Policy Officer - Higher Apprenticeship – CertHE - Cert
University of KentSee overview, United Kingdom
Course overview
The HE Certificate in Policy Studies aims to produce policy officers equipped with the skills to play an enhanced role within central and local government or within private and third sector organisations that interact and strive to influence government policy. It has been developed with, and for employers and is delivered as a blended course. Most material is in the form of directed self-learning via the university’s e-learning platform, Moodle, on- and off-site academic support, and face to face block teaching throughout the length of apprenticeship.
The University of Kent is at the forefront of providing higher and degree apprenticeships. Our expertise in e-learning delivery, together with flexible entry points, means that the programme can be delivered with the least disruption to the business. The University of Kent has delivered higher apprenticeships since 2011, working with industry-leading employers including GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Novartis and Unilever to name a few.
Kent launched the Centre for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships in 2016 to build on this experience. The Centre works in partnership with regional and national employers to develop apprenticeships tailored to their needs. The Centre also has an important role to play within the University, supporting academic schools on all aspects of delivering apprenticeship training.
We help to devise a tailored programme of study that complements activity in your workplace, underpinned by our leading academic programmes.
Key highlights
- Prepares policy officers for central and local government roles
- Also suits private and third sector organisations influencing policy
- Developed with and for employers as a higher apprenticeship
- Blended delivery via Moodle e-learning and face-to-face block teaching
- On- and off-site academic support throughout the apprenticeship
- Tailored study programme designed to complement workplace activity
Entry requirements
- A-level: DD — A level DD View all requirements
Scholarships
Kent Ambition to Succeed Scholarship
Scholarship holders can expect to receive between £500-£2,000 for each year of study (pro-rata for part-time students), subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Kent International Scholarship for Undergraduates
Scholarship value - £5,000
Up to £5,000KMMS Christopher and Henry Oldfield Academic Scholarship
Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9, 790 for 26/27).
KMMS Christopher and Henry Oldfield Support Scholarship
Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9,790 for 26/27).
KMMS Kingsman Scholarship
Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9,790 for 26/27).
KMMS Widening Participation Scholarship
£1,500 maintenance per annum for a maximum of 5 years.
Up to £1,500Music Performance Scholarship
£1,000 awarded each year to talented instrumentalists and singers studying for any degree at the University of Kent.
Up to £1,000Sanctuary Scholarships
Tuition fees waived for the duration of your programme of study, or until you are able to access other Student Finance funding.
Careers this course leads to
- Policy officer
- Policy adviser
- Public affairs officer
- Local government officer
- Research and policy assistant
- Civil service policy officer
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Kent, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a February 2026 place.