How to Become a Police Officer in England and Wales (FutureLearn)

On this three-week course, educators from The University of Law will guide you through the principles and style of UK policing, particularly the role of diversity and inclusion, and the different policing models.
Discover the different routes to becoming a police officer

This course will take you through the numerous practical ways you can become a police officer. Without experience, the new Policing Education Qualification Framework (PEQF) routes into policing can be complicated so this course will give you a clearer roadmap.

You’ll also look at the various types of incidents that police deal with to help you evaluate whether a career in policing is right for you and, if so, which of the PEQF routes into policing is best for you.
Explore policing by consent and the Peelian principles of policing

You’ll investigate the qualities a police officer needs to have, as well as the Code of Ethics, and the evidence-based policing model to get a well-rounded view of what you need for a policing career.

Then, you’ll delve into the rank structure and the different specialist units within policing. This can help you develop your aspirations and discover the areas of policing you’d like to work towards joining.
Learn from the experts at The University of Law

ULaw wants policing to be accessible for people from all backgrounds and demographics to help make it more representative while bringing it into the 21st century.

Licensed by the College of Policing, this course is recognised as part of one of the new PEQF entry routes for the role of police constable.

What topics will you cover?

• The attributes, values and attitude needed to become a police officer

• The rank structure, professional standards, types of incidents police officer may deal with & examples of specialist units within policing (e.g. Criminal Investigations Department)

• Diversity, inclusion, Peelian principles, policing by consent

• Code of Ethics, National Decision Making Model and Evidence Based Policing

• Routes into Policing under the Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF)

• Policing Vision 2025 and the ULaw Pre-Join Degree (BSc hon Professional Policing )
Learning on this course

You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

- Explore the different entry routes into policing under the Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF).

- Identify which route into policing would suit you best.

- Explore the different police ranks and careers within specialist policing units.

- Explore the Peelian principles, policing code of ethics and the national decision making model.

- Reflect on the importance of diversity and inclusion within policing.

- Explore the key policing concepts such as policing by consent and evidence based policing.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone considering a career in policing or anyone interested in policing, investigation, or related areas.