What Are Degree Apprenticeships?

Degree apprenticeships are a way for school and college leavers to get a cost-free degree, earning and learning with an employer to get fast-tracked into a career.

How do Degree Apprenticeships work?

You apply for a degree apprenticeship with an employer offering it as a structured programme. You’ll earn and learn at the same time, splitting your time between working for an employer and attending the university or college that is providing your degree education. This can be on a day-to-day basis or in study blocks, depending on how your employer’s programme is structured.

Your degree subject will typically be industry-based, meaning it is a degree geared towards helping you excel in a particular career. That area of professional focus could be anything from science and engineering to design, business or management. There are so many Degree Apprenticeships to choose from!

It is a way of being in employment while pursuing a degree at the same time. The end result on completion is either an undergraduate/graduate degree or a degree-level qualification, so check the application details for any opportunity you apply for.

Completing your Degree Apprenticeship will take three to six years, depending on your course level.

The benefits of a Degree Apprenticeship

  • You’ll study for a Bachelors or Masters Degree
  • You’ll get 3-6 years of professional work experience for your CV
  • You’ll earn a salary from your employer while you study
  • NO STUDENT FEES! Your tuition fees are covered by your employer and the government.

Degree Apprenticeships – things to consider before you apply

Work and study are combined as part of a structured programme. It will be easier to balance work and study than if you were working full-time and additionally studying for a degree under your own steam. However, balancing work and study always take some juggling, time management and dedication.

A free degree is amazing for both your personal and career development! Be aware that Degree Apprenticeships typically offer vocational degrees that less academic and more career and industry-based. Academic degrees are often less geared towards career success in the short term, but offer a wider selection of degree topics for you to study. Check that the degree offered as part of the Degree Apprenticeship is in a field of interest you genuinely want to focus on.

Employers Offering Degree Apprenticeships

Many of the Youth Friendly Employers in our network offer Degree Apprenticeships relating to engineering, sales, health and safety, business management, financial services and many more fields of interest. Take a look for careers inspiration!

You can also use Find An Apprenticeship to locate Degree Apprenticeship opportunities to apply for.

University & Graduate Advice See all student advice

Tagged in:

Discover Youth Friendly Employers

Email us at info@youthemployment.org.uk or call 01536 513388.

Build Skills + Confidence

Want a big boost in your life and work skills? Sign up to our free online Young Professional programme today!

Young Professional Programme

Get FREE skills training when you sign up. Get support with your personal confidence, positive attitude and coping with change!

Self Belief | Communication | Teamwork | Problem Solving | Self Management

FREE Online Courses

Boost your skills and careers confidence with FREE online courses. Complete them your own pace and get a certificate for your CV! Sign in as a Young Professional to get automatically enrolled.

Get Jobs + Experience

Find Opportunities

Looking for jobs and opportunities near you? Sign in as a Young Professional to see the latest jobs, apprenticeships, grad schemes, CV workshops, career events and early career opportunities in your area!

Latest Careers Help

Be Yourself

Mental Health

Stay Curious

Overcoming Barriers

For Students

Student Guides

For Teachers

Teacher Resources

Teachers - see how to use the Young Professional programme in your school or college, with lots of free teaching resources at your fingertips.