Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Introduction
This guide will assist you in applying for entry into the
Associate Degree in Policing Practice at Charles Sturt University.
SECTION 1:
Introduction to the Associate Degree in Policing Practice Page 2
SECTION 2:
How to use this guide Page 6
SECTION 3:
Application process Page 7
Application process – flow chart Page 8
Step 1 – Application Form Page 9
Step 2 – Academic Eligibility Advice from Charles Sturt University Page 11
Step 3 – Professional Suitability Advice from the NSW Police Force Page 15
Step 4 – Scholarship Information Page 17
Step 5 – Assessment Day (Fitness and Psychometric Testing) Page 18
Step 6 – Eligibility Pool Page 19
Step 7 – Receive and Accept CSU Offer Page 19
SECTION 4:
Course structure Page 20
SECTION 5:
Frequently Asked Questions Page 24
www.csu.edu.au/student/police
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN
POLICING PRACTICE
Charles Sturt University
Charles Sturt University (CSU) is a university that strives to ensure its graduates are competitive in
meeting present and changing needs of society, commerce and industry. The combination of our
outstanding graduate employment record, state-of-the-art resources and quality teaching has resulted in
a university with an international reputation for excellence.
We offer over 500 courses to over 40,000 students through on campus and distance education study.
Many courses include practical components and industry collaboration in developing curriculum, giving
graduates a head start in the employment market.
CSU’s campuses are located at Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Canberra, Dubbo, Goulburn, Orange,
Parramatta and Wagga Wagga, with specialist centres at Broken Hill and Manly, and Study Centres
located in Melbourne and Sydney.
As one of the largest distance education providers in Australia, CSU utilises the latest technology in
course delivery with thousands of students studying from their home or workplace. CSU also operates
one of the busiest mainstream web servers in Australia, receiving millions of inquiries to our homepage
each year from students studying all over the world.
Our website acts as a gateway to online supported subjects, resources and communication forums that
greatly enhance student learning experiences. Visit our homepage at: www.csu.edu.au
ADPP
TO
I NTRODUCT I ON
page
Policing provides a number of career paths including community policing, investigations, intelligence,
specialist and technical operations, and leadership and management. CSU offers a number of courses
designed to support policing career development. These are closely aligned with industry needs and
articulated with internal police training programs.
TO
After successfully completing the first two sessions of the Associate Degree in Policing Practice, you will
attest and be employed as a Probationary Constable with the NSW Police Force.
I NTRODUCT I ON
page
www.csu.edu.au/student/police
page
SECTION 2
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
You have received the Associate Degree in Policing Practice Inquiry Pack.
Please check that the following information has been included in the Inquiry Pack:
• Policing: Course Description booklet
• Application for Admission form (green)
• Authority document (yellow)
• Acknowledgement of Receipt of Application card (blue)
• Contacts card
PLEASE READ ALL THE INFORMATION IN THIS INQUIRY PACK. THIS GUIDE HAS BEEN DESIGNED
TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MORE DETAILED EXPLANATORY INFORMATION
AVAILABLE ON THE CSU WEBSITE: www.csu.edu.au/student/police
To be eligible for entry to the Associate Degree in Policing Practice, applicants must satisfy two
major criteria:
1. Academic Selection criteria, determined by the University (see Step 2 - page 11)
2. Professional Suitability criteria, determined by the NSW Police Force (see Step 3 - page 15)
H O W TO U S E T H I S G U I D E
page
SECTION 3
APPLICATION PROCESS
Step 1 provides information on completing your application
Step 2 details the academic eligibility requirements for entry into the course
Step 3 provides information on the professional suitability assessment by the NSW Police Force
Step 4 explains the criteria for scholarship awards
Step 5 provides information on the fitness/psychometric assessment process
Step 6 provides information on the eligibility pool
Step 7 explains the importance of accepting the offer
The flow chart following illustrates how the application and assessment process works. Most importantly,
you should be aware that the demand for places is extremely high and very competitive. In addition it can
take some time for both the University and the NSW Police Force to process each application, so submit
your application as soon as possible.
www.csu.edu.au/student/police
page
APPLICATION process
Application Instructions
It is important that you are completely truthful when completing your Application for Admission.
Information provided by you, which is later found to be false or misleading, may adversely affect your
continued enrolment in the course and your prospect of employment with the NSW Police Force.
If there is a change to any information that you have provided, it is your responsibility to advise the
University Admissions Office.
It is recommended that your application be submitted to the University Admissions Office as soon
as possible.
• the records department of the institution that originally issued the official document/s.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) ≥ 152 * Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) ≥ 152 *
Students applying for Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) entry must have completed of one of
the following:
a) a three-year University undergraduate degree or diploma in a discipline directly related to policing
b) Applicants with a minimum of one year’s previous policing experience (not including probation) in a
recognised jurisdiction may elect to be considered for entry with advanced standing (or RCC) status.
All such applicants should submit a resumé detailing service history including duration of service,
experience and qualifications gained.
Notes:
• If not already undertaken, you may have to complete an 80-hour police placement prior to the
commencement of Session 2
• Depending on an applicant’s previous policing work experience, academic studies and period of time
since last employed as a police officer, an applicant may be required to undertake supplementary
subjects in addition to those in Session 2
• All successful RCC applicants will receive, in addition to a weekly Accommodation Scholarship
(AUD$100 per week), a guaranteed minimum AUD$1,760 scholarship. A Higher Value Scholarship of
AUD$4,000 or AUD$6,000 per session can also be applied for on the basis of demonstrated financial
need, however there are only a limited number available and these are awarded in competition with
full-time applicants.
A P P L I C AT I O N & A S S E S S M E N T T I M E L I N E
• Completion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. level
• Completion of the University of New South Wales Foundation Studies (UNSWFS) Certificate with a
C pass in ‘Use of English’
• Proficiency Test from the NSW Adult Migrant English Service (AMES) will be accepted with a score
of 3 plus or better in each of the four macroskills categories of the International Second Language
Proficiency Rating (ISLPR).
page 14
General literacy
The NSW Police Force must be satisfied that all successful applicants have the capacity to perform the
inherent requirements of the full range of operational policing duties. All students are required to complete
literacy testing which aims to measure a student’s ability to:
• Write statements, prepare forms and correspondence
• Read and comprehend written communication
• Take notes and prepare comprehensible written reports
• Organise and analyse information.
A P P L I C AT I O N & A S S E S S M E N T T I M E L I N E
page 15
The NSW Police Force will conduct a number of background checks on each applicant who progresses
beyond the initial academic assessment stage. The following provides an outline of the types of
background checks conducted and should assist you in making a personal assessment of your own
suitability prior to lodging an application with Charles Sturt University.
(Please note: complete details are contained in the Professional Suitability Assessment Kit you receive
once you have been deemed academically suitable by Charles Sturt University).
You must read the following information.
Entry into the Associate Degree in Policing Practice is competitive. As such, successful clearance of your
Professional Suitability application does not necessarily guarantee you a position in the course. If you
have not received an offer within 12 months of passing your Professional Suitability Assessment, you
may be asked to submit a new assessment with the NSW Police Force, or sign a statutory declaration
detailing recent events.
page 16
• adult convictions for street offences (e.g. offensive language or behaviour like urinating in a
public place).
• DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING – the NSW Police Force does not tolerate the use of prohibited
drugs by any employee/student or applicant for employment. It is a requirement of the professional
suitability application process for applicants to consent to undergo urine screening for the presence of
prohibited drugs.
Applicants are likely to be drug and alcohol tested while students of the Associate Degree in Policing
Practice at the NSW Police College. A positive result on testing will lead to rejection of the applicant
or student from the Associate Degree in Policing Practice.
• MEDICAL FITNESS - In undertaking an assessment of medical fitness you will be required to
organise an appointment with a medical practitioner. Medical staff will explore relevant issues such
as a history of asthma, epilepsy, psychiatric illness, severe trauma to the head or body or other
history or impairment that may present a risk to yourself or others.
NOTE: For the purpose of professional suitability assessment you must provide medical history
information through a medical declaration and submissions from treating practitioners in some of the
following assessable areas: a. Hearing, b. Visual acuity, c. Colour vision, d. Body mass and waist
measurements, e. Hepatitis B.
page 17
A Scholarship Details table that outlines details and current values of the scholarships is available on
the CSU website www.csu.edu.au/student/police. Scholarship values are subject to funding and will be
confirmed at the same time an offer of admission is made. Scholarships for students with completed
tertiary qualifications and/or recognition of current competency are estimates only.
Full-time on campus
An Accommodation Scholarship (AUD$100 per week) is currently provided to everyone who studies the
Associate Degree in Police Practice full-time on campus.
If you wish to be considered for higher value scholarship you will need to complete the Scholarship
Application Form which is included in the information CSU will post to you once your initial application has
been processed.
Please note that receipt of a scholarship application form does not automatically indicate that the recipient
will receive an offer of admission. Please be aware that approximately 60% of full-time on campus
applicants receive a scholarship. Higher Value Scholarships may be awarded to applicants who, due to
personal financial circumstances, would otherwise not be able to do the course.
www.csu.edu.au/student/police
page 18
Pass mark
In order to meet minimum requirements as a Probationary Constable, you must pass every test and
A P P L I C AT I O N & A S S E S S M E N T T I M E L I N E
achieve 44 points out of a possible 110. Please note, that prior to attestation you are required to achieve
55 points out of 110.
When you attend the fitness testing the following areas will be assessed:
Test 1: Handgrip Strength
Test 2: Sit and Reach
Test 3: Vertical Jump
Test 4: Abdominal Strength
Test 5: Push-ups
Test 6: Illinois Agility Test
Test 7: 40 Metre Sprint
Test 8: Multi Stage Fitness
For detailed information on each exercise please refer to the website: www.police.nsw.gov.au
page 19
Charles Sturt University uses a list of Academic Selection Criteria to rank applicants for entry into the
Associate Degree in Policing Practice. Entry to the course is competitive and your individual ranking will
be based on your suitability for the police profession and academic criteria.
The ranking may determine how quickly you gain admission to the course, as offers of admission to the
Associate Degree in Policing Practice will be made to the most competitive applicants from each group.
www.csu.edu.au/student/police
page 20
SECTION 4
COURSE STRUCTURE
Session 1 may be studied full-time on campus at the NSW Police College, Goulburn, or part-time over
two sessions by distance education (DE).
Students from both the full-time and part-time cohorts will undertake Session 2 full-time on campus at
Goulburn. All students complete Sessions 3, 4 and 5 by DE while employed as a Probationary Constable
with the NSW Police Force, and include field-based learning.
Students electing to study part-time by distance education complete Sessions 1a and 1b of the course off
campus, and will need to attend compulsory residential schools. Part-time DE students are provided with
a mail package, which may include printed materials, audio and videotapes, computer disks and
CD-ROMs as well as a host of online support functions to enable them to study at home.
The ADPP consists of five full-time trimesters as detailed below:
Course structure – full-time on campus/mixed mode
Students electing to study in the full-time mode undertake Sessions 1 and 2 on campus at the NSW
Police College, Goulburn. Sessions 3, 4 and 5 involve field-based education and are studied in the
distance education mode whilst employed as a Probationary Constable.
Session 1 (13 weeks on campus at the NSW Police College, Goulburn and
two weeks field experience placement)
PPP111 Simulated Policing – Acquiring Confidence 4
PPP112 Police as Investigators 1 8
PPP113 Communication in Policing 8
PPP114 Criminal Justice and Policing 8
PPP115 Police, Crime and Society 1 8
PPP116 Operational Safety and Tactics 1 4
A P P L I C AT I O N & A S S E S S M E N T T I M E L I N E
1b making a total of 16 days. Residential schools are generally conducted at the NSW Police College,
Goulburn.
All students are involved in both physical and academic activities. Students should come prepared
with appropriate clothing and subject materials to suit both activities and the Goulburn climate.
• Assessment: you will be assessed via a combination of assignments, examinations, practice
simulations, presentations or seminars. The work requirements of assignments vary but often written
essays, short answer questions, practical work, fieldwork or verbal presentations are used to assess
skills and understanding of a topic.
• Online: access to online facilities is provided for your convenience.
• Session 2 is conducted at the NSW Police College, Goulburn (14 weeks duration). You will be eligible
to apply for a scholarship (see page 18 for detailed information on scholarships). Limited on campus
accommodation is available.
page 23
Course components
Hands-on experience
Activities in communication, physical skills and operational safety provide students with the opportunity to
participate in hands-on training in the practical aspects of policing.
Practical experience
The entire program is focused on the practical application of the applied skills necessary for the modern
policing professional. Subjects in communication, and physical skills and operational safety, for example,
may require students to participate in scenarios designed to simulate events that often occur during
routine police service.
Field placement
Field placement forms an integral part of the ADPP. You will undertake a field experience placement
with the NSW Police Force, which provides an insight into the practical application of the theoretical
foundations of the course. The placement, which is arranged by the NSW Police College, is situated
as close as possible to your requested location and requires 80 hours (approximately two weeks) to
complete. On campus full-time students will undertake the placement between Session 1 and 2 of
the course. DE students can elect to undertake the field placement as either a two-week block or two
separate one-week blocks during Session 1b of the course. Further field experience is gained during
Sessions 3, 4 and 5 of the program, which are studied via distance education whilst working as a
Probationary Constable.
Scholarships
Students who apply for entry to the full-time on campus offering of the Associate Degree in Policing
Practice at Charles Sturt University are invited to apply for a tax-exempt Policing Scholarship.
Scholarship information will be sent to the applicant once they have met the academic and professional
criteria for the program. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and financial need.
Should a scholarship be awarded and at some later stage it is found that the student no longer satisfies
professional, financial or academic criteria, the scholarship may be withdrawn. Successful scholarship
applicants are advised at the same time an offer of placement in the course is made.
Articulation
The Associate Degree in Policing Practice articulates fully with the Bachelor of Policing and the
Bachelor of Policing (Investigations).
Further study
CSU also offers postgraduate courses in Policing Practice, Child Protection Investigation, Investigations
Management, Fraud and Financial Investigation, Criminal Intelligence, Police Negotiation, Fire
Investigation, Crime Prevention and Leadership and Management, and Terrorism, Safety and Security
through the School of Policing Studies, Goulburn and the Australian Graduate School of Policing, Manly.
Further more detailed information including subject descriptions are available on the CSU website
www.csu.edu.au/courses
www.csu.edu.au/student/police
page 24
SECTION 5
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. ADMISSION
1.1 What happens if I don’t have a UAI, TER or equivalent?
You need to be able to meet at least one of the other criteria specified in order to be deemed
academically eligible, e.g. a TAFE qualification.
1.2 Can I defer my offer to a later intake into the course?
Applicants may request that their application be resubmitted for consideration along with all other
applications received for the next intake. You do not incur a penalty should you choose not to accept
an offer of admission, however there is no guarantee of receiving another offer. The number of places
available for an intake varies due to the needs of the NSW Police Force, resulting in more/less offers
being made. You should note that Professional Suitability requirements are always reviewed prior to
an offer of admission being made.
1.3 Can I apply as a full fee paying overseas or international student?
No. The NSW Police Force employment policy stipulates that applicants must be Australian citizens,
permanent Australian residents or New Zealand citizens.
1.4 Is there a preferred profile for applicants?
The aim of both the University and the NSW Police Force is to educate a range of students that is
balanced in terms of gender, ethnicity, age, academic qualifications and work and life experiences,
which reflects the diversity of the State’s population.
Applicants are admitted on the basis of their previous studies and/or professional training, skills
and/or other relevant experience, as well as professional suitability. Students should be physically
fit to handle the rigours of training and operational policing. A student should also be a law-abiding
citizen who appreciates, and is sensitive to, our culturally and linguistically diverse society, and has
sound communication and comprehension skills.
COURSE S T R U C T U R E
3. COST OF LIVING
3.1 Do I have to pay tuition fees?
All students enrolled in the Associate Degree must pay a subject tuition fee which is calculated by a
formula based on the number of subjects enrolled in each session. Fees can be paid UPFRONT at
the commencement of each session (this does not attract a discount) or DEFERRED, if eligible, via
the Commonwealth Government loans scheme FEE-HELP with repayments made later through the
Australian Tax Office and attracting a loan fee for undergraduate students. You can change payment
options at the start of each session.
3.2 How much does accommodation cost?
An Accommodation Scholarship (AUD$100 per week) is currently provided to everyone who studies
the Associate Degree in Police Practice full-time on campus. On campus accommodation at the NSW
Police College, Goulburn is currently AUD$100 per week, which includes meals.
3.3 Are there any other forms of financial assistance?
Yes. See Step 4 – Scholarship awards. In addition the CSU website has further information in relation
www.csu.edu.au/student/police
6. THE COURSE
6.1 How academic and demanding is the course?
The course is not just focused on theory. It combines both the foundational knowledge and practical
skills necessary for the modern policing professional. Students have found that the practical
application of both knowledge and skills learnt in the classroom greatly enhances their learning ability
and the relevance of the subject material.
The course is both rigorous and challenging. The rewards and satisfaction gained through your
personal efforts will be significant. Motivation and commitment are likely to be the deciding factors in
who successfully completes the course.
Students concerned with aspects of their academic ability can seek assistance and support from
Learning Skills Advisers located within CSU’s Division of Student Services.
6.2 Do I need to buy textbooks/subject materials?
Yes. An agency of the University Co-op Bookshop is located on the NSW Police College campus.
Students should budget approximately AUD$200 per session for sessions 1 and 2 for the purchase of
textbooks/subject materials.
6.3 When do we commence practical components of the course (e.g. officer safety and
firearms training)?
Firearms and officer safety training are covered in detail throughout Sessions 1 and 2. Training in
the other practical skills necessary to become a police officer occur throughout the course with an
emphasis on the fitness, safety and wellbeing of officers and others.
7. POLICING AS A CAREER
7.1 I come from the country. Can I be posted to a Police Station in my region?
Probationary Constables may be placed anywhere in New South Wales depending upon the needs of
the NSW Police Force at the time of employment.
7.2 Can I start my career in forensic or water police or other specialist area?
No. Everybody must start out in general duties and remain in the one location for at least three years.
After that you can apply for specialist areas, but you should realise that some have relatively small
teams with a high level of interest, which makes entry extremely competitive.
7.3 Will I definitely be accepted as a police officer after Session 2?
In all likelihood, but it mainly depends upon you. Once you enter the program, you must ensure
that you continue to meet all the professional suitability requirements and pass all your academic
subjects. Students must provide documentation that they have successfully completed the 100 metre
swimming certificate, and also a current Senior First Aid Certificate, including proficiency in use of a
laerdal mask, and Hepatitis B immunisation, prior to the completion of Session 2. Aside from checking
www.csu.edu.au/student/police
on your criminal and traffic offence history and ensuring you are medically fit, the NSW Police Force
Recruitment Branch will also assess any behavioural reports or other information available to them
prior to the employment date.
page 28
8. MORE INFORMATION
8.1 Who can I talk with to find out more about Policing as a career?
Recruitment Branch, the NSW Police Force on 1800 222 122.
On the internet, visit www.police.nsw.gov.au for further information.
8.2 Who can I talk with to find out more about the course and CSU?
Contact info.csu on 1800 443 306 (free call).
On the internet, visit www.csu.edu.au/student/police for further information.
8.3 How do I know what is happening with my application?
Once your application has been lodged, please allow approximately 6 to 8 weeks for it to be
considered. If you have any questions please contact the CSU Admissions Office on 02 6933 4334
or via email on admissions@csu.edu.au
8.4 Who can I talk to about AUSTUDY or ABSTUDY?
AUSTUDY - 132 490 and ABSTUDY - 132 317 or Centrelink Office - 131 021 and request a
telephone interview with the Goulburn office or visit your local Centrelink Office.
On the internet, visit www.centrelink.gov.au for further information.
8.5 Where can I find further information regarding returning to study?
On the internet, visit www.csu.edu.au/division/studserv for further information.
8.6 How can I find out more about tuition fees?
Visit the Going to Uni website at www.goingtouni.gov.au
F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S