Gavin Howe
If you're interested in becoming a detective in the UK, there are a few different routes you can take. While it's not mandatory to be a police officer first, many detectives have experience working in law enforcement and gain promotion to detective within their agency. You can also apply directly to become a trainee detective constable without prior policing experience, and there are specific degree apprenticeships and university courses that can help you get started in this field. Useful subjects for aspiring detectives include criminal justice, criminology, law, forensic science, political science, and human relations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree required | Yes |
| Degree type | Criminal justice, criminology, forensic science, political science, human relations, criminal law, criminal procedure, psychology, history, policing, law enforcement and investigation, or other related fields |
| Degree level | Bachelor's, master's, or associate degree |
| Other qualifications | Four or five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels or equivalent |
| Experience | Not mandatory, but beneficial to have worked as a police officer or in law enforcement |
| Training | Training academy or on-the-job training |
| Skills | Strong communication skills, planning and organisation, problem-solving skills, ability to remain calm under pressure, analytical skills, written communication skills, basic level of fitness |
| Examinations | Must pass specific examinations within the police force to be eligible for promotion; must pass the National Investigator's Exam to be accepted onto the trainee detective constable program |
| Age | Must be 21 years old to apply for any training |
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Degree apprenticeships
While a law degree is not a prerequisite for becoming a detective in the UK, obtaining a degree in a field related to law enforcement, such as criminal justice, criminal law, criminology, or forensic science, can increase your chances of becoming one.
Another option is the two-year Detective Entry Programme offered by Lancashire Constabulary. The first year of this intensive course is spent learning the fundamentals of being a police officer, such as law and procedure, and how to conduct initial investigations. In the second year, successful candidates become Trainee Investigators, working under the guidance of experienced PCs and Detective Tutors to qualify as Detective Constable (PIP 2) Investigators.
If you're interested in working in non-emergency response settings, you can pursue a crime investigator degree apprenticeship. This option allows you to work for various organisations, including the Ministry of Defence.
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Relevant qualifications
To become a detective in the UK, you must obtain relevant qualifications such as a degree in criminal justice, criminology, criminal law, forensic science, political science, human relations, or law enforcement. A bachelor's degree in a related field is common, and some degree programmes include internships that provide hands-on experience in detective work. A master's degree in a graduate programme is also an option for those interested in administrative or leadership roles in detection.
While a degree is not mandatory, it is highly advantageous and can lead to a higher salary. Relevant degrees include policing-related degrees such as Professional Policing (BSc Hons) and Policing, Law Enforcement and Investigation (BSc Hons), which can provide a direct route into the police force or the Police Now National Detective Programme. Other useful degrees include Psychology (BSc Hons), which helps understand human behaviour and criminal motives; Criminology & Criminal Justice (BA Hons), which provides insight into the personal, political, and social aspects of crime, as well as the justice system; and History (BA Hons), which equips individuals with analytical and written communication skills essential for building a solid case.
In addition to academic qualifications, individuals aspiring to become detectives should possess strong communication skills, both oral and written, as they will need to conduct interviews and write clear and coherent reports. Other valuable qualities include good planning and organisation skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure. A basic level of fitness is also required for the role, with a minimum standard of reaching level 5.4 on the bleep test.
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Experience
While a law degree can be advantageous in the field of detective work, the path to becoming a detective in the UK typically requires a different set of experiences and qualifications. Here's an overview of the typical experience route to becoming a detective in the UK:
Police Officer Experience: The most common route to becoming a detective in the UK is by first joining a police force as a constable. This involves undergoing training at a police academy and gaining on-the-job experience in areas such as crime scene investigation, evidence collection, and interview techniques. Most police forces require candidates to have some
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Training
Education
A degree is a typical requirement to become a detective, and many detectives have bachelor's degrees in a related field such as criminal justice, criminology, law, forensic science, political science, or human relations. A degree apprenticeship as a police constable is an option, which is a three-year work-based curriculum that ends with a Professional Policing Practice degree. A master's degree is also an option for those interested in leadership roles in detection.
Skills
In addition to a degree, certain skills are essential for detectives, such as strong communication skills, both oral and written, as detectives conduct interviews with witnesses and suspects and write reports about cases. Patience is also an important aspect of communication, as detectives may encounter people who are withholding or giving false information. Other valuable skills include problem-solving, planning and organisation, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. A basic level of fitness is also required for the role, with the ability to reach level 5.4 on the bleep test, equivalent to three minutes and forty seconds of running.
Detective Entry Programmes
Many constabularies offer detective entry programmes for individuals working as police officers, and some accept those with military experience. The Police Now National Detective Programme is a two-year-long course that includes an intensive 12-week residential training course, fieldwork, and classroom training. University policing degrees can also provide direct routes into the Police Now National Detective Programme.
Private Investigators
Private investigators typically need a license to gather personal, legal, and financial information for clients. They may also need to conduct surveillance, perform background checks, track missing people, search records, and interview people of interest.
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Examinations
While a law degree is not a prerequisite to becoming a detective in the UK, it can certainly be advantageous on your path to a career in detective work. Here are some key examinations you may need to consider as you pursue this career path:
Academic Examinations:
If you haven't already obtained a law degree, you may consider enrolling in a university that offers law as a major or a specific course focused on
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no specific degree for detectives, a bachelor's degree in a related field such as criminal justice, criminology, criminal law, human relations, forensic science, or political science is desirable. Some universities offer policing-related degrees that provide direct routes into the police force or onto the Police Now National Detective Programme.
To become a detective in the UK, you must first obtain relevant qualifications or a degree in a related field. Then, gain experience in the field, either through volunteering or working as a police officer. Next, apply for entry-level detective positions within law enforcement agencies. After that, complete the required training programs and exams. Finally, continue to develop your skills and knowledge through ongoing training and experience to advance in your career.
Detectives need a specific set of skills, including strong oral and written communication skills, analytical skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm and work well under pressure. A basic level of fitness is also required for the role.
