Step Up to Policing University Foundation Certificate

Step Up to Policing is a flexible distance learning course for those who want to pursue a policing career but don’t yet meet the entry requirements of the Police Constable Apprenticeship programme. This course will help you to develop key academic skills and has been specifically designed for pre-degree learners who wish to progress onto a policing degree programme here at University of Staffordshire. All new police officers are now required to have, or be working towards, a relevant degree-level qualification.

If you do not hold the required qualifications to get on to a university course, Step Up to Policing is a Level 3 qualification that will equip you with the skills required to succeed at degree-level study, along with a basic subject-specific knowledge of contemporary policing. You will be supported by expert academics and ex-police professionals who will help you develop the skills and confidence required for modern-day policing. This course is delivered online with live interactive sessions and recorded content which you can access in your own time, enabling you to complete the qualification around your current commitments.

(Please note that it is recommended that you attend the live lectures at the scheduled times to get the most out of the course.) The course has been designed to be as flexible as possible for learners. With all materials available online, there is no need to physically attend the campus. Compared with other access courses, this course has been designed specifically for applicants who would like to pursue a career in policing.

It provides subject-specific knowledge and examples, enabling learners to apply the academic skills in context. The duration of the course is shorter than most access courses, allowing learners to pursue their career goals within a reasonable timeframe. The course is also more affordable than other access courses, with bursaries available to candidates who meet the relevant criteria.

The module topics include: Preparation for Higher Education, Study Skills, Note-Taking, Time Management, Academic Reading, Academic Writing, Essay Structure, Critical Thinking, Self-Reflection, Researching Policing Careers, Wellbeing and Resilience, Introduction to Contemporary Policing.