Job Description
Role: Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
Location: South Yorkshire Police
Salary: £31,164
Hours: 40 per week
Be the future of South Yorkshire Police
Being a police constable is not just a job. It's a career.
South Yorkshire Police is recruiting for the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) with projected start dates from
July 2026
onwards.
Becoming a police constable is a career like no other. Not only will you be taking on challenges that will change your life, but you'll be working to protect the people and communities of South Yorkshire. This is a career where you'll travel between urban cities and rural towns, meeting people from all walks of life.
Whether you're a sixth form or college leaver, a supermarket worker or ex-military, we know that you'll have plenty of transferable skills which you can bring to a career with the police. Things like following processes, social and emotional intelligence, conversational skills and the ability to diffuse a situation are all skills we search for in our candidates. If you have the relevant experience and strengths, all you have to do is apply.
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
South Yorkshire Police is offering a three-year apprenticeship in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University. The apprenticeship will combine the opportunity to work and learn the role of a front-line officer whilst gaining a Degree in Professional Policing Practice.
To Be Eligible For This Apprenticeship You Must Have a Level 2 Qualification In Both English And Maths (e.g. GCSE Grade C/4 Or Above Or Equivalent) And One Of The Following
* Have achieved a standard of education equivalent to a Level 3 qualification which equates to 80 UCAS points (or a full level 4 or 5 qualification) – these points could be from your A Levels or Level 3 Diplomas. Please check your UCAS points here;
* Have achieved an academic or vocational qualification gained outside England and Wales, which is considered by the UK National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) to be a Level 3 qualification which equates to 80 UCAS points.
* Have experience as a PCSO, Special Constable, Call Handler (within a Police Force) or Investigation Officer within the last 3 years or
* Have served in the military, armed forces and have successfully completed the minimum term of service (usually 4 years) and have achieved an exemplary reference on discharge. You will be asked to complete a 750-word academic assessment exercise during the recruitment process.
Academic qualifications will be checked during the recruitment and selection processes.
If you hold a degree or are currently studying for one you will need to apply for either our Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) or our Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP). Please visit our website to find out more about these entry routes.
Eligibility
On application all applicants:
* Must be 17 or above at the time of application, however you will need to be 18 before appointment.
* Have resided in the UK for three continuous years immediately prior to application.
* Must be either a British citizen, a citizen of the EU or other states in the EEA, or a Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
* Ideally, you will hold a full manual driving licence, applications will be accepted if you don't have a full manual driving licence, however you will be expected to have taken and passed your test by 4 th November 2025.
* Must not have tattoos on your hands, neck, forearms or face that could be offensive. Any visible tattoos will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
* Cannot be a current or previous member of a proscribed terrorist organisation or group.
For further information, please visit our eligibility criteria & FAQ's pages.
Joining the police force is a life choice. There will be a lot expected of you, especially when it comes to working nights and unsociable hours, but no day is the same. This is a career that will keep you on your toes; it is a challenge, but the reward is immense.
What We Offer
* Starting salary of £31,164 rising year on year to £50,256
* Adjustment grant for applicants who can demonstrate a reduction in salary on starting with the force
* Annual leave of 25 days increasing with length of service plus bank holidays
* Access to a generous pension scheme
* Ongoing training and development opportunities leading to rank progression, Sergeant, Inspector, Chief Inspector, Superintendent, Chief Superintendent and beyond
* Employee assistance service (accessible 24/7) covering a wide range of health, wellbeing and lifestyle issues
* Support and advice from our Occupational Health Unit
* Access to established staff support groups
For further information, please visit our 'what we offer' page.
Recruitment Timeline
Please make sure you are available for dates within all stages of the recruitment process as alternatives may not be able to be accommodated.
Dates are subject to change
.
National Sift: 28 th October – 4 th November 2025
National Assessment Centre: 4 th – 11 th December 2025
Force Interview: 26 th January – 13 th February 2026
Contact
For further information about the role or for any queries, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team on
Diversity & Inclusion
We are an organisation that welcome, support and value those from underrepresented communities. From difference comes invaluable life experiences, ideas and ways of thinking – and by encouraging individuality we are working towards serving our communities and understanding our public better. Please visit our diversity and inclusion page to find out more:
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Apply For The Role
To apply for the role, please click the 'Apply' button.
Documents
You must upload the following documents with your application, otherwise your application will not be assessed.
* Driving licence (a copy of both the front and back is required)
* Tattoos (only if visible)
Qualifications
* Level 2 qualification certificates for both English and Maths
* Level 3 qualification or above
* Supporting evidence (if applicable i.e., military certificate of service)
Closing Date: 19 th October 2025
Internal Candidates
Please apply via your SYP Oracle account.