Bedfordshire Police and the University have teamed up to offer students starting their studies in September the opportunity of a 50 per cent fee waiver as well as the chance to go into a rewarding career with the police service.

The Bedfordshire Police Studentships are available to those undertaking either undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

As part of the studentship there is the opportunity to train as a Special Constable as well as taking on a work placement with the force during the course of a degree.

In addition, the 50% tuition fee waiver means each undergraduate student will get £4,500 off their fees for each year of a three year course of study and £4,500 in total for the Master’s level studentship.

Temporary Chief Constable Jon Boutcher commented: "Bedfordshire Police is always on the lookout for talented young people and we are delighted to be working in partnership with our local university on this exciting initiative. It supports our drive to recruit local people with local knowledge so we can increasingly reflect the wonderfully diverse communities we serve."

Olly Martins, Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire, added: "This is a win-win for the force and students. We get more special constables representing our diverse communities and potential recruits who can help fight crime of increasing complexity, they get help with funding their education." 

They are available to students across all of the University’s courses, though applications from students undertaking a subject relevant to policing will be looked at favourably.

Essential criteria:

• You have a confirmed offer to commence undergraduate studies in the academic year 2015-16 (those with a conditional offer may apply but the final award is dependent on confirmation of a place at the University). Or you have achieved a First or Upper Second Class degree if applying for Master’s level study
• You must be a resident of Bedfordshire as of 1 May 2015
• You satisfy academic entry requirements – i.e those studying for A Levels may apply but the final award depends on confirmation of those results and University of Bedfordshire entrance

Nick Lancaster, Director of Innovation and Enterprise Service at the University, said: "The Bedfordshire Police Studentship is a great opportunity for our students.

"As well as the obvious financial benefits it will also boost students’ awareness of the requirements of the workplace and boost their employability post-study."

Closing date for applications is 30 September 2015.