[BeckyFowler09]

I am studying a public service national diploma which is equivalent to three a levels, I really dont know weather to do this course and just work after whilst applying for the police or weather to go to uni and do a degree?
I know its very hard to get into the police force these days but will a degree necessarily help, as they dont specify that you need a degree or even a levels? And if so what degrees are recognised in the police?

[sam.hunton]

Formal Qualification are not needed, but of course it will help in the long run. Plus the number of people getting accepted under the age of 21 is close to zero, even less with the cuts they are now making.

[sam.hunton]

I forgot to say, do a proper degree, not a public service degree, if that even exists, or a degree in policing, they are as useful as not going at all. The policing degree simply means you are paying for your own training, it is not really a degree, its a complete waste of money.

[sunlightxstarbright]

A criminology degree wouldn't be a bad idea.

[BeckyFowler09]

Yes criminoloy/forensic or psychology is what I was interested in. I still dont know if I definatley want to join the police or become a PE teacher as this is what I wanted to do before but I didnt finish my a levels but after doing alot of research on the police I've discovered its extremely hard to even get in these days with or without a degree!

[bethan2]

Hi there

All degrees are recognised by the police but particularly useful ones could include psychology, sociology, criminology or law, if you want to go down that route.

One of my friends who did a law degree with me went on to join the police force. She had experience as a voluntary police officer and also as a nightclub bouncer so she was used to dealing with stressful situations.

However a degree is not essential to join. You could join (or apply to join anyway cos it's not guaranteed!) after your courses finishes. It's very competitive and you have to pass several tests, including ones of physical fitness.

Further information can be found here:

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_o...quirements.jsp

Oh and I had another friend who did a public services course like you and ended up working for her local council which she really likes.

Good luck!

Beth