The PCDA is a route into policing that allows you to work as a police officer while studying towards a degree in Professional Policing Practice. You earn a salary while you learn and the degree is funded as part of the apprenticeship.

Local details: Avon and Somerset Police PCDA
National guidance: College of Policing - PCDA and other constable entry routes

No. The PCDA is designed as a degree apprenticeship route for people who do not already hold a degree. Check the current Avon and Somerset Police eligibility criteria before applying.

Check: Avon and Somerset Police PCDA requirements
Compare routes: Join the Police Entry Route Explorer

Avon and Somerset Police currently requires the PCDA qualification criteria shown on its route page, including the relevant Level 3 requirement or an accepted alternative route based on specified policing experience.
Always use the current Avon and Somerset Police page as the definitive local source before applying.

Check current requirements: Avon and Somerset Police PCDA
National route guidance: College of Policing - joining as a new PC

No. The degree is funded as part of the apprenticeship, so you are not required to contribute towards the cost of the degree.

Find out more: Avon and Somerset Police PCDA

Yes. You are employed as a police officer and earn a salary while completing the programme.

Route details: Avon and Somerset Police PCDA

The PCDA is a three-year programme. It combines operational police work with off-the-job learning and academic study.

Local programme structure: Avon and Somerset Police PCDA
National overview: College of Policing - PCDA

Avon and Somerset Police delivers the PCDA in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), alongside police training and operational learning.

See the programme structure: Avon and Somerset Police PCDA

No. The programme combines academic learning, practical training and experience working as a police officer. A significant part of your development takes place on the job.

Programme details: Avon and Somerset Police PCDA
National guidance: College of Policing - PCDA

Yes. The programme includes protected off-the-job learning time for academic study and assessment, alongside your operational development.

Read more: Avon and Somerset Police PCDA

You will complete the police officer recruitment stages, including assessment and the relevant pre-employment checks. The recruitment process page explains the current stages.

See the process: Avon and Somerset Police police officer recruitment process
National overview: Join the Police - get ready to apply

On successful completion of the programme and the required probationary standards, you will have completed your initial route into the police constable role and gained the qualification associated with the apprenticeship.

National route information: College of Policing - joining as a new PC

Use the Entry Route Explorer to compare routes based on your qualifications and experience. You can also take the 'Is policing right for me?' quiz if you are still deciding whether the role itself suits you.

Try: Entry Route Explorer
Take the quiz: Is policing right for me?