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Higher and degree apprenticeships

Find out how higher and degree apprenticeships work and discover the courses we offer.

View our apprenticeships

What are degree apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships allow people to earn qualifications whilst working (they must work at least 30 hours per week). They are a fantastic and cost-effective way for employers to upskill their workforce.

Research shows that companies that invest in apprenticeships benefit from greater productivity, enhanced competitiveness and improved staff retention.

Higher and degree apprenticeships result in qualifications at level 4 (the equivalent of the first year of an undergraduate degree) and above. At University of Gloucestershire, we offer programmes up to level 7 (Master’s level).

Whatever level of study, apprentices gain academic, professional and technical skills through a mix of learning in the workplace, formal off-the-job training, and by practising their new skills in the workplace.

What do apprenticeships entail?

For employers, it is crucial that they commit to employing the apprentice throughout their training, End Point Assessment, and beyond.

Apprentices should be motivated to learn and work diligently to successfully complete their apprenticeship.

The training provider, in this case, University of Gloucestershire, is responsible for delivering the theoretical content, known as the knowledge award.

Who can do a degree apprenticeship?

With so many options now available, more people than ever are eligible for an apprenticeship. Find out which of your employees are eligible by answering the questions below.

Importantly, an individual cannot apply for a degree apprenticeship directly (like you would for a traditional undergraduate degree).

If you are interested in undertaking an apprenticeship yourself, speak to your employer in the first instance and make them aware of why an apprenticeship is a worthwhile investment.

How are apprenticeships funded?

Find out how apprenticeships are funded by the Apprenticeships Levy and how we will support you.

Off-the-job training

To meet funding requirements, every apprentice must spend at least 6 hours a week of their contracted working hours doing ‘off-the-job’ training. It is an essential part of any apprenticeship and must take place during a learner’s working hours.

These 6 hours should be organised within the apprentice’s working time in a way that best supports both their learning needs and the needs of their employer.

If, due to some exceptional circumstances, it has to take place outside the learner’s normal working hours (e.g. they need to attend a particular event), then they must be given time off in lieu.

What is ‘off-the-job’ training?

The off-the-job element of an apprenticeship can be described as an activity where the learner is not undertaking their ‘normal’ work activity.

Our apprenticeships

A woman looking up towards someone she's listening to whilst holding a piece of paper

Business

Computing

Students looking at computer screens
Lecturer Charlotte Elias on the Health and Social Nursing Associate course talking to students in ward room at Oxstalls campus

Health, social care and education

Get in touch

If you have any questions or want to speak to a member of the team you can email, call us or fill in the form below.