Police Officer
Respond, investigate and keep communities safe, often as the first point of contact in a crisis.
Bachillerato or higher vocational entry: administrative and case-handling work across every department. What does this group mean?
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- Typical pay
- €33k–€55k
- Usual education
- Apprenticeship or degree
- Outlook
- Steady recruitment with specialisms in investigation, cyber and public protection.
A day in the life
Briefing, patrol or response, statements and case files, and a lot of talking people down from difficult situations.
Ways in
- Police constable degree apprenticeship
- Degree holder entry programme
- Special constable then full time
What to study at 16
The subjects you choose for the final years of secondary school can shape which degrees, exams and careers are easiest to reach. This is about choosing courses, not choosing a school.
Spain
Bachillerato de Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales
Portugal
Ciências Socioeconómicas
Italy
Liceo classico / scienze umane
Netherlands
Profiel Economie & Maatschappij
Austria
AHS Oberstufe
Belgium
ASO – General secondary
Exams you'll need
The gates between you and this job, and when each one comes.
Browse all examsSkills that matter
Best courses to take
The study routes that lead most directly into this career.
BSc Criminology & Criminal Justice
Crime, policing and the justice system from a social science angle.
Useful background, not a substitute for training.
Helpful school subjects: Sociology, Psychology
Professional Policing Degree / Apprenticeship
Academic and on-the-job training route into the police service.
The modern entry route.
Helpful school subjects: Sociology, English