A degree apprenticeship is a programme enabling successful candidates to enter full-time paid work while studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with a level 6-7 qualification.

A degree apprenticeship could be described as the best of both worlds. It allows apprentices to continue to get fantastic on-the-job vocational training, while also spending part of their working week studying towards a full university degree.

Developed by employers with reputable local universities to create a programme of hands-on paid experience and guided study, they offer the best of both worlds. Degree apprenticeships are paid for by your employer and the UK Government equally, so you are not responsible for funding your degree apprenticeship. The split is about 80% paid work and 20% study. Degree apprentices will undergo an end-point assessment to determine their suitability. Assessment and evaluations may also take place at different points in the programme.

First launched by the UK Government in 2015, the degree apprentice programme is part of the higher apprenticeship standard. Typically, a degree apprenticeship will take two-six years to complete. The entry requirements will differ depending on the level and subject matter of the apprenticeship. Certain companies and organisations such as, the NHS, Police, or Armed Forces, may also have individual requirements.

Degree apprenticeships are still quite new, but more and more are appearing every year as companies realise that it is a fantastic way to attract talented young people.

Degree apprenticeships (England and Wales) are called Graduate Apprenticeships in Scotland, and higher level apprenticeships (HLAs) in Northern Ireland. You can find out everything you need to know about degree apprenticeships in our ultimate guide.