Which Universities Offer Degree Apprenticeships?

In recent years, more and more young people have begun to consider degree apprenticeships as a viable alternative to traditional forms of higher education in the UK. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a degree apprenticeship and wondering which UK universities offer them, we take a look at where you can study a degree apprenticeship, what they entail and what the pros and cons are. 

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What is a degree apprenticeship?

Degree apprenticeships essentially combine practical, on-the-job training with academic study, meaning you’ll gain crucial, paid work experience in your chosen field whilst also attending university. 

Unlike a degree which solely involves academic study, degree apprenticeships involve both learning and earning as you’ll be working for a relevant employer to gain practical skills in your subject area. 

For this reason, degree apprenticeships are becoming increasingly appealing to young school leavers who are interested in gaining vital training that university alone does not provide. 

In terms of how long a degree apprenticeship takes to complete, you can typically expect them to last between three to six years, depending on the level of study and the specific course.

What qualification level is a degree apprenticeship?

Different apprenticeships equate to different levels of qualification and are categorised as either Intermediate, Advanced, Higher or Degree. 

Intermediate apprenticeships are equivalent to a GCSE qualification, advanced apprenticeships are equivalent to an A Level qualification, higher apprenticeships are equivalent to a foundation degree and degree apprenticeships are equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. 

As the highest level of apprenticeship, degree apprenticeships can have competitive entry requirements, with most requiring you to have level 3 qualifications such as an advanced apprenticeship, A-Levels, BTEC or NVQ.

Don’t let this put you off, though! If you don’t yet have the qualifications to get onto a degree apprenticeship, you could work your way up by finding a relevant advanced apprenticeship first. 

What kind of degree apprenticeships are there?

There are a wide variety of degree apprenticeships on offer to students in industries from accountancy and surveying to social work and engineering. 

Some of the most popular degree apprenticeships are in: 

• Accountancy 

• Broadcasting Technology

• Engineering 

• Construction

• Surveying

• Business and Administration

• Childcare and Education

Are degree apprenticeships worth it?

Now for the pros and cons! 

Degree apprenticeships offer many advantages to students, combining both work experience with higher education. Some of the main benefits include:

• You can earn as you learn. One of the biggest advantages of degree apprenticeships is that you will be earning a salary whilst studying.

• You’ll gain real-world experience. You’ll gain invaluable practical skills through full-time employment in your chosen industry, enhancing your employability. 

• Less or no debt. Unlike traditional university degrees which are usually fully funded by the student, degree apprenticeships are often fully or partially funded by the employer and the government, meaning you’ll graduate with little to no debt. 

On the other hand, there are some aspects of degree apprenticeships that may not appeal to you. Some potential disadvantages include:

• You won’t get the typical university experience. If you’re hoping that a degree apprenticeship will allow you to fully embrace university life in the way a traditional degree would, this unfortunately won’t be the case. You won’t be living on campus and will only attend university part time. 

• You will be working full-time hours as well as studying. You’ll spend a minimum of 30 hours at work each week and will be expected to study during evenings and weekends, so it’s definitely not an easy route. 

If you're wondering whether to go to university or do an apprenticeship more generally, check out our Apprenticeship vs University guide...

Which universities offer degree apprenticeships?

Ready to take the leap and apply for a degree apprenticeship? Here are just some of the UK universities offering degree apprenticeships… 

1. Anglia Ruskin University: Anglia Ruskin offers degree apprenticeships in everything from Supply Chain Management to Construction

2. Birmingham City University: Birmingham City University provides degree apprenticeships in subjects such as Broadcast Technology and Chartered Surveying

3. London South Bank: You’ll find degree apprenticeships in the likes of Building Surveying and Quantity Surveying at London South Bank University

4. Manchester Metropolitan: Manchester Metropolitan offers degree apprenticeships in Digital and Technology Solutions, Social Work, Digital Marketing and more 

5. Coventry University: Coventry offers degree apprenticeships in Accountancy and Physiotherapy 

Can I do a degree apprenticeship if I have a degree?

Yes! You can complete a degree apprenticeship even if you already have a degree, however it must be in an unrelated subject.

This is ideal for those who are looking for a career change or who feel they would prefer to go down a different route after completing their degree.

For more tips and tricks on all things apprenticeships, check out our guides below...

• DO APPRENTICES PAY TAX?

• APPRENTICESHIP VS UNIVERSITY: HOW TO CHOOSE WHAT TO DO NEXT

• 5 ALTERNATIVES TO GRADUATE SCHEMES

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