A High Wycombe university is set to offer degree apprenticeships in policing.

Bucks New University, in Queen Alexandra Road, has been chosen by Thames Valley Police (TVP) to deliver degree apprenticeships in policing.

The university will offer two new entry routes, in partnership with TVP, for the force, including the police constable degree apprenticeship (PCDA) and the degree holder entry programme (DHEP).

TVP says student officers will have “blended” learning which will include classroom-based face-to-face teaching, distance learning and virtual classroom combined with operational front-line duties.

Sean Mackney, pro vice-chancellor at Bucks New University, said the tender process for the bid was “very competitive and exacting”, adding: “We are delighted to be selected to partner on one of the first PCDA programmes, and for such a prestigious force.

“It highlights how important apprenticeships are to Bucks, and how our focus is on apprenticeships being a complementary route to traditional degrees.

“We have a notable success of delivering professional apprenticeships within the public sector and are creating a portfolio of apprenticeships that can meet public sector needs, whether that be policing, nursing, leadership and management, or IT.”

The apprenticeships come in response to the government’s commitment to improve work placed training through apprenticeships.

Christine Kirby, head of people innovation and change at TVP, said: “We recognise that our officers not only need an evolving set of practical skills to equip them for the constantly changing world but will also need to be able to adopt and embrace lifelong learning throughout their careers.

“For our new entry routes to policing we want to work with an academic partner that understands the dynamic nature of policing and is flexible to enable us to meet those learning needs in a constantly evolving environment and we are delighted to be working with Bucks on this.”