To date, 4,750 student police officers have joined ARU.
More than 1,000 recruits have graduated with us.
Two-thirds of students graduate with a 1st or 2:1.
Custom-designed London police education facility and local delivery.
Single provider model provides efficiency and effectiveness.
We work with eight forces to recruit and educate new officers.
Expertise in minimising abstraction while maximising learning opportunities.
An ethos of 'police officer first' ensures that programmes are designed with a focus on the workplace.
Our International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute specialises in applied research.
We're proud to be the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023.
ARU delivers initial training to thousands of recruits annually.
We have extensive experience of working with eight police forces across the UK under a single provider or partner model since 2020. This approach allows ARU to deliver tailored programmes such as the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeships (PCDA), Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP), and Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme (Detective DHEP).
As a lead provider working with the 7 Forces, ARU adapts each programme to align with the specific priorities of each partner force, offering bespoke solutions while maintaining compliance and national policing standards. ARU’s customer-focused approach provides streamlined communication, consistent quality and efficient implementation, ensuring that the learner is a police officer first and equipped to build their career in a rapidly changing world.
This collaborative, tailored approach has positioned ARU as a trusted partner in addressing workforce development needs for modern policing.
"A degree was something I'd always wanted to achieve, and I thought it would add value to my career. The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship route appealed to me because it offered in-depth knowledge that I could directly apply on the job, making me better at what I do."
DaniellePolice Constable Degree Apprentice
Danielle's story
"I never overly enjoyed education, but now I'm learning about a profession I'm passionate about, and it's allowing me to apply myself effectively."
PC TylerPolice Constable Degree Apprentice
"Joining the police was a long-term goal of mine. The concept of the PCDA was a very important aspect for me as I wanted to achieve a degree."
PC BremnerPolice Constable Degree Apprentice
We combine cutting-edge classroom learning with immersive practical simulations, equipping our Student Police Officers with exceptional academic knowledge and real-world expertise.
Our adaptable curriculum ensures that we quickly implement changes to align with external requirements and reflects the current picture in policing.
With a flexible delivery model tailored to each force’s needs, ARU combines academic rigor with operational excellence. At ARU we’re not just training new recruits – we’re shaping the future of policing.
"Becca has consistently impressed since joining the force, demonstrating natural policing ability and a positive approach. She excelled during her tutor period, achieving independent patrol status ahead of schedule. Becca quickly gained an excellent reputation on the Cambridge City Response team, managing her workload effectively with minimal supervision. Her dedication enables her to obtain the best evidence, resulting in positive outcomes and effective safeguarding."
Citation for PC Becca SebleyStudent Police Officer of the Year
Here’s what our policing partners have to say about working with us.
"The strength of the relationship between Essex Police and Kent Police collaboration, and ARU exemplifies the benefits of partnership working. The efficiency and effectiveness generated in the partnership approach to the delivery of the PCA and DHEP continues to put student officers first in the continuous improvement of the programmes.”
Chief Superintendent Tracey QuillerHead of Learning and Development
ARU is proud to partner with police forces across the UK to deliver training that directly contributes to critical national priorities.
We are unwavering in our commitment to enhancing diversity within policing, fostering inclusive recruitment and ensuring training reflects the diverse communities' officers serve.
Through innovative partnerships, teaching and research, we equip officers with the skills to build trust and strengthen community relationships, addressing the core of effective policing.
Our forward-thinking programmes tackle emerging challenges, such as cybercrime and mental health crises, combining academic expertise with real- world solutions to prepare officers for the complexities of modern law enforcement.
A UK leader in police workforce development.
Programmes tailored to your requirements.
Officers graduate real-world ready.
Training reflects the communities' officers serve.
Seamless delivery for eight forces since 2020.
Applied research in international policing and public protection.
Explore how we can support your goals through collaboration and innovation. Contact Sara Archer, Head of Partnership Delivery - Police Education:
Explore ARU's police education programmes