You do not need a university degree to become a Police Officer for Police Scotland. Although you will need to pass the PSET (Police Scotland Entrance Test) exam during the recruitment process. Police Scotland differs to English forces, as currently, all forces in England require a university degree to become a Police officer.
Is there a Police Scotland Degree Entry Route?
Unlike English forces, there is no degree entry route for Police Scotland. There is no requirement of having a university degree to apply and become a Police Officer for Police Scotland.
3-in-1 Ultimate Guide
Our 3 guides in 1 – Practice exam papers, Fitness Guide and Recruitment Guide. Everything you need for the recruitment process.
Test Practice Papers
Created alongside Strathclyde Police and the Scottish Government, with 4 Practice Papers – it’s the closest you can get to the real thing.
Recruitment Fitness Guide
Created by a leading PT in the UK. Covering the new 2023 fitness test with a complete training plan for the Fitness Test and for Police Life.
What qualifications do I need for Police Scotland?
You do not need any formal qualifications to apply and become a Police officer for Police Scotland. Though you must pass the standard entrance exam. You must also be able meet the following criteria;
- You must be 18 years old to become a police officer, although you can apply at the age of 17.5 years old.
- You must mentally and physically fit
- You must have a BMI between 18-30
- You must meet the eyesight standards
- You must have a full UK driving license to join
- You must be a British citizen, EU/EEA national, Commonwealth citizen, or a foreign national with indefinite leave to remain in the UK
- You must have little to none criminal history to be able to pass the vetting process
