Everything you need to know about Degree Apprenticeships.

Isn’t it nice when everything is in one place? We’ve curated all of the best degree apprenticeship opportunities, along with an ultimate guide, to answer any and all of your burning questions.

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What is a degree apprenticeship?

Degree apprenticeships (also known as level 6 or level 7) are a type of higher qualification that allows you to gain a full university degree during the course of your apprenticeship.

These specialist courses are offered by employers who have teamed up with universities and training providers to create a degree course. These special courses help train students to succeed in all sorts of different sectors and areas of business.

Most students have to make a choice whether to find a job or to study at university, but degree apprenticeships offer the chance to do both!

How does a degree apprenticeship work?

Degree apprenticeships let you follow the apprenticeship style career pathway (working, learning and earning) while also progressing towards a tailormade university degree. This gives you the opportunity to get qualified to a degree level, remain debt-free and gain valuable work experience.

During a degree apprenticeship, you will typically spend 20% of your time working towards your university qualification, and the rest of your time at work. This might mean spending one day a week at university, or alternatively, this time might be accumulated over a whole week or semester.

Because the time you are able to spend studying for your degree is only part-time, degree apprenticeships can take between three to six years to complete. However, while this is a longer route to getting degree-qualified, it does come with some pretty big benefits.

For example, the tuition for your course is completely covered by the government and your employer (as opposed to the standard £9250+ a year). Not only that but you are also paid a wage for the duration of your apprenticeship. Win-win.

How do I get a degree apprenticeship?

Entry requirements vary depending on company, sector and scheme. However, most degree apprenticeships will require that you have five GCSEs at A* – C (9 – 4 ), including English and Maths. You will also need level 3 qualifications such as A-Levels, NVQs, or a BTEC.

Typically, most employers set requirements similar to traditional university degrees, asking for UCAS points equivalent to three A levels (A* to C). Alternatively, you can get onto a degree apprenticeship by working your way up through other apprentice qualifications, completing advanced and higher apprenticeship qualifications.

There is no maximum age restriction for a degree apprenticeship, but training costs will only be funded by the government up to age 24. If you are aged 24 or over you may be asked to contribute towards costs.

Because you will be legally employed (not just a student), you also need to be eligible to work in the UK in order to undertake a degree apprenticeship.

You can also apply for an apprenticeship if you already have a job. If you are already in full-time employment, your existing work experience and skills can make up for a lack of qualifications.

If requirements seem too high, you could look for an advanced or higher apprenticeship (level 3 or 4) to help bridge the experience and skills gap.

What qualifications can I achieve?

Completing a degree apprenticeship means graduating from university with a full degree (BA(Hons) or BSc(Hons)). These degrees are no different in quality or level from any other university degrees, they are simply paid for by your employer. In return, you do (paid) work for them over the course of the scheme.

Depending on your employer and sector of work, you may also have the chance to pursue other qualifications. This could include working towards other vocational training, as well as professionally ‘chartered’ status.

Some degree apprenticeships can even lead to gaining a Masters degree in a subject.

What’s the difference between a higher apprenticeship and a degree apprenticeship?

A degree apprenticeship is technically a higher apprenticeship, as higher apprenticeships cover all education levels from 4 to 7. However, degree apprenticeships are a much newer concept, designed especially to help companies recruit university-bound students. For this reason, they are often separated out to help make job vacancies clearer for applicants.

These opportunities are mainly made available for school leavers, but this does not mean you cannot work your way up to a degree apprenticeship. Nor that they are exclusively for 18-25-year-olds.

Many companies even use degree apprenticeships to help upskill their existing staff.

In a nutshell, all degree apprenticeships are higher apprenticeships, but not all higher apprenticeships advance to university degree level.

Not a junior role…

Apprentices are not a ‘junior’ role. You could be managing people, projects, and processes in your job, developing every day. Because of this, it is a priority that degree apprentices get lots of support from their managers and the rest of the business.

Apprentices will spend the majority of their time (80%) in and around their place of work, doing their job and gaining hands-on experience. The time you do spend at university will be supported by your work schedule, and you will not pay any fees for your university course.

As being an apprentice is a full-time job, expect to work at least 30 hours per week, plus extra time for university study and revision.

As a degree apprentice graduate, you will be qualified to a high standard and be perfectly suited to work within your organisation (with years more experience than a newly graduated university student).

A degree apprenticeship helped Andrew to advance his career.

What is it like being a degree apprenticeship student?

Degree apprenticeships are not commitments to be taken lightly.

Not only will you be taking on all the academic challenges of a higher education university degree, but also balancing this with the stresses of full-time work.

Luckily, this hardcore approach to learning does come with its advantages. By putting into practice what you are learning at university in your working week, you will grow and develop much faster. This turns theoretical ideas into practical actions at a much faster rate.

While a standard undergrad might have to wait three years to put their ideas into practice in business, degree apprentices get the chance to make a difference straight away. This can help you get a much faster grip on what you are learning because you are putting it into action straight away.

Degree apprentices make a real difference at JCB.

Access to student life

The great thing about being a degree apprentice is that you have access to everything a regular university student would. This means you can use the libraries and sports facilities, visit the student union, and take part in societies. Depending on your scheme, you may even be offered student accommodation for your time spent at university.

Because you are earning a wage, it means you can enjoy your portion of student life all the more – from activities with friends to nights out – knowing you aren’t spending more than you can afford.

Another bonus is the variety of valuable work experiences they can unlock. Like a graduate scheme, many apprenticeship programmes will move you around the business, offering you a chance to experience different parts of a company. This will give you a real insight into the different functions of a business.

What kind of degree apprenticeships are available?

As of 2023, the Institute for Apprenticeships lists 200 different level 6 & 7 apprenticeship standards in the UK. Here’s just a taste of the type of thing you could be doing on a degree apprenticeship:

  • Aerospace Engineer (Level 6)
  • Aerospace Software Development Engineer (Level 6)
  • Broadcasting Technology (Level 6)
  • Chartered Legal Executive (Level 6)
  • Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6)
  • Chartered Surveyor Level (Level 6)
  • Civil Engineer Level (Level 6)
  • Civil Engineering Site Management (degree) (Level 6)
  • Construction Management (Levels 4, 5, 6)
  • Control / Technical Support Engineer (Level 6)
  • Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (Level 7)
  • Electrical/Electronic Technical Support Engineer (Level 6)
  • Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer (Level 6)
  • Financial Services Professional (Level 6)
  • Food Industry Technical Professional (Degree) (Level 6)
  • Game Programmer (Level 6)
  • Healthcare Science Practitioner (Level 6)
  • Laboratory Scientist (Degree) (Level 6)
  • Licensed Conveyancer (Level 6)  
  • Manufacturing Engineer (Level 6)
  • Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer (Level 6)  
  • Outside Broadcasting Engineer (Level 7)  
  • Post Graduate Engineer (Level 7)
  • Power Engineer (Degree) (Level 7)
  • Process Automation Engineer (Level 7)
  • Product Design and Development Engineer (Level 6)
  • Registered Nurse (Degree) (Level 6)
  • Relationship Manager (Banking) (Level 6)  
  • Robotics Engineering (Level 6)
  • Senior Compliance/Risk Specialist (Level 6)
  • Senior Insurance Professional (Level 6)  
  • Solicitor (Level 7)  
  • Space Systems Engineer (Level 6)
  • Systems Engineering (Level 7)
  • Teacher (Level 6)
  • Youth Worker (Level 6)

Deciding which career path to take and which subject area to study can be overwhelming, especially with so many choices on offer. Thankfully, there are some steps you can follow to help make your decision easier.

What do I get paid?

All apprenticeships are subject to a minimum national wage, and degree apprenticeships are no different. However, because you are entering the business at a higher level than other apprentices you can expect your salary to reflect this.

Most starting salaries for degree apprenticeships fall slightly short of graduate salaries, at around £17,000-£20,000. However, as you progress through your program you will see your salary increase. You will also usually receive a pay rise upon your graduation. (sometimes as much as doubling your initial salary!)

Degree apprenticeships also make up some of the highest-paying apprenticeships in the UK.

Can I choose where I study?

This is the one area where traditional degrees hold an advantage over degree apprenticeships.

With a degree apprenticeship, you must study your course at the specified university that your company has partnered with. Whereas a traditional student has the option to study in multiple places, apprenticeships are usually restricted by their sponsored university.

This is why it can be especially useful to find a local degree apprenticeship. Make sure you understand the full details of your commitment when you apply!

Why should I do a degree apprenticeship?

It is the highest level you can take an apprenticeship, providing some cracking opportunities:

All degree, no debt

There aren’t many ways we can think of to get yourself a university degree without incurring any university debt, but degree apprenticeships make this a reality. All your tuition fees are shared between the government and your employer.

Graduate with experience

Moving into a graduate role can be daunting, but with a degree apprenticeship, you’ll already have tonnes of relevant experience, so the transition from apprentice to graduate is seamless.

Earn while you learn

Not only are all your tuition fees covered, but you are paid a wage on top of this for the work that you do every day.

Designed for you

Because degree apprenticeships are designed by employers in collaboration with universities, they equip apprentices with the exact practical and academic skills required to succeed in a particular industry. This makes graduates of apprenticeship programmes very employable.

What next?

Ready to find an apprenticeship? Check out some of our latest degree apprentice opportunities, or jump straight to our apprenticeship search.

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