Diploma of Policing Practice

Diploma of Policing Practice students are advised to refer to Section 13 of this Handbook (Diploma of Policing Practice Student Handbook) for course, campus and subject details.


The Diploma of Policing Practice is a requirement for recruit education of the NSW Police Service. The Diploma is offered through a partnership between the Police Service and Charles Sturt University.

Successful completion of the first three sessions of the Diploma meets the academic requirements for recruitment to the Police Service as a Probationary Constable. Successful completion of the Diploma meets the academic requirements of constable education.

Enrolment through

Goulburn Campus

Study mode

Distance education

Normal course duration

2 years (3 sessions per year)

Graduate entry package

Graduates, or the equivalent of graduates, receive credit for sessions 1 and 2. They are, however, required to complete an additional subject JST134 Introduction to Policing B. Graduates commence studies from Trimester 3. Upon successful completion of Trimester 3, graduates will be eligible to apply for police employment. Graduate entry eligibility also includes persons with previous/present police experience, including interstate and overseas.

Admission criteria

Applicants will be selected on the basis of evidence for the likelihood of success including: University Admissions Index (UAI) or its equivalent; previous tertiary studies undertaken, including TAFE studies; industry based learning; and performance in tertiary bridging or enabling programs.

Selected applicants must also meet Police Service professional suitability requirements. These include possessing a full NSW drivers licence, and satisfying medical, criminal record and motor vehicle licence checks.

Recruitment to the NSW Police Service is a prerequisite for entry to Session Four of the Diploma of Policing Practice. Students who fail to be recruited to the Police Service will be offered a place in another course of the University with relevant credit for their studies, provided they have maintained a satisfactory rate of progress.

Course requirements

To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 128 subject points and JST100 and JST140.

The Diploma of Policing Practice is designed to meet the educational needs of entry level police practitioners. It focuses on the foundation studies and applied skills necessary for the modern policing profession.

The course integrates field based education with classroom study. Sessions one and three are undertaken on campus at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn: sessions two and four, five and six involve field based education and study in the distance learning mode.

Course structure

Articulation

The Diploma of Policing Practice articulates fully with the Bachelor of Policing, the Bachelor of Policing (Investigations), and the Bachelor of Policing (Prosecutions).

Further study

Charles Sturt University provides a range of opportunities for postgraduate study in policing, including the Graduate Diploma of Serious Crime Investigation, Master of Policing, Graduate Diploma of Public Administration (Policing), Master of Public Policy and Administration and Doctor of Public Administration.

Credit

Students are not expected to complete subjects already successfully completed. Students may apply for credit for equivalent previous tertiary or industry studies. Graduates who have completed substantial tertiary level studies are eligible for up to six subjects credit towards the Diploma. Graduates of Justice Studies and other pre-entry policing degrees are eligible for up to ten subjects credit.

Inquiries

Course Coordinator
Rod Parker
Professional Development Centre (Policing)
Telephone: (02) 4823 2919
Facsimile: (02) 4823 2786