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Duration
Full Time: 2 Years
Next Start Date
12 January 2026
Closing Date
Indicative annual fee from $11,885
Additional Information
Program Code: 1947
The Associate Degree in Applied Policing (ADAP) at Western Sydney University, delivered in partnership with the NSW Police Force, is your gateway to becoming a Police Officer in New South Wales.
This purpose-driven, professionally recognised program blends academic learning with real-world policing experience to prepare you for one of the most challenging and rewarding careers in the community.
The ADAP blends online study, face-to-face training at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn, and operational placement at NSW Police Commands.
While many students complete the course full-time over two years, there is a part-time option for Session 1 available. At the end of your Academy training, you’ll be attested as a Probationary Constable, and will complete the remaining three modules of the ADAP whilst working in the field.
Dreaming of a career with the NSW Police Force but don’t meet the academic entry requirements for the Associate Degree in Applied Policing (ADAP)?
Don’t worry—there’s still a way forward. You may be considered for entry through our fee-free Undergraduate Preparation Program in Applied Policing (UPPAP), an enabling course designed to build your academic confidence and prepare you to undertake the Associate Degree in Applied Policing.
When you apply for the ADAP, the University will assess your application and if you don't meet the entry requirements to commence in this program, you may be offered a place in the UPPAP. If you successfully complete the UPPAP—while maintaining your NSW Police Force professional suitability—you’ll be guaranteed a place in the ADAP. It’s your direct pathway to becoming a Probationary Constable and making a meaningful impact in your community.
Find out more about the UPPAP here.
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Take the next step towards a rewarding career. Secure your spot for 2026 at Western.
The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.
Students begin their career path commencing with a 16-week Distance stage of study which includes online study to build their academic foundation in policing, a residential at the NSW Police Force Academy and a 2-week placement at a Police Station.
In the next 16-week stage, students become temporary administrative staff at the Academy, which is the residential, and full-time component of the ADAP. Upon successful completion of the Academy stage, and meeting and maintaining the Professional Suitability Requirements throughout, students are eligible to begin operational duties with the NSW Police Force.
The Operational stage of the ADAP (trimesters 3-5) sees students employed by NSW Police Force as Probationary Constables and placed at a NSW Police Command Station. They continue academic study through three, 14-week part-time online sessions while developing reflective, resilient and professional skills. After completing the 12-month probation period, officers are confirmed as Constables and may begin to specialise or progress within the Force.
Successful completion of the Distance (online) and Academy stages (16 weeks each in duration) will result in you attesting as a probationary constable in the NSW Police Force.
As a probationary constable you will complete on-the-job training and three further academic subjects over a 12-month probationary period. Successful completion of your probationary year will result in confirmation as a constable of police.
This progression provides a clear pathway into a challenging and rewarding career in policing. Many of our alumni have gone on to specialise in diverse areas of policing across NSW.
This program is only available to Australian citizens, or Australian permanent residents.
Applicant will be selected on the following criteria:
Academic Suitability
Year 12 HSC (minimum ATAR 50 or equivalent); or other equivalent qualifications such as AQF Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Bachelor or higher degree, vocational experience, bridging/preparatory courses, para-professional and other post-secondary qualifications.
If you are unsure whether you would meet these entry requirements, please contact our Student Services Hub on 1300 668 370 or at study@westernsydney.edu.au
AND
Professional Suitability
Assessed solely by NSW Police Force. In assessing professional suitability, the NSW Police Force will consider such things as an applicant's physical health and ability, mental health, and criminal record. The NSW Police Force solely determines from time to time the specific criteria and standards for assessing professional suitability.
Students should apply for the ADAP if they wish to become a Police Officer in New South Wales.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
To work out how much your Student Contribution will be before you study, you will first need to find out the Student Contribution band your subjects fit into based on their general discipline area.
You can then calculate your student contributions to work out the total amount of your contribution.
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a range of loans introduced by the Australian Government from 2005 to provide fee payment assistance to eligible students. Loans are for Australian citizens studying in Australia or overseas. Permanent residents who hold a humanitarian visa are also eligible if studying in Australia.
If eligible you may be able to defer all or part of your Student Contribution through the HECS-HELP loan program. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP if undertaking studies overseas.
New Zealand citizens and holders of an Australian permanent resident visa (other than an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) are generally not entitled to HECS-HELP assistance. If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident your Student Contribution amount must be paid in full by the census date.
However, the Australian Government has passed new legislation that changes the way some New Zealand citizens, who hold a Special Category Visa (SCV), studying in Australia will pay their fees. More information is available on the Changes to fees for New Zealand Citizens webpage.
Step 1: Apply through the NSW Police Force.
Step 2: Once approved, apply for the Associate Degree in Applied Policing through the Western Portal.
We've gathered common questions to provide you with quick, clear answers about this program. Whether you're exploring admission requirements, details about the degree or career prospects, you'll find valuable insights here. If you need more information, our support team is ready to assist you on your journey to Western. You can find their details below.
When you complete the program, you’ll step into the role of Constable – equipped with the skills, training and mindset to protect and support your community.
The ADAP is part of the NSW Police Force Constable Education Program, delivering academic and practical training components required to become a Police Officer in NSW.
The ADAP takes around 24 months to complete, delivered over five sessions. This includes online study, a residential stage at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn, and on-the-job, operational training.
The face-to-face training of the course is delivered over 16 weeks, full-time on campus at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn. As such, you’ll be required to reside at/near the NSW Police Academy during this stage of the program.
To be eligible for the ADAP, you’ll need to meet minimum academic and English requirements and pass all NSW Police Force recruitment checks (including professional suitability, medical, fitness, background and psychological assessments). If you don’t meet the academic entry requirements for the Associate Degree in Applied Policing (ADAP)—there’s still a way forward. You may be considered for entry through our fee-free Undergraduate Preparation Program in Applied Policing (UPPAP), an enabling course designed to build your academic confidence and prepare you to undertake the Associate Degree in Applied Policing.
When you apply for the ADAP, the University will assess your application and if you don't meet the entry requirements to commence in this program, you may be offered a place in the UPPAP.
If you successfully complete the UPPAP—while maintaining your NSW Police Force professional suitability—you’ll be guaranteed a place in the ADAP. It’s your direct pathway to becoming a Probationary Constable and making a meaningful impact in your community. Find out more about the UPPAP here.
Yes. You must pass a Physical Capacity Testing (PCT) assessment as part of the recruitment process and maintain your fitness throughout the program. Training and guidance will be provided to help you prepare and maintain the physical fitness requirements and standards of the program.
You won’t be paid during the Distance stage of the program. However, Student Police Officers will be employed on a temporary fixed term arrangement for the duration of the Academy Stage (16-weeks) and paid a salary plus superannuation and allowances. Students will be employed by NSW Police Force during Session 2, and begin their Probationary Constable year in the field, receiving a salary plus superannuation and allowances.
Successful completion of the ADAP will result in your appointment as a constable of police, with further study, you can specialise in a range of areas, including investigations, forensics, traffic, youth command, or cybercrime.
We're here to provide clarity.
If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our program today and gain the confidence to move forward.
Australian students
1300 668 370
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
