Degree Apprenticeships
Our guide to degree apprenticeships covers what they are, who they are for and how to apply.
What is a degree apprenticeship?
A degree apprenticeship is a paid learning opportunity. Your time is split between your workplace where you gain on-the job industry experiences, and studying at University, where you learn from experts and have access to higher education resources and the university environment. On completion of a degree apprenticeship you qualify with the highest level of apprentichip qualification and industry experience.
- You are employed almost full time with a set amount of agreed study timeWhat are the differences between apprenticeships and
- Learning will be arranged around your work, either in blocks/evenings or an allocated day
- You will be able to access all of the social opportunities that your university offers, but will not have comparable free time
- Qualify for a specific sector/job role
- Different financial arrangements
What is the difference between a degree, an apprenticeship and a degree apprenticeship?
Degree | Apprenticeship | Degree Apprenticeship |
---|---|---|
• Level 6+
• 3-4 years
• University (or college)
• Higher level qualification designed to develop skills and knowledge
• Compulsory for some careers
• Transferrable skills
|
• Level 2-5
• 1-3 years
• Delivered through an employer and a Further Education College or Training Provider
• Can be ‘topped up’ to Level 6 with additional study at a partnership university (course specific)
• Train for a specific job
|
• Level 6-7
• 4-7 years (but can take less)
• Full degree
• Employed
• Develop skills in existing employees, allow new employee to gain experience and a career
|
How does a degree apprenticeship work?
Employment
- Study for a Bachelors or Masters degree simultaneously
- Employed for a minimum of 30 hours a week* (*on average)
- Majority of learning is work-based
- The organisation in which you work supports you in identifying areas for study and development.
- Theory and practice are directly related to one another
- Taught content focuses on 'core competencies'
University
- 4-6 years of study (average)
- Work-place supervisor/mentor
- A work-pace university tutor
- Flexible delivery
- Links between placement and taught content
Who can study for a degree apprenticeship?
- Degree Apprenticeships are accessible to anyone with Level 3 qualifications at a 'good' level, although some don’t necessarily require L3 qualifications.
- You can be completely new to work or already within a company and looking to develop.
- Degree apprenticeshipe provide a good route for aspiring managers to develop skills and enhance qualifications.
- There is no upper age limit to studying for a degree apprenticeship.
What qualifications do I need for a degree apprenticeship?
- The general rule is that this route is open to all.
- Many courses however require GCSE Maths and English (Level 2) at a grade C (4/5) or above
- Some courses e.g. Engineering require a Level 3 qualification in maths
- Requirements vary between courses and universities
- Grade/Qualification requirements may differ to those for a standard degree
How do I apply for a degree apprenticship?
- Find out which employers are able to provide apprenticeships in your chosen area/field - and establish what they require from candidates
- Search online for vacancies
- Vacancies will appear throughout the year
- The application will be similar to a job application and may be through the employer or the university (it differs between organisations)
- You will need to meet the criteria of the employer and the university
- Put together a CV (many employers will request one)
- You will be interviewed by the employer and possibly the university as well
- Prepare for the interview (practice questions, familiarise yourself with the ‘person specification’)
- Note the time period between the application and start date. This will tell you how much time you have to prepare
Can I afford a degree apprenticeship?
- Government funding is available
- You will not be responsible for any University fees whilst you are employed as part of a Degree Apprenticeship scheme. As a result, you are not eligible to apply for a student loan
- You will be paid a salary by your employer
Find out more
- Read our In Focus: Degree Apprenticeships blog
- Read our Life as a Degree Apprentice blog
- Register your interest in degree apprenticeship opportunities at the University of Chester
- Explore the UCAS guide to degree apprenticeships
- Browse Prospects for degree apprenticeships information and opportunities
- Search and apply for apprenticeships