The Warwick Diploma in Police Leadership & Management

The NPIA runs a High Potential Development Scheme (HPDS) for serving police officers which is designed to develop the most talented individuals to become the police leaders of the future.

The HPDS uses a range of innovative approaches to challenge and equip future leaders. You will have to demonstrate your desire, commitment, and potential to reach senior officer levels and progress to the Association of Chief Police Officers.

HPDS is open to serving police officers at the ranks of Constable and Sergeant only. Officers from all forces in England and Wales and those from Northern Ireland, Jersey and the British Transport Police can apply for the scheme.

The first stage of HPDS includes the Warwick Diploma in Police Leadership & Management. This is a challenging study programme that will develop essential skills from across the Business and Executive learning domains of the NPIA's capability matrix.

Masters conversion

If you progress to the second stage, you will undertake further study to achieve our Masters in Police Leadership & Management. HPDS officers selected for the Masters programme will normally be promoted to the next rank when they satisfy the Chief Officer that they are competent. This can speed up the progression of HPDS officers as they do not have to wait for a vacancy to become available.

However, if you are not selected by the NPIA you may return to us, for an extra tuition fee, within eight years of graduating to complete two further modules and another 8,000 word dissertation. Learn more

Eligibility

This course is currently only offered to participants in the revised HPDS, organised by the NPIA. The course starts in January.