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Degree Apprenticeships

Information for existing employees/prospective students

 

Degree Apprenticeships are the fastest-growing route to attracting top talent into business and attract high calibre candidates who gain all the benefits of on-the-job learning and a fee-free Honours degree.

Degree Apprentices split their time between university study and the workplace, and are employed throughout – gaining a full bachelor’s or master’s degree while earning a wage and getting real on-the-job experience in their chosen profession. This can be on a day-to-day basis or in blocks of time, depending on the programme and requirements of the employer.

Employers are expected to pay an appropriate training salary over the duration of their degree apprentices’ study, with starting salaries currently ranging from £14,000 to £22,500. The typical duration for an undergraduate Degree Apprenticeship is between 3-5 years and between 1-2 years for a typical postgraduate programme.

Degree Apprenticeship Benefits

  • Degree Apprentices are employed and paid a competitive salary throughout their course
  • Apprentices are entitled to the same rights as other employees: a contract of employment and at least 28 days paid holiday per year
  • Degree Apprentices will gain a full degree, bachelor's or master’s, without needing to pay student fees
  • Apprentices will graduate with on average 4 years work experience in their chosen profession and potentially a guaranteed job at the end of their placement
  • The National Union of Students (NUS) has now brought out an NUS Apprentice Extra Card. For £11 per year you can get discounts on lots of brands. See more at www.apprenticeextra.co.uk.
  • Degree Apprentices are also be eligible for discounts on public transport, with many schemes running on a local basis, like the Apprentice Oyster photo card in London, which gives apprentices 30% off certain journeys.

How to apply

Degree Apprentices are first and foremost employees of their sponsoring companies. As such, applications must be made via employers directly rather than via their partner university. Both employers and universities will need to be satisfied that applicants meet their respective requirements so there will usually be set academic entry requirements followed by an assessment exercise specific to the employer and their recruitment practices.

For students looking at a Level 6 (Undergraduate Level) Degree Apprenticeship, they can apply for a Degree Apprenticeship in addition to their 5 university choices via UCAS. Though as stated above applications for Degree Apprenticeships cannot be made through UCAS, rather direct via the employer.

QMUL posts application links to vacancies we have with partner employers on our own website.

Existing Employees

If you are an existing employee and would like to enrol on a Degree Apprenticeship programme as part of your professional development, we would encourage you to discuss this with your employer/ line manager. We are more than happy to assist these discussions by providing information on the Apprenticeship Levy and what courses are eligible for funding. Please make contact with us at degreeapprenticeships@qmul.ac.uk.

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