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UK apprenticeships

Higher and degree apprenticeships

Higher and degree apprenticeships are a great, cost-effective way for employers to upskill their staff and for individual learners to gain a higher qualification and professional skills whilst earning a wage.

Degree apprenticeships

What are degree apprenticeships?

A degree apprenticeship allows people to earn higher qualifications (typically a full undergraduate degree or a master’s degree) while working (at least 30 hours a week) and without having to pay student fees (as these are covered by the Government and the employer using the Apprenticeship Levy scheme).

Degree apprenticeships are typically aimed at those already in an established career, as they provide specialist skills to allow learners to progress further within their field.

Learners need to be employed and working at least 30 hours a week in order to complete a degree apprenticeship.

An individual cannot apply for a degree apprenticeship directly (like you would for a traditional undergraduate degree). The first step for an individual is to speak to their employer and make them aware of why an apprenticeship is a worthwhile investment.

Interested in higher and degree apprenticeships? Speak to our apprenticeships team today.

Companies we’ve worked with

Information for employers

Higher and degree apprenticeships are a fantastic and cost-effective way to upskill your workforce.

You will gain greater productivity and improved competitiveness, while greatly improving your likelihood of staff retention.

You will be able to use the Government’s Apprenticeship Levy to fund study, meaning the learner pays nothing, and you will pay either nothing or only 5% of the cost (depending on your annual payroll bill, which affects what you qualify for from the levy).

We offer a range of apprenticeships at both undergraduate and postgraduate level across various subjects.

Some of our most popular programmes include Senior Leader, Chartered Manager, Cyber Security, Registered Nurse, Social, Worker and Academic Professional.

We can tailor our offering to suit your specific business needs, just talk to us.

We will support you and your learner staff every step of the way.

Information for learners

A degree apprenticeship is a great opportunity for you to obtain a higher qualification and learn professional skills, all while you put it into practice while you work.

You must be employed and working at least 30 hours a week in order to complete a degree apprenticeship.

You will not have to pay any fees. These will be covered by your employer and the Government.

You cannot apply for a degree apprenticeship directly (like you would for a traditional undergraduate degree) – you must go through your employer.

Higher and degree apprenticeships are a partnership arrangement between employers and employees, where both sides gain. Apprentices benefit from increased skills and enhanced employability, while employers gain from greater productivity and improved competitiveness.

If you are interested in completing a degree apprenticeship and you are employed, you need to approach your employer in the first instance. We have created some top tips on how to make a strong case to your employer.

If you study with us, you will benefit from teaching staff who are industry experts, state-of-the-art facilities, and all-round support throughout your studies.

Higher and Degree Apprenticeship courses

Apprenticeships in development

As well as the above, we also have a number of apprenticeships that are in development currently, including:

  • Healthcare Science Practitioner (Ophthalmology) (Level 4) (we currently run a level 6 version of this as well)
  • Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 5)
  • Healthcare Science Practitioner (Clinical Photography) (Level 6)
  • Enhanced Clinical Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 6)
  • Senior People Professional Apprenticeship (Level 7)
  • Professional Engineer Apprenticeship (Level 7)
  • Architectural Assistant Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6)

Please get in touch with us to find out more about any of these upcoming programmes, including planned start dates and how to apply.

Lecturer and student discussing written work

Become a more attractive employer by offering your staff progression with industry accredited qualifications.

Apprenticeship funding

Learners do not have to pay for their degree apprenticeship. It is employers and the Government that cover the cost.

Employers, if your business is registered in England and has an annual salary bill of less than £3 million each year, you’re only required to pay 5% towards the cost of an apprenticeship, with the Government paying the remaining 95%.

If your business is registered in England and has an annual salary bill of more than £3 million each year, apprenticeship costs will be fully funded by the Government’s Apprenticeship Levy.

7 out of 10 apprentices stay with the same employer post-study

Early Careers Service

We’ve just launched our new Early Careers Service, which aims to place apprentices with employers who are offering a job and with an apprenticeship.

Whether you’re an apprentice looking for a new role, who would like to be added to our books, or you’re an employer looking to recruit top talent, then get in touch with our team to find out how we can help.

Students walking into Gloucestershire Business School

Make an enquiry


Phone

01242 715400

Lines open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.

Email

business@glos.ac.uk

We’ll get back to you as soon as we can within office hours

Visit

The School of Business, University of Gloucestershire, Oxstalls Lane, Longlevens, Gloucester, GL2 9HW

Alternatively you can complete the form below and a member of the team will contact you.

Registered Nurse Top-Up Subcontracting Rationale

The University has decided for one particular cohort of learners on the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship, to subcontract the training and on programme assessment for 2 of the modules.

The University recognises that for this particular group, alternative expert provision is needed to meet the specific learning objectives that will better equip the learners for the practical role they will undertake in their individual workplace.

In conjunction with the employer, it was agreed that subcontracting these modules would provide an enhanced opportunity for the learners.