Policing at The Open University

The Open University’s (OU) Department for Policing is an interdisciplinary team, based in the OU Business School. The team have been developing their expertise in contemporary policing in recent years, in response to the professionalisation of one of our key social intuitions, the police.

There are two areas within the Department for Policing. One team focuses on the teaching and development of formal accredited learning with a suite of policing programmes that are delivered with forces. This includes the development of the new Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), following the introduction externally of the Police Education and Qualification Framework (PEQF). As part of this investment a team of interdisciplinary academics developed this new accredited curriculum, whilst also contributing to the work of CPRL. This then led to the development of Degree Holders Entry Programme (DHEP) and Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) programmes. Subsequently, the Department for Policing have been co-designing and co-delivering these programmes and our Special Constables programme for over 5 years.

There is also the Centre for Policing Research and Learning (CPRL) which was originally established in 2015 and has been successful in building relationships with twenty-six police service organisations in the areas of research, informal learning and knowledge into practice. The ethos of CPRL is to develop collaborative research that is police-led and impacts directly on practice.

Research areas include:

Violent crime and exploitation
Police response to stalking
Police welfare and mental health
Domestic abuse and victim engagement
Violence against women and girls
Evidence-based policing

The Department for Policing ensures our research findings inform our curriculum content so policing practitioners receive the latest contemporary knowledge throughout their learning journey.

Department for Policing: How we can help

The OU have been the experts in distance learning for over 50 years, allowing students to fit study around their life. Our world-leading teaching strategies and educational technologies mean students get an immersive and interactive learning experience with support from dedicated tutors every step of the way.

The Department for Policing is engaged in a wide range of research, scholarship and knowledge exchange activities working closely with many policing partners across the UK. Our flexible, engaging and inclusive blended learning curriculum is collaboratively designed and police-led to meet the needs of our police partners and our policing practitioners, from the time they embark on their policing career and while they develop in their profession.

Our programmes utilise the latest online technology to minimise abstractions and enable student officers and police forces to fit around shift patterns and other demands.
Our innovative approach ensures flexibility and empowerment by providing student officers with knowledge and skills they can study in their own time and use immediately in the workplace.
Our comprehensive programme of short courses, modules, qualifications and apprenticeships ensure police officers and staff can progress and develop in their careers and develop new capabilities.
Find out how the OU have helped North Yorkshire Police to build a modern, skilled and diverse workforce.

Open University Policing Programmes

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

Through a mix of on-the-job training and off-the-job learning, our PCDA programme provides the skills and knowledge needed for a policing career that also leads to a nationally recognised degree qualification.

Visit the Police Community Support Office Apprenticeship.

Police Community Support Officer Apprenticeship

Our PCSO Apprenticeship programme mixes on-the-job training with off-the-job learning and provides the skills and knowledge needed for a policing career.

Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)

This two-year practice-based programme enables candidates to perform the role of either a Police Constable or Detective Constable. Successful completion results in achievement of a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice. Contact us to learn more.

Special Constable Learning Programme (SCLP)

A programme providing learning and development to enhance the capabilities of Special Constables to help them perform effectively in key areas of policing responsibility. For more information contact us.

Case Study: North Yorkshire Police

Find out more about the OU's successful partnership with North Yorkshire Police.

News article: North Yorkshire Police’s first cohort of apprentice police officers graduate

North Yorkshire Police's first apprenticeship graduates

North Yorkshire is set to benefit from 29 newly qualified police constables. All the graduates completed their studies with the OU whilst working full-time as police officers.

Department for Policing: Research and Learning

Centre for Police Research and Learning

The CPRL exists to create and use knowledge through both research and education to improve policing for the public good.

CPRL Annual Report

The CPRL’s Annual Report provides a record of the programme of work, the activities, outputs and achievements.

Apprenticeships

The OU is one of the largest providers of degree apprenticeships delivering them across social care, management, leadership, digital and other professions.

Free learning

Our OpenLearn free learning platform has helped millions of learners gain new skills for their careers and gain confidence in online learning.

How our teaching works

The OU works collaboratively with partners to deliver learning that is a mix of work-based and academic modules. Watch North Yorkshire Police explain how this approach worked for them.