Degree apprenticeships
Our collaborative approach to Degree Apprenticeships seamlessly integrates partners and top-tier academic excellence with real-world work experience, empowering learners to thrive and organisations to prosper.
Your trusted Degree Apprenticeship partner
Our Degree Apprenticeships are built upon a strong foundation of partnership, with the employer and University working together to ensure a future-ready, motivated workforce. Flexibility is key to this partnership; we offer a range of options from existing ‘open’ programmes to customised pathways that precisely meet employers needs.
With a reputation for excellence and reliability, the University of Exeter has a remarkable track record in the successful delivery of Degree Apprenticeships and are proud to offer the largest portfolio in the Russell Group.
We work with both UK-based and global organisations to address skill deficits, ensuring that our curriculum aligns with current and future demands of the workforce. Discover how by partnering with us, you can create a future-ready workforce equipped to shape a dynamic future, transforming your organisation and diversifying your workforce.
More information about Degree Apprenticeships at the University of Exeter
National Apprenticeship Week 2026
The Degree Apprenticeships team will be getting involved in a range of activities for National Apprenticeship Week (9th – 15th February 2026). The week-long celebration is an opportunity to showcase the benefits of apprenticeship both to employers and apprentices.
We will be running a series of information workshops which will give details of our current and future programmes. More events, podcasts and social media posts will be announced soon. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date.
Build your future-ready workforce
Employers
We can help you invest in upskilling your people and attract new talent via progression routes.
Aspiring apprentices
Discover why a Degree Apprenticeship is right for you.
Events
Find out more about our programmes and partnering with the University of Exeter.
Our Degree Apprenticeship programmes
Whether you’re looking to enhance your career or change direction entirely, our growing suite of degree apprenticeship courses offers a unique combination of the latest academic approaches and insight, direct access to world-renowned experts in the field, and the flexibility of studying at your own pace.
Digital and Data
Accounting & Finance
Healthcare
Engineering and Mining
Leadership and Management
Current vacancies
Explore currently available apprenticeship vacancies and find out how to apply for a degree apprenticeship on our current degree apprenticeship vacancies page.
New programme development
Our Degree Apprenticeships are built upon a strong foundation of partnership, with the employer and University working seamlessly together to develop industry-approved apprenticeship programmes.
Please visit our programmes in development section and get in touch if you are interested in any of the programmes listed above or would like to discuss your organisation’s specific apprenticeship needs.
Why Exeter? Degree Apprenticeships with a Russell Group provider
We are one of the leading universities in the UK to offer degree apprenticeships. Designed with both the employer and apprentice in mind, our undergraduate and postgraduate courses combine exceptional and innovative teaching with flexible learning that is industry focussed. We currently have over 3,000 apprentices delivering excellent outcomes for their professional development and within their organisation.
A Russell Group degree
We have a long history of working with business and were one of the first Russell Group universities to create customised degree apprenticeships. Not only will your employees gain an outstanding education, they could gain a prestigious Russell Group degree or certificate.
Industry focussed
Our programmes offer a unique partnership between talented students and forward-thinking businesses. We partner with over 400 employers to deliver courses that meet specific business and workforce needs, ensuring that apprentices gain the skills and experience to effect real change.
Exceptional teaching
We provide outstanding lecturers, tutors and support staff to deliver content that complies with the Apprenticeship Standard and meets the needs of employers. Apprentices can also access our full range of virtual and on-campus services and support.. Many of our degree apprenticeships are accredited with leading global accrediting bodies.
Working in partnership
We identify a delivery model to best suit the needs of your business, including residential teaching, interactive online study and work-based learning. Our dedicated Programme Leads, Academic Mentors, and Relationship Managers ensure that apprentices are well supported and employers are actively involved in the development of their employees.
Frequently asked questions about Degree Apprenticeships
We've answered some of the most commonly asked questions about our degree apprenticeships programmes from aspiring apprentices and prospective employer partners below.
What is a degree apprenticeship?
Degree apprenticeships allow you the opportunity to mix vocational work-based learning with studying for a fully funded university degree.
How long do degree apprenticeships take to complete?
Degree apprenticeships vary in length, depending on the programme being studied, but usually they are between two to five years in length.
A Level 6 degree apprenticeship will usually last between three and five years and a level 7 degree apprenticeship will typically take around two years to complete, varying slightly dependent on the programme.
How are degree apprenticeship courses structured to fit study around full time work?
Apprenticeships follow a different format to conventional degrees. University of Exeter degree apprenticeships are a mixture of employment, face to face teaching and e-learning. The amount of time spent on each will vary depending on the course you are studying, but typically apprentices can expect to spend approximately 80% of their time at work, and 20% of their time studying.
Study time and exams are structured to fit around your employment, as your apprenticeship is designed in partnership with your employer to make sure that your work and study commitments complement one another.
Are degree apprenticeships easier than ‘normal’ degree programmes?
Although degree apprenticeships do not require the same A level grades, they are still academically challenging and employers will expect apprentices to have studied hard in their exams, and to bring valuable skills and a ‘can-do’ attitude to their apprenticeship, proving that they are ready for the workplace. The recruitment process is rigorous and competition for apprenticeship places can be fierce.
In addition, although apprentices are part-time university students, they'll be expected to study just as hard as other full-time students because when they finish their apprenticeship, they'll be awarded the same quality degree as full-time students receive.
What are the advantages of degree apprenticeships?
- Develop your career and boost your earning potential at the same time
- Earn and learn – benefit by receiving a salary whilst studying for your degree
- Access to the same facilities, societies and social opportunities as other degree students
- Get a head start in your sector by gaining relevant skills and experience
- No need to worry about tuition fees as these will be covered by the government and your employer’s levy payments
- Dedicated support from both your academic tutor and workplace mentor
- Possibility of graduating with a degree plus a professional certificate
How much do degree apprentices get paid?
This can vary depending on the employer you undertake your apprenticeship with, but at the very least you will receive the National Minimum Wage. Some employers will pay more, so it’s a good idea to investigate before you apply.
You will earn the same as your current salary if you are already working.
How are degree apprenticeships different from degrees with a year in industry?
Unlike conventional degrees where you take a ‘sandwich’ year in industry, you won’t have to pay tuition fees and in effect are being paid to learn! You’ll also have longer to develop a positive working relationship with the organisation in which you are based, and increase the likelihood of gaining employment with that employer in the future.
Equip your workforce with applied skills
Our Degree Apprenticeships are built upon a strong foundation of partnership, with organisations and the University working together to effectively address skill deficits, and by ensuring that the curriculum aligns with the current demands of the workforce. We offer both existing open degree apprenticeship programmes and develop bespoke pathways tailored to specific organisational needs.
By involving learners in the process, their personal and professional development is fostered, making the entire journey a collaborative, transformative experience for all.
