Top marks for first group of graduates after completing the police constable degree apprenticeship

Sixteen new officers have graduated from the University of Derby after completing the first ever Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), on Wednesday 17 November.

The College of Policing designed the police constable degree apprenticeship to allow students to pick up theoretical knowledge, from why people commit crimes to how to help victims, while also working on the job and covering different attachments across policing.

The students started their policing journey on 7 September 2018 which began with an initial 22-week phase which included being taught about legislation, procedures and police law as well as attending university and completing assignments. After this, amongst other things they worked towards their independent patrol status and continued with their academic work.

Discipline Head of policing at University of Derby Tony Blockley said: This is a significant achievement for all the graduating students. Their journey has been challenging and often difficult, due in part that they were the first cohort ever to undertake the PCDA, and that they have worked through a pandemic which has had significant impact on their job and studies. It is a huge testament to their resilience and commitment to the task that they have finally graduated with some impressive results.

Chief Constable Rachel Swann attended their graduation and said: “It has been a pleasure working in partnership with our colleagues from Nottinghamshire police and the University of Derby and I am looking forward to continue working with the university to develop and strengthen this course.”

She added: “The PCDA course gives people who may not have any formal qualifications the opportunity to study towards a degree as well as being an operational police constable. I am truly proud of each and every one of you, as you have all achieved either a first-class honours or a 2:1 which is an extraordinary achievement considering that your studies were affected by the pandemic. Thank you for your hard work and be proud of yourselves as we are proud of you.