UK's first fast-track policing degree prepares for launch

The UK’s first two-year degree in policing launches at the University of Derby in September, offering a fast-track route to begin a career on the frontline with Nottinghamshire Police.

Applications are open for the course, and the force is particularly keen for members of BAME communities across the region to apply to help create a more diverse and representative workforce which will build trust and confidence.

While studying, students can also serve as special constables in Nottinghamshire, volunteering for frontline duties like intelligence-based patrols in crime hotspots, carrying out house-to-house enquiries, keeping town centres safe at night and helping to deliver crime prevention initiatives.

The training and practical experience of being a special, combined with their university studies, is the ideal preparation for students to begin a policing career as soon as they graduate.

Tony Blockley, Head of Policing at the University of Derby and a former police detective, said:

“Policing is such an exciting, diverse and interesting career, offering job security and excellent opportunities for career progression. The current crisis has made many people rethink their current career pathways and consider how they can contribute in different ways.”

Police constables begin on a salary of at least £24,000 per year, and with regular opportunities for promotion and increases in pay during a career.

Tony adds: “The accelerated degree offers students the chance to begin that career and start earning a salary sooner. It also means there is a saving for them on tuition fees and living costs while studying.

“And those who opt to become a special constable while studying will have the benefit of further training and practical experience which will have them ready to being their new role as soon as they graduate.”

Help with tuition fees and living costs, through student loans, is available, but those completing the accelerated degree will pay around 20% less than those choosing a traditional three-year course.

As well as their classroom learning, Nottinghamshire Police, in partnership with the University, has designed a bespoke Special Constable volunteering scheme around their studies which will ensure that graduates are patrol-ready when they reach the end of their degree.

And, if students perform well in their classroom and ‘on the beat’ assessments, they will be guaranteed a regular officer national assessment centre place prior to their graduation in year two.

Nottinghamshire Police will be looking to employ these graduates from July 2022 onwards.

Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “Getting qualified recruits who are ready to take on the day to day challenges of the job is something I am passionate about. 

“We already accept graduates from the three-year policing degree and this will add to the options available to those wanting to join our force. Volunteering as a Special Constable around their studies will give students an invaluable practical insight into what it is like to work in Nottinghamshire Police, making them standout candidates when applying for a role in the force.

“I have no doubt this new approach will speed up getting fully trained officers out onto our streets and into the neighbourhoods where the public and I want to see them.”

Find out more about our Professional Policing (Accelerated) BA (Hons) Degree.

Find out more information on being a special constable in Nottinghamshire.