Met Officer Gateway Programme

Begin your policing career with our new programme, designed to start you on your journey through our Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA).

Our Met Officer Gateway Programme allows you to gain policing qualifications while you earn and learn. You’ll study under expert tutors, and gain a level 3 qualification, which is equivalent to two A-Levels. You’ll also be able to further your career after successful completion through our PCDA.

If you’re looking to begin a rewarding career working for the Met, then this programme can give you the entry route you need.

Why become a police constable?

Working as a police constable is a rewarding career. It can give you many benefits and career opportunities. As a police constable, you’ll have the opportunity to make a positive difference to the lives of Londoners every day.  You’ll build relationships with local communities, reduce crime, support victims and keep people safe. No two days are the same, but every day you’ll know that what you do makes a difference to the lives of millions of Londoners.

The Met Officer Gateway Programme can help you begin your career working as an officer for the Met.

What is the Met Officer Gateway Programme?

The Met Officer Gateway Programme is an academic course. It is designed to help you become a police constable where you don’t currently meet the eligibility criteria to join us through the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA). It is fully funded by the Met and gives you a level 3 qualification, equivalent to two A-Levels. It offers you an entry route to beginning your career as a police officer while studying and earning a salary at the same time.

How does it work?

With the Met Officer Gateway Programme, you’ll be employed as a police officer from day one. You’ll earn over £30,500 and spend your time learning face to face at one of our in-house training centres in London, in either Colindale or Sidcup.

You will learn Monday to Friday each week through a mix of classroom and self-study time. The studying is designed to give you a strong foundation in the core skills and knowledge that you need to be a police officer. You will be supported throughout your learning by experienced tutors and you will be able to access a wealth of material to help you.

This course will cover:

• communication skills, self-management and prioritisation
• critical thinking and analytical skills
• importance of wellbeing, both mental and physical
• Met values and standards of behaviour

You will have written assignments and assessments during the gateway programme which will contribute to your final mark.

The programme is expected to run for around 30 weeks, which will be confirmed. Upon reaching the required standard through the programme, you will earn a level 3 qualification. You will then be able to undertake the PCDA, which gives you a degree in policing.

What is the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) pathway?

The PCDA is a vocational course that focuses on practical learning and is specifically tailored to help you start your career in policing. The PCDA is also fully funded by the Met and recognises policing as a degree-level profession.

The PCDA takes the form of a three-year apprenticeship programme and is created for non-degree holders. It will give you a BSc degree in professional policing practice.

Once you have reached the required standard through your Met Officer Gateway Programme, you will be able to undertake the PCDA.

When you start your PCDA, your salary will increase to over £33,500 and you’ll spend most of your time on the frontline working alongside your team, supported by experienced colleagues, turning your learning into practical experience.

You’ll learn at one of four London universities:

• Brunel University
• University of West London
• Anglia Ruskin University
• University of East London