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Introduction

Are you interested in combining practical work experience with studying and earning a salary?

Maybe you’re keen to improve your qualifications, but full-time study isn’t right for you.
Or perhaps you’re enjoying your current job, but you’d like to improve your skillset.

A degree apprenticeship in the UK might be perfect for you.

This guide focuses on degree apprenticeships in England, though there are options in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with different eligibility and application details.

Sound good? Read on.

What is a degree apprenticeship?

A degree apprenticeship is a work-based programme that offers the best of both worlds: you can achieve an industry-designed apprenticeship certificate and in some cases, a qualification related to your job, while working and getting paid.

If you’re eager to start working, launch your career and gain financial independence, a degree apprenticeship offers:

  • hands-on, practical real-world experience
  • dedicated time away from work responsibilities to undertake your studies
  • a qualification co-funded by your employer and the Government.


Degree apprenticeships are available in many industries, from engineering to business, healthcare and digital technology.

They’re a collaboration between employers and training providers, but you apply just like you would for a job. They can take between one and six years to complete, with six hours per week of your time dedicated to study.

You can study an apprenticeship at different levels:

A higher apprenticeship can be studied in England at levels 4 or 5.

  • Level 4: equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree, or Higher National Certificate (HNC)
  • Level 5: equivalent to the second year of an undergraduate degree, or a Higher National Diploma (HND).

A degree level apprenticeship can be studied in England at levels 6 and 7

  • Level 6 : equivalent to a bachelor’s degree
  • Level 7: equivalent to a master’s degree.

Who can apply for a higher or degree apprenticeship?

You can apply for an apprenticeship through an employer if you:

  • are 16-years-old or over
  • are not in full-time education, and are working in employment for 30 hours or more per week
  • live in England
  • meet course entry requirements.


Higher degree apprenticeships are typically aimed at people aged 18-years-old and over.

How to apply for a degree apprenticeship

Researching your apprenticeship is a good place to start. You should consider:

  • Strengths and passions: consider what you enjoy doing and what you do well. This will help narrow down areas of interest for your career.
  • Skills assessment: be honest with your self-appraisal. You’ll learn so much during your apprenticeship, but consider what you’re like now at time management, working under pressure, doing admin, working in a team etc.
  • Achievements and goals: is the degree apprenticeship going to help further your career aspirations? It should be a stepping stone to better things, so you’ll need a clear idea of where you want to be when you complete the apprenticeship.


Applying for a degree apprenticeship is the same as applying for a job. They are advertised throughout the year as degree apprenticeships have multiple start points throughout the year.

You should do your research and find out if your preferred employer offers apprenticeships, or you can search for an apprenticeship and apply via our two recommended links:


Both sites offer flexibility on how you search, for example by postcode, employer or apprenticeship level.

Once you have found one you’d like to apply for, the listing should guide you through what you need to do next.

Is it easy to get a degree apprenticeship?

Degree apprenticeships are highly sought after because they offer the opportunity to earn a salary while studying for a degree, with no tuition fees. This means competition can be high, so you will need to stand out with a strong application.

It’s important to remember - you will need to first secure a job with an employer who offers an apprenticeship at the level and subject area that you are interested in.

Advantages and disadvantages of a degree apprenticeship

Advantages

  • You’ll earn a salary with other employee benefits.
  • You’ll gain real-world experience and apply your learning on the job.
  • It’s likely that you’ll continue working with your employer after completing your apprenticeship*.
  • You’ll have access to student discounts and support services.
  • You’ll have no tuition fees topay, as they’re co-funded byyour employer and the Government.

Disadvantages

  • You’ll have to juggle work and study which can be demanding.
  • You’ll be responsible for delivering what’s required of you in a work environment.
  • You won’t have the same experience as if you attend university full-time.


*The majority of apprentices (95%) reported that they had a written contract of employment with their employer.

Apprenticeship Evaluation 2023: Learner and Non-completer Surveys (page 15). Government Social Report, DofE (September 2024).

Costs of a degree apprenticeship

Apprentices do not pay any tuition fees, but you might need to cover additional costs to enhance your learning experience.

Examples of additional costs (include but are not limited to):

  • travel
  • accommodation
  • course materials
  • field trips.

Always check with your employer for the specifics.

You will not be eligible for student finance if you're doing a degree apprenticeship.

How do apprentices learn?

As a work-based programme, all off-the-job training must take place within contracted hours.

Full-time apprentices must spend an average of six hours per week on off-the-job training.

Teaching can take place in various locations such as classrooms, the workplace or online.

While not a requirement, apprentices may decide to spend additional time studying out of hours.

How is a degree apprenticeship assessed?

Depending on your role, you may have assessments throughout your course. Assessment types can vary but typically include:

  • formal examinations
  • phase tests
  • essays
  • group work
  • presentations
  • reports
  • coursework
  • individual assignments.

 

At the end, you’ll have an end-point assessment (EPA) to test your knowledge, skills, behaviours and ability to do the job. Passing this will earn you a certificate.

After applying for a degree apprenticeship

The employer will invite you to go through their recruitment process and if you’re successful – you’re on your way to a great career!

If you are not initially successful don’t panic, there are other options to consider.

  • Apply for another: just like any other job, if you don’t get your first choice you’re free to apply for another apprenticeship.
  • Explore other directions: your priorities will determine what you do next. If you’re keen to start earning you may want to go ahead and apply for a job that appeals to you. Volunteering is a good way of improving your confidence in the workplace and gaining new skills.
  • Talk to Coventry University: offers support and courses to help you find the right path. We have courses designed to introduce you back into education, as well as vocational and the more ‘traditional’ degree courses. There are also multiple start dates you can choose from (course dependent) and structured timetables to help you fit your learning around your other commitments.

View our range of courses on offer

 

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