Is a degree apprenticeship for me?
If you’re unsure whether a degree apprenticeship or a degree is the best option for you, this blog breaks down the differences between the two and answers some of the top questions people have about what to expect from a degree apprenticeship.
What is a degree apprenticeship?
A degree apprenticeship allows you to work in a paid job while studying for a full undergraduate degree that’s directly linked to your role. You stay employed, earn a wage, gain experience, attend university and your employer pays your tuition fees.
Through the university, you’ll have access to university resources, support and facilities.
What’s the difference between a degree and a degree apprenticeship?
Time spent at university
- With a standard degree, most of your time will be spent on campus to begin with and then, depending on your course, your time will be split between on-campus learning and learning on placement.
- With the degree apprenticeship, you'll work a minimum of 30 hours a week including approximately 2 days at university throughout the course.
Course cost
- With a standard degree, you can apply for an undergraduate loan to cover the cost of your tuition and a maintenance loan to help cover your rent, food and other expenses. Many students choose to work alongside their studies, typically up to 15 hours a week to gain work experience and earn some extra income to support their lifestyle.
- With a degree apprenticeship you won’t be eligible for an undergraduate loan, but your course costs will be paid for by your employer.
Work experience
- Most university courses provide placement opportunities with different companies to provide you with experience working in different environments and roles as you explore your options.
There are often opportunities to take up work experience as part of your course, engage with guest speakers and attend conferences or competitions to meet with professionals in your area of interest, boosting your employability and giving you chances to connect with people who can help you find job opportunities.
- With the degree apprenticeship, you’ll gain work experience in your job role and discover different roles and environments through placements across the organisation you work for and others. These experiences will be supported by your employer.
Length of course
- It can take 3 years to gain an undergraduate degree at university if you’re studying full-time.
- At Worcester, a foundation degree apprenticeship can take 2 years to complete. The standard degree apprenticeship can take 3 years, or if you take the degree apprenticeship part-time or are on a step on route, it can take 4 years to complete your degree.
Can anyone apply for a degree apprenticeship?
To be eligible you need to be over 16 years old, employed, work at least 30 hours a week, and have the right to work in the UK.
Each course also has its own entry requirements, but a range of qualifications including Access to HE diplomas are accepted. Plus, your work and life experience will be considered if it’s been a while since you were last in education.
You can speak to a member of the Apprenticeship team if you need any further information about whether you’d be eligible or not.
How can I apply for a degree apprenticeship?
First, you’ll need to be employed. The University currently works in partnership with many employers and is always happy to set up new partnerships. Speak to your employer about whether they already have a partnership with the University, or whether they’d be interested in setting one up so you can complete a degree apprenticeship.
The University of Worcester offers a range of degree apprenticeship courses related to health and wellbeing, nursing, and teaching.
Explore your options and complete a ‘register your interest’ form. These can be found on the course pages. The Apprenticeship team will then be in touch to provide more information and let you know what options are available to you. If you’re not currently employed with one of the Universities partners don’t worry, degree apprenticeships may still be an option for you.
Speak to your employer about the degree apprenticeship you’re interested in and ask whether the company could sponsor you to complete the course.
Direct your employer to the University’s apprenticeships webpages for more information and ask them to contact the Apprenticeship team. They’ll be able to advise your employer about how they could benefit from the partnership, funding options and how the University could support their employees in enhancing their skillset and qualifications.
How will I be taught if I’m doing a degree apprenticeship?
Regardless of whether you’re studying a degree apprenticeship or a degree, when on campus you’ll learn through a mix of interactive workshops, seminars and lecturers. You’ll have chances to share your ideas, take part in discussions and learn from your classmates.
You’ll also have a Personal Academic Tutor, who will be able to support you with your learning, assessments and answering any queries you have throughout your time on the course. On some courses, you’ll also have a Practice Educator who will act as your mentor at your workplace, meaning you’ll have personalised support for both your academic and practical work.
Does it sound like a degree apprenticeship could be for you?
Explore our apprenticeship courses and start the conversation with your manager, or if you’re thinking a degree would be the better option you can explore our wider range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.