have exemplary references.
Applicants will also be considered as meeting the Level 3 qualification requirements, who have served for minimum of 2 years within the last 5 years in the armed forces or similar law enforcement agencies and have exemplary references.
If you hold a Bachelors degree or are currently studying for one you will need to apply for our Police Constable Entry Programme. Please visit our website to find out more about this entry route.
Have a question?
If you have a question about any aspect of your recruitment journey, be that eligibility requirements, completing the application form, or you want to find out more about what happens after you have submitted your application, our recruitment experts can answer your questions.
Email the team to book a one-to-one conversation - careers@sussex.police.uk
If you hold a degree or are currently studying for one you will need to apply for our Police Constable Entry Programme. Visit our website to find out more.
Recruitment Process
Stage 1: Application Form and Eligibility Checks
Stage 2: National Sift - Behavioural Style Questionnaire and Situational Judgement Test
Stage 3: National Assessment Centre - Written briefing and competency-based interview
Stage 4: In Force Competency Based Interview
Stage 5: Pre-employment checks consisting of references, vetting, medical, biometric vetting, substance misuse testing and fitness testing.
We anticipate starting dates will be from March 2025 onwards. Please note that we cannot guarantee any specific start date.

• be aged 17 years or over on the day you submit your application. You must be 18 years or over to start in post.
• have lived in the UK for 3 continuous years immediately prior to application.
• have leave to enter, or leave to remain in the UK for an indefinite period.
• have a current full UK manual driving licence, by the time of appointment.
• not be a member (current or previous) of the British National Party (BNP) or any other proscribed terrorist organisations or groups.
• not have tattoos which cause offence.
• not have serious motoring offences
• not have 6 or more points on your licence.
• Meet the below qualification criteri