Here is an overview of degree apprenticeships, to give you an idea about whether one of these programmes is right for you.

WHAT IS A DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP?

Degree Apprenticeships offer students the opportunity to achieve a full bachelor's (Level 6) or master's (Level 7) degree by combining full-time work with part-time study through a training provider or a university. 

Degree apprenticeships are an opportunity for school and college leavers to get a debt-free, industry-designed degree and leap straight into a career. Usually, young people have to make a choice when they leave school - do they go to university, or get a job straight away? It’s a difficult decision: both options have their benefits and drawbacks. The degree apprenticeship has been designed to give students the best of both worlds.

HOW DO THEY WORK?

Degree apprenticeship programmes are constructed in accordance with Apprenticeship Standards, which define the occupational profile linked to the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) of a particular occupation and will include an End Point Assessment.

  • A degree apprenticeship must have a minimum duration of 12 months.
  • Apprentices must spend at least 20% of their time undertaking off-the-job training, which will be agreed by the employer and the University.
  • Each of the University's apprenticeships includes a higher education qualification at level 6 or 7 upon completion.
  • Apprenticeships can be funded through their employer's levy contribution or government co-investment funding

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DOING A DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP?

DEBT FREE - Degree apprentices achieve a full Bachelors or Masters degree but avoid the colossal debts from tuition fees and maintenance loans.

EARN WHILE YOU LEARN - Degree apprentices are employed throughout their programme, completing paid work from day one. Degree Apprenticeship salaries can start from more than £18,500 a year and increase to over £35,000 per year on completion of the course!

EMPLOYABILITY - Although degree apprenticeships do not guarantee a permanent job, apprentices are highly employable graduates. Last year, 90% of apprentices went straight into work or further training after they had completed their scheme.

RELEVANT SKILLS - Employers and professional bodies design the overall programme, so apprentices obtain the specific practical skills which are necessary for a job. Apprentices can move seamlessly from their degree apprenticeship into a skilled profession.

WHAT DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMMES ARE AVAILABLE?

Many! At the time of writing, 173 Level 6 to 8 qualifications were available to view on the Institute of Apprenticeships' website. Visit the Institute for Apprenticeships to see the full list of degree apprenticeship available and coming soon.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS? 

The entry requirements for each degree apprenticeship vary from programme to programme. Most employers set requirements that are similar to traditional university degrees - that’s typically three A levels (A* to C). 

However, not all employers are requiring candidates to have A Levels to qualify for applications. Degree apprenticeships are suitable for school leavers who have completed lower level apprenticeships. 

Some employers have also set a particular number of UCAS points as entry criteria. This means students who have BTEC qualifications are also eligible for these schemes.

For full entry requirements, it’s best to look at university websites and employer’s recruitment materials. You may be surprised about which degree apprenticeships you are eligible for!

WHERE DO I APPLY?

There are many different pathways into securing a degree apprenticeships placement.

WHY DO A DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP?