What is a Degree Apprenticeship?

With university tuition fees reaching up to £9,535 a year, many students are starting to ask whether there’s a better way to earn a degree. The idea of graduating without debt while gaining real work experience is attractive. And it appeals to more people every year.

So, what is a degree apprenticeship? It’s a programme that combines university study with paid, hands-on work experience. You earn a salary, pay no tuition fees, and graduate with a recognised bachelor’s or master’s degree.

In this guide, you’ll learn how degree apprenticeships work. We’ll consider what’s on offer and who can apply. And we’ll take a look at how they compare with traditional university study.

Key Takeaways

• Degree apprenticeships let you study for a degree while working for an employer.

• Tuition fees are fully paid by the government and your employer.

• You earn a salary, gain experience, and graduate debt-free.

• Graduates finish with a recognised degree, practical industry experience, and strong career prospects.

Why Degree Apprenticeships Matter

Degree apprenticeships are becoming one of the fastest-growing routes into higher education. Since their launch in 2015, thousands of students have chosen this path to gain practical skills while earning a recognised qualification.

They were created to meet the demand for skilled workers in key industries such as engineering, digital technology, business, and healthcare. For many students, they offer the best of both worlds: a university education combined with a paid job that leads straight into a career.

Degree apprenticeships are a great option if you:

• Want to earn a degree but prefer hands-on learning

• Hope to avoid student debt or tuition fees

• Want to start your career while studying

• Are a career-changer looking to retrain and gain new qualifications

If you’re still comparing your choices, read our guide to your options after your A Levels for more help deciding which route might suit you.

Degree Apprenticeship Definition

A degree apprenticeship combines full-time paid work with part-time university study. You are employed by a company while completing a degree that is delivered in partnership with a university or college.

Most apprentices spend around 80% of their time working and 20% studying, though the balance can vary depending on the employer and course structure. Learning often takes place through online modules, day release, or short study blocks on campus.

At the end of your programme, you gain a bachelor’s degree (Level 6) or a master’s degree (Level 7) that is awarded by a recognised university. This makes it one of the few routes that allows you to earn a degree while earning a salary, with tuition fees fully covered by the government and your employer.

According to UCAS (opens in a new tab), degree apprenticeships are available across a wide range of industries and now fall under the oversight of Skills England (opens in a new tab), the body that replaced IfATE in mid-2025. This agency approves apprenticeship standards and ensures courses meet national requirements for both academic credibility and professional practice.

How Do Degree Apprenticeships Work?

A degree apprenticeship lets you study towards a university qualification while working for an employer in your chosen field. It’s designed to give you academic knowledge and practical experience at the same time.

Here’s what to expect from a typical programme:

• Duration: Most degree apprenticeships last between three and six years, depending on the level and subject.

• Study pattern: You’ll spend most of your time working, with part of the week or specific blocks dedicated to university study. Learning may take place online, on campus, or at your workplace.

• Assessment: You’ll be assessed through coursework, exams, presentations, and work-based projects that demonstrate both academic understanding and professional competence.

• Support: Every apprentice is supported by both a workplace mentor and an academic tutor to help balance study and work.

Your employer and university work closely together to ensure your training meets national standards set by Skills England, which oversees apprenticeship quality and degree-level learning outcomes.

Who Can Apply for a Degree Apprenticeship?

Degree apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 or over who wants to gain higher qualifications while working. They are most popular among school leavers, college students, and career changers who wish to combine study with paid experience.

To apply, you’ll usually need:

• Level 3 qualifications, such as A Levels, T Levels, or a Level 3 apprenticeship.

• Five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English and Maths.

• The right to work in the UK, as degree apprenticeships are paid employment.

Some programmes have specific subject requirements, particularly in areas such as engineering, healthcare, and IT. Employers may also ask for relevant experience or a strong interest in the field.

Degree apprenticeships are competitive, so enthusiasm and commitment can be just as important as academic results. When applying, employers often look for people who can show teamwork, problem-solving, and motivation to learn on the job.

What Do You Get at the End of a Degree Apprenticeship?

When you complete a degree apprenticeship, you finish with both a university degree and real work experience.

Depending on the level of your programme, you’ll achieve:

• A bachelor’s degree (Level 6) or a master’s degree (Level 7) awarded by a recognised UK university.

• A professional qualification in your chosen field, in some cases, such as engineering or accounting.

• Several years of paid industry experience, often with the chance of a permanent job offer from your employer.

Your degree is equivalent to one earned through a traditional university route. The key difference is that you graduate without tuition fees and with practical experience that employers value.

This combination makes degree apprenticeships one of the most efficient routes to becoming both academically qualified and job-ready.

What Are the Pros and Cons?

Like any qualification, degree apprenticeships have advantages and challenges. Understanding both will help you decide if this route suits your learning style and goals.

Degree apprenticeships are ideal for individuals who learn best through hands-on experience and wish to enter the workforce early. They may not suit those who prefer more academic study or the traditional university lifestyle.

Which Subjects Can You Study?

Degree apprenticeships are available in a wide range of subjects, covering everything from engineering to law. The options are expanding every year as more universities and employers take part.

Here are some of the most popular subject areas:

• Engineering and Manufacturing: Mechanical, civil, electrical, or aerospace engineering.

• Information Technology and Cybersecurity: Software development, data analysis, and network security.

• Finance and Accounting: Roles in banking, auditing, and business management.

• Healthcare and Nursing: Nursing, radiography, and healthcare science.

• Construction and Surveying: Quantity surveying, architecture, and project management.

• Digital Marketing and Media: Marketing strategy, communications, and creative media.

• Law and Business Management: Solicitor apprenticeships, HR, and operations management.

Each degree apprenticeship is developed jointly by employers and universities to meet real industry needs. You can search current opportunities through UCAS (opens in a new tab) or Skills England (opens in a new tab).

If you’re still exploring your options, you can also compare IB vs A Level subjects to see which academic pathway aligns best with your long-term goals.

How Much Do You Earn on a Degree Apprenticeship?

One of the biggest advantages of a degree apprenticeship is that you earn while you learn. Your employer pays your salary and covers your tuition fees so that you can graduate debt-free.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Starting salary: Most degree apprentices earn between £18,000 and £25,000 per year, depending on the employer, sector, and location.

• Salary increases: Pay often rises each year as you gain experience and take on more responsibility.

• Paid study time: You are paid for both your working hours and the time you spend studying, whether online or on campus.

• No tuition fees: Your university fees are fully funded by your employer and the government.

Many large employers, such as the NHS, PwC, Rolls-Royce, and Jaguar Land Rover, offer degree apprenticeships with competitive pay and clear career progression.

Graduating with several years of experience and no student debt can give you a strong financial head start compared to a traditional university route.

Degree Apprenticeship vs University: Which Is Right for You?

Both options lead to a degree, but they offer very different experiences. A degree apprenticeship combines full-time work with part-time study, while university study focuses entirely on academic learning.

A degree apprenticeship might be right for you if you:

• Prefer learning through practical experience.

• Want to earn money while studying.

• Like the idea of starting your career early.

A traditional university degree might suit you if you:

• Enjoy academic study and research.

• Want flexibility in subject choice.

• Value the full campus experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need A Levels to Do a Degree Apprenticeship?

Usually yes. Most employers expect at least two A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications, such as a T Level or a Level 3 apprenticeship. Some may also consider applicants with relevant work experience or professional qualifications.

Can I Do a Degree Apprenticeship at Any Age?

Yes. There is no upper age limit for degree apprenticeships. Many mature students and career changers apply to retrain while earning a salary.

Will I Get a Job After My Degree Apprenticeship?

In most cases, yes. Many employers offer a permanent role once your apprenticeship ends, especially if you have performed well throughout your training.

Can I Switch from a Degree Apprenticeship to University Later?

It’s possible, but it depends on the university’s entry rules and whether it accepts credit transfers from your apprenticeship modules. You’ll need to check this with the university directly before applying.

Final Thoughts

Degree apprenticeships offer a practical, fully funded route to earning a university qualification while gaining real work experience. They are ideal for motivated learners who prefer hands-on training and want to start building their careers early.

If you want to graduate debt-free, develop professional skills, and stand out in the job market, a degree apprenticeship could be the right choice for you.

Explore Save My Exams' careers guides for more support on choosing your next step.

References:

• UCAS | Degree apprenticeships (opens in a new tab)

• Skills England - (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)

• UCAS | Search apprenticeships | Degree Apprenticeship (opens in a new tab)

• Skills England | Apprenticeship search (opens in a new tab)