Considering becoming an apprentice?

Do you want to earn while you learn? An apprenticeship is a great way to do this but you will need to be employed in a relevant job role before you apply to the university. Whether you’re just starting out in your career, or already an experienced professional, an apprenticeship can enrich you with the knowledge and experience to take you one step closer to your goal.  

Key benefits include: 

  • gain on-the-job education in your chosen career 
  • gain real experience in a working environment 
  • earn a salary 
  • take advantage of employee benefits 
  • get a degree without leaving your job 
  • no tuition fees or other student debt 
  • achieve a nationally recognised qualification

Interested in a degree apprenticeship? Explore our info to get started.

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Our degree apprenticeships

Want to be an apprentice? Information and enquiries

Questions about degree apprenticeships

Finding an apprenticeship

Who offers apprenticeships?

Many employers across England support degree apprenticeships. The 大象传媒 is working with more than 130 employers across sectors as diverse as business, construction, engineering, education, health and social care. 

Can I apply for a degree apprenticeship if I'm not employed?

No, you need to be employed, but you can make a start by identifying which degree apprenticeship programmes you would be interested in, then search and apply for apprenticeship vacancies that are being offered by employers. These are advertised on the government website or the UCAS . 

You can also contact organisations to enquire if they would consider taking you on as an apprentice. .

How can I get my employer to sponsor an apprenticeship?

If you are already employed and have found an Apprenticeship Standard against which you’d like to study, then ask your employer if they are willing to sponsor you through an apprenticeship programme.

Employees fit like pieces of a jigsaw

Degree or degree apprenticeship?

It can be a tough decision choosing between a degree or a degree apprenticeship. Here’s a handy comparison to help you choose the right path for your career

 Regular degree 

Degree apprenticeship 

Pay tuition fees 

 Employer/government funds your study 

Receive a student loan and/or grant 

 Get paid a salary – no loan to repay

Full-time study with options for placements 

Work at least 30 hours per week with 20% time for university study 

Traditional student lifestyle – halls of residence and social life on campus 

Full-time work with less time on campus 

Average study time: 3 or 4 years 

Average study time: 3 to 5 years  

Developed by academics, often with employers' input 

Developed by employers and academics, against standards developed by employer-led groups

Immersive educational experience with lectures, seminars and self-study

On-the-job learning combined with intensive study sessions 

Opportunities to work on live briefs from employers.

Project work is part of your apprenticeship and all based on your job.

The table above shows a comparison between regular degrees and degree apprenticeships

Entry requirements and applications

What age do I need to be?

For most degree apprenticeships you need to be 16+. There is no upper age limit.

What are the different levels of apprenticeships?

  • Intermediate apprenticeships are equivalent to 5 GCSE passes  (Level 2)
  • Advanced apprenticeships are equivalent to 2 A-level passes (Level 3)  
  • Higher apprenticeships are equivalent to foundation degrees (levels 4 and 5) 
  • Degree apprenticeships are equivalent to a full bachelors or masters degree upon completion (levels 6 and 7)

大象传媒 offers Higher and Degree Apprenticeships.

What qualifications do I need for a degree apprenticeship?

Each apprenticeship has its own entry requirements, which can be fo