Probation officer

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• criminology
• sociology
• psychology
• youth and community work

Similar subjects may be acceptable.

Once you finish your course you can apply for the Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP) training programme. You need to complete this to become a qualified probation officer.

The PQiP programme takes between 15 and 21 months to complete, depending on what you studied at university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could start work as a probation services officer . Once you've built up your experience and completed on-the-job training, you could apply to join the Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP) programme.

You'll be expected to have paid or voluntary experience of working with vulnerable people, or people with challenging behaviour, before you apply for training. You can get this by working with charities and organisations that support ex-offenders.

Go to Do IT and NCVO for information on voluntary opportunities in your area.

You may be able to apply directly for a trainee probation officer job if you already have a qualification at Level 5 or above. For example, a social work degree that includes a probation option.

Career Tips

It will help if you have some knowledge of how the criminal justice and rehabilitation systems work.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join the Probation Institute for professional development opportunities.

Further Information

You'll find more on how to become a probation officer from HM Prison & Probation Service.

As a probation officer, you could:

• interview offenders before sentencing or parole
• make sure offenders attend supervision appointments and rehabilitation programmes
• run programmes designed to change offenders' behaviour
• assess risks and write reports to help prisons and parole review boards make decisions
• work with victims of crime when prisoners are considered for parole
• help clients to get work or training, housing, or drug and alcohol treatment
• work closely with other agencies to manage risks and reduce reoffending

You could work in a prison, in a court, in an office or in the community.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.