Information for Aspiring Degree Apprentices

A degree apprenticeship is a fantastic way of receiving a qualification from the University of Exeter without paying tuition fees and having earned a salary for the duration of your studies.

We offer apprenticeships at undergraduate and postgraduate level (levels 6 and 7). All apprentices must be employed; you must either be applying to a role with an apprenticeship agreed, or must persuade your current employer to support you for the apprenticeship duration.

You are eligible for an apprenticeship if you’re starting your first professional-level job after leaving education, looking for a career change, or looking to upskill in your chosen career path.

Benefits of a degree apprenticeship

Studying a degree apprenticeship funded by the Apprenticeship Levy has benefits for both you and your employer. We’ve pulled together some key benefits you can take to your employer to explain the added value you could bring by studying on a degree apprenticeship programme. You can also hear from current and former apprentices on their experiences.

You will graduate from a prestigious Russell Group University.
You'll develop new knowledge and skills that will make you a more effective employee who can add real impact to your organisation and lay the foundation for a prosperous career.
Our blended, flexible learning format combines on-campus learning with online resources to minimise disruption so you can continue to fulfil your current role.
Your employer can work with our degree apprenticeship team to get support for recruitment, education, and any related administration.
During the apprenticeship, you will work with your manager to identify a project that directly benefits your organisation, so they'll get an immediate return on their investment in your new skills.

Frequently asked questions about studying on a Degree Apprenticeship

Degree apprenticeships offer you a way of launching or developing your career tuition-fee free. You will obtain a bachelors or masters degree, diploma or graduate certificate, plus an apprenticeship, and accelerate your work-based learning. You will obtain the knowledge and skills to help implement real change leading to a fulfilling career. We've answered some of the most commonly asked questions by aspiring apprentices.

Will I have a job during my degree apprenticeship?

During your degree apprenticeship you will be employed full-time for the full length of your degree apprenticeship programme.

How will my time be divided between study and work?

A degree apprenticeship usually takes around two to five years to complete and you will be working/studying full-time, or pro-rata for part-time employees. The exact amount of time you spend with your employer or at university will depend on the programme and your employer. Most of our apprentices are contracted for about 40 hours per week.

Depending on your programme, you will study a combination of day release (one day a week) and block release (alternate several weeks of work with a full week or two weeks of study).

How is the learning and assessment structured on a degree apprenticeship?

Our degree apprenticeships are structured as a flexible mix of blended learning. The amount of each will vary depending on the course you are studying. At the end of your degree apprenticeship, you will complete an end-point assessment which tests your academic learning and skills obtained through a combination of both off and on-the-job learning during your degree apprenticeship.

What support will I receive during my time as a degree apprentice?

All our apprentices get the same support as our full-time students. Every apprentice will have an assigned University mentor and an employer mentor who will support you from day one. All apprentices will be able to access services including: Wellbeing, Library and studying, and Careers support. This can be conducted virtually if you aren’t based locally to Exeter.

If you live close to campus, or when you come to campus to study, you can immerse yourself in what our University has to offer. Campus facilities include the gym, library, study resources, specialist subject-related equipment and swimming pools. Find out more about the Careers support applicable to apprentices here.

What are the benefits of a degree apprenticeship vs a traditional degree programme?

Just like our full-time students, you will be awarded a University of Exeter degree, diploma or certificate. You will also receive an IfATE apprenticeship once you complete your end-point assessment. Additionally, you can often gain a professional qualification alongside your degree.

As a graduate of a degree apprenticeship programme you’ll be working in an exciting and relevant job from day one of your studies, meaning you’ll have the both the professional and academic experience sought after by employers.

Do I need to have achieved Level 2 in Mathematics and/or English to study on a degree apprenticeship?

As an apprenticeship funding requirement, all apprentices aged 16-18 studying for a level 3 apprenticeship or higher are required to evidence achievement at level 2 in Mathematics and English before their gateway to endpoint assessment. More information is available on our Functional skills for degree apprentices webpage.

How do you apply for a degree apprenticeship?

You do not need to apply for your degree apprenticeship through UCAS. Instead, you should apply directly to the employer, following the application process outlined in the vacancy details, which may be advertised on the company website, our current degree apprenticeship vacancies page, or on the GOV.UK ‘Find an Apprenticeship page’. Our current vacancies webpage contains full details on how the process works.

If you are already working, you may be able to encourage your employer to support a degree apprenticeship within your current workplace. Head to our inspiring apprentices details above for more information.

Most apprenticeships start at the beginning of the academic year in September / October, to tie in with the delivery of University programmes, but check the individual listing details as this can vary.

Am I eligible for a degree apprenticeship?

Entry requirements vary, so always carefully check the employer’s website for vacancy details. Typically, degree apprenticeship candidates will need three A Levels (or equivalent) for a Level 6 apprenticeship. Level 7 programmes may require you to have a strong honours degree, and potentially relevant work experience in the industry.

Additional entry requirements from the government include:

A minimum of Grade 4 or C in GCSE Mathematics and English or equivalent (see equivalent qualifications)
Be a UK/EU/EAA resident for at least three years prior to starting the course
Have left full time education when the apprenticeship starts
Be at least 16 years old, but there is no upper age limit
Right to work in the UK.

Already have a degree? You can apply for a degree apprenticeship providing the focus of the apprenticeship is significantly different from that of the degree you hold. This is to ensure that the programme will help you develop new skills and knowledge to enhance your career.

Do I need to arrange student accommodation?

As only a small amount of your time will be spent on campus for residential learning, accommodation near to your workplace will be a priority as you will spend the majority of your time at work; or it may be feasible for you to commute from your current home.

Will I get the student experience as a degree apprentice?

All degree apprentices have residential periods on campus where you can immerse yourself fully in university life, meet other students face to face and make new friends. You also have access to the Students Guild and all of the University of Exeter on campus facilities available to regular students.

What qualification will I get at the end of my degree apprenticeship?

University of Exeter degree apprenticeship programmes include qualifications such as bachelors degrees, masters degrees and diplomas.

In addition, you will also achieve an apprenticeship certificate that is graded at pass, merit or distinction, and some programmes also include professional accreditation or prepare you to sit professional examinations.