Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship – PCDA
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) keeping London safe for everyone whilst earning a degree for you
We are now accepting applications for our 2026 Police Officer intake, so if you want to start a career that really matters, then please apply now’
Please be aware that successful candidates from this point onwards are likely to be offered a post July 2026 start date.
Change needs you, start a career like no other in London’s Met:-
The Met is working hard to restore Londoners trust and confidence, reduce crime and maintain high standards. To do this we recognise the need to change. Whilst that change takes time, we want people like you to join and help to make a big difference.
We’re looking for people who share our values of integrity, courage, accountability, respect and empathy to join the dedicated, honest, committed, hard-working officers and staff already in our team. Those who are committed to working hard to bring offenders to justice, protect vulnerable people and deliver the change needed for London and it’s communities.
With your determination, we will help you reach your full potential as a Met police officer and be the best you can be for yourself, your community and London.
It’s a career that comes with excellent pay and benefits; stability but with varied career progression and opportunities for promotion like no other employer can offer. You could work with our dogs and horses, become a cybercrime specialist or keep the Thames safe in our Marine Unit. Maybe you’ll excel at financial investigation or supporting the victims of domestic abuse. Ultimately, it will be up to you to choose your path and the only limit will be your ambition.
Important information about entry routes – Please apply for your chosen entry route and whilst we will aim to offer you the entry route of your choice; if that route becomes fully subscribed we may offer you an alternative based on your skills, qualifications and experience.
Start a career that matters and make a difference everyday
Our PCDA pathway, fully funded by the Met, recognises policing as a degree-level profession. The PCDA is a vocational course that focuses on practical learning and is specifically tailored to help you start your career in policing.
From day one you’ll be employed as a police officer spending most of your time on the frontline working alongside your team, turning your learning into practical experience.
The PCDA is delivered in partnership with three London universities: Brunel University; University of West London; and Anglia Ruskin University. It is a three-year apprenticeship resulting in a BSc degree in Professional Policing Practice.
Officer Pay
Your pay is broken down as follows:
- You will receive a starting salary of £42,210. The salary includes allowances.
- Your salary increases to £47,475 after three years, upon satisfactory completion of probation. Salary including allowances.
- Salary may increase each year up to £59,994 after five years
Eligibility
We’re looking for people from all backgrounds to join us, who share in our values and are committed to protecting Londoners.
See how you measure up against the eligibility criteria below.
Academic requirements:
You must hold a Level 2 qualification in English language at a GCSE grade C or above, or grades 4 to 9. We will also consider an English Language equivalent overseas qualification.
You must hold – or be working towards - two A Levels at grade E or above in any subject or a Level 3 qualification, including an International Baccalaureate Diploma or NVQ. We will also consider the equivalent overseas qualification.
Work experience:
If you don’t hold a Level 3 academic qualification, we also take work experience:
You must have at least 18 months of professional experience in a role that requires the following skills – leadership, decision making, risk assessment, specialist knowledge.
12 months service as a special constable having achieved independent patrol status.
12 months service as a police community support officer or designated detention officer having passed your probationary period.
24 months as a member of the Met’s Volunteer Police Cadets.
Service in the Armed Forces, where you have completed the minimum term of service and have an exemplary reference.
Age:
If you are 17 when you submit your application, you will be able to progress through our recruitment process but you will not be able to start your training until you are 18.
Nationality:
If you’re from outside the UK, it’s essential that you have indefinite leave to enter or to remain in the UK.
Physical fitness:
You will need to pass our fitness test. If you do some form of regular exercise you should have no issue meeting that requirement. You must also meet the police eyesight standards agreed by the College of Policing.
Tattoos:
Some tattoos will stop you working for the Met depending on what they depict and where on your body they are.
Criminal conviction/caution:
If you do have any criminal convictions or cautions on record you can still apply, eligibility will depend on the age and nature of the offence.
Membership of groups or organisations:
You will not be able to join the Met if you are a member of a group and/or organisation that contradicts our values or ethics and our commitment to inclusion.
Once your application has been submitted, please keep your eye on your emails (including junk folder) as well as on the recruitment portal for any application updates. We also will be sending monthly email newsletters that we hope you find informative and useful in navigating the recruitment process.
Apply now to start your Met career – a career that matters.
