Queen Mary and Deutsche Bank launch degree apprenticeship

Queen Mary’s School of Economics and Finance has partnered with Deutsche Bank to provide a new Investment Banking degree apprenticeship programme: a job with training, combining work with study to gain vital skills for a career in finance.

Over the four-year programme, apprentices will spend 12-18 months working on Deutsche Bank’s investment desks in London, earning a competitive salary as well as having their fees covered for a world-class education from Queen Mary experts. 

Apprentices will be supported by a line manager, HR programme manager and career mentor at Deutsche Bank, as well as an academic tutor and a student ‘buddy’ from Queen Mary. 20% of their time will be dedicated to their studies, with 80% spent ‘on the job’ where they can apply their academic learning to their day-to-day work. 

Upon successful completion of the programme, apprentices will receive a BSc degree in Applied Finance from Queen Mary as well as a Level 4 and Level 6 Financial Services apprenticeship award. They will also have the opportunity to be considered for a full-time position at Deutsche Bank. 

The programme is open to students who are completing A-Levels in 2023 or did so in 2022, with entry requirements of AAA (to include A Level Maths) or UCAS points equivalent. Applications are open now for the September 2023 programme.

Dr Philippa Lloyd, Vice-Principal for Policy and Strategic Partnerships at Queen Mary University of London, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity which we are delighted to be able to offer. The growing number of employer partners we work with to deliver apprenticeships demonstrates our unwavering commitment to helping students progress through employment-based education opportunities. These students will have their studies funded by the apprenticeship levy and be exposed to the workplace while benefiting from a Russell Group education. For the demographic of students we recruit, the opportunity to develop their soft skills in the workplace while enjoying debt-free education has the potential to be life-changing.”

Prof Jason Sturgess, Head of the School of Economics and Finance at Queen Mary, said: “We’re excited to launch this partnership with one of the world’s leading financial service providers, and expand our innovative education offering here at Queen Mary. Our degree apprenticeship aims to help increase social mobility in banking and finance, and of course provide those from all walks of life with the opportunity for the career they have always wanted. A student’s background should never be a barrier to a world-class education or a successful working life.”

Dr Radoslawa Nikolowa, Director of the Applied Finance Degree Apprenticeship Programme in Queen Mary's School of Economics and Finance, said: “Apprentices on this programme benefit from the unique combination of a rigorous financial education and a direct practical focus on their work – so they can immediately see how the skills and teaching they receive apply to real-world scenarios. It really is a fantastic opportunity for bright minds with an interest in finance.” 

Tiina Lee, UKI CEO at Deutsche Bank, said: “Apprenticeships deliver significant benefits to individuals, businesses and communities and we are really thrilled to be announcing this today at the start of National Apprentice Week. The Investment Banking apprenticeship programme at Deutsche Bank aims to create an alternative route into our industry with a particular emphasis on attracting students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. This builds on a successful programme launched two years ago within our Technology, Data & Innovation division – which, to date, 21 apprentices have successfully completed.”

Izzy Miller from careers training and mentoring organisation Pathway CTM said: “Every year, apprenticeships become a more and more popular route for school leavers, and it is brilliant to see this route for those wanting to get into banking, where they can learn and gain a fully funded degree at the same time. We know that this programme will be a huge success and will continue to support our network through the application process, to ensure they are putting the best versions of themselves across to secure this fantastic opportunity.”

Find out more about the course, and Queen Mary’s other degree apprenticeships, at qmul.ac.uk/degreeapprenticeships.