Degree Holder Entry Programmes
If you join on one of our Degree Holder Entry Programmes you'll train for two years, combining the practical 'on the job' training with study towards a graduate diploma in Professional Policing Practice.
The training will see you move around frontline teams across our force area, learning the job.
At the end of your training you'll be ready to decide where your career will take you - be it in a neighbourhood policing role, working towards promotion through the ranks, in a specialist team like firearms or Investigations.
DHEP (Degree Holder Entry Programme) - you will complete your training across a range of our frontline teams including response, neighbourhood policing and investigations.
DC DHEP (Detective Constable Degree Holder Entry Programme) - you will begin your training across a range of our frontline teams including response and neighbourhood Policing. In your second year you will specialise in investigative roles leading to the completion of the National Investigators Exam, which means you will become a detective constable once training and assessment is complete.
Eligibility
If you already have a degree (in any subject), this option is for you.
For all of the additional eligibility information, see who can join West Midlands Police.
An overview of the training
The DHEP training focuses on practical learning and is specifically designed to prepare you for policing. You'll start out at our Birmingham training base for the first few weeks, before beginning your time on frontline policing teams.
There will be an element of classroom-based studying (with a partner university) throughout, which will help to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to be a police officer. However, you’ll be employed as a police officer from day one and will spend the vast majority of your time on the frontline with experienced officers.
Throughout your training, you’ll undertake a number of operational deployments including:
- Response - this involves responding to emergency calls from the public and going out to the scene of the incident
- Neighbourhood policing - this involves working with a neighbourhood policing team (NPT). They are usually a small team of police officers and police community support officers who are dedicated to policing a certain community or area.
- Investigations - using all the tools available to you, both office-based and out in the community.
If you join the DC DHEP programme your second year will be spent furthering your investigative skills before completing the formal training and assessment needed to become a detective constable.
You’ll be supported every step of the way with coaching and tutoring, and you’ll be working alongside experienced officers throughout.
And at the end of two years, you’ll gain a Diploma in Professional Policing Practice. There are no associated tuition fees, the training programme is fully funded.
Interested? Apply now!
Interested in becoming a Police Officer through our Degree Holder Entry Programme?