Final award:
- BEng Mechanical Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship)
- Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship
| Duration | 4 years excluding End Point Assessment |
|---|---|
| Entry point(s) | September |
| Application deadline | 1st July 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus, Exeter |
|---|---|
| Contact |
Overview
- Designed for motivated individuals seeking a dynamic career at the intersection of electrical and mechanical engineering.
- Core topics include mathematics, mechanics, structures, and engineering design, providing a strong foundation across engineering disciplines.
- From Stage 3, apprentices specialise in electro-mechanical systems, with a focus on control systems, automation, electronics, and mechanical integration.
- Developed in collaboration with industry to meet the evolving needs of sectors such as manufacturing, energy, transport, and advanced engineering.
- A unique opportunity to build in-demand skills while earning a degree and progressing toward professional accreditation.
Top 15 in the UK for General Engineering
13th in the Complete University Guide 2026
£6.5million investment in our teaching labs, workshop spaces and equipment
Apprentices earn a salary and pay zero tuition fees, meaning they’ll graduate debt-free and enhance their career
81% University apprentice achievement rate: 27% higher than the national average
HERA 2023/24 Qualification Achievement Rates (QAR)
Accreditations
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This programme launches in 2026 and has been developed in close partnership with industry and in consultation with our accrediting bodies. We have already successfully gained accreditation from industry professional bodies for established programmes across the Engineering department. Due to accreditation requirements for new programmes, we cannot seek accreditation until the first cohort is in their final year of the programme. Therefore, we intend to seek backdated accreditation from professional bodies when this requirement has been met, but it may not be guaranteed. If you require any further information, please contact the University directly.
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | ABB | GCE A-Level Maths grade B and another science* subject at grade B. Candidates may offer GCE A-Level Maths, Pure Maths or Further Maths. |
| IB | 32/655 | HL5 in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) and HL5 in another Science subject. Applicants achieving IB Maths SL7 plus IB HL5 in Physics will also be considered. |
| BTEC Extended Diploma | DDM |
Applicants studying one of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas will be considered: Applied Science, Aeronautical Engineering, Building Services , Engineering Construction and the Built Environment, Civil Engineering, Operations and Maintenance Engineering, Computer Engineering , Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Sustainability. |
| T-Level | Distinction |
T-level in: Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control, Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering; Manufacturing only, Surveying and Planning for Construction. |
| Contextual offers | BBC |
GCE A-Level Maths grade B and another science* subject at grade B. Candidates may offer GCE A-Level Maths, Pure Maths or Further Maths. |
| GCSE | 4 or C | All applicants require Grade 4/C in GCSE English Language and Mathematics. |
| Equivalences | View other grade equivalences | |
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
*GCE A-Level science includes: Biology/Human Biology**; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Life and Health Sciences; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Statistics.
**If more than one of these is taken they would only count as one 'science' but could count as two A-Levels towards our general requirements.
Additional entry requirements
In certain cases, recognising applicants’ prior skills and qualifications allows us to accelerate entry to our programme. Please contact us for further information.
Application through Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL): Where an applicant can evidence a Level 3 or 4 qualifications (completed within the past five years) which can be accredited to demonstrate there is already an understanding of Electro-Mechanical principles.
Applications through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL): Applicants must have a minimum of two years engineering industry experience. They must also be in a role that supports the gathering of evidence required for the Electro-Mechanical apprenticeship standard.
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.
If the apprentice is aged 19+ when they begin their apprenticeship training, and they do not already hold a suitable equivalent qualification, English and / or maths is an optional part of the programme under the funding rules. However, L2 English remains a standard entry requirement for University of Exeter programmes.
Find out more about how we support Functional Skills.
Applicants must also have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship – please see the Department for Education website for further information.
How to apply
- Vacancies are advertised by employers and are often promoted through our current vacancies page when they become available.
- Please be aware that each company will have their own recruitment process, the stages and timelines may vary. If applicants are successful, they will be offered a position as an apprentice with the company.
- An apprenticeship place on the programme will be confirmed by University of Exeter, and we will send further information about how to enrol as a student.
Funding
Full programme cost: £27,000
This apprenticeship is entirely funded through an Employers’ Apprenticeship Levy. Your employer fully covers the cost of the apprenticeship, apprentices do not pay for any of the eligible training costs. As an apprentice you will be an employee of your organisation, gaining a University of Exeter award alongside working and earning a salary.
Employers who pay the Apprenticeship Levy will pay for the apprenticeship fees directly through that contribution. See further information on the Apprenticeship Levy funding.
Employers who do not pay the Levy will be able to claim 95 per cent of the cost of the apprenticeship from the Government. Up to 100 per cent Government contribution may be available if the employer has fewer than 50 employees and:
- Recruits an apprentice aged 16-18
- OR an apprentice aged 19-24 who has previously been in care or who has a local authority education, health and care plan
Employers must pay their apprentices a salary at least consistent with national legislation.
Funding eligibility criteria
To be eligible for funding the apprentice must meet the criteria listed in the Department for Education guidance.
The apprentice must have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship.
Course content
Engineering remains at the heart of the UK economy and the demand for skilled and qualified engineers has never been higher.
The modules in this programme aim to enable you to:
- Become a flexible engineering graduate, equipped to work effectively within engineering design and management.
- Practice specialist skills to demonstrate an awareness of the context within which you work and take responsibility for your own personal and professional development.
- Gain awareness of the environmental, economic, social and sustainability issues that are an integral part of the professional engineer’s role. This includes topics related to electro-mechanical systems, with a focus on control systems, automation, electronics, and mechanical integration.
- Work well in multi-disciplinary groups, with experience of communication, organisation, planning and logistics.
- Years one and two provide core fundamental knowledge of engineering principles, as well as applying mathematics to engineering problems.
- Your three and four are spent applying your knowledge to engineering problems.
You will complete a Technical Report and Presentation in the final year: an opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to devise an engineering solution at a professional level in an area of engineering study that interests you.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Learning
We will foster a strong early talent community across all engineering apprentices through combining cohorts across our engineering degree apprenticeship programmes in the first two years of teaching. This approach will build a South West Hub for engineering skills and give employers opportunities to engage across sectors and industries. Our strong relationships with regional FE providers will also strengthen engineering pathways for apprentices to build their careers within the businesses.
How you will learn
This apprenticeship adopts a balanced approach to supporting student learning through a combination of in-person lectures, hands on practical workshops, research/ industry led masterclasses and digital learning resources. Core topics include specialist subject knowledge supported by a strong foundation across engineering disciplines.
All students will all have access to the world class facilities at the University of Exeter, including benefitting from our recent £6.5 million investment in engineering teaching labs, workshop spaces and equipment. Additionally, students will benefit from established facilities across our Streatham Campus, including student study, wellbeing and careers support.
Assessment
Your performance at Exeter will be assessed in a variety of different ways, to equip you with the necessary skills for the workplace or further study. This includes coursework, lab and workshop-based tasks, exams, presentations and extended project-based activities.
Each module has a set of 'Intended Learning Outcomes' which specify what you should know and be able to do by the end of the module, and assessments are designed to demonstrate these.
Contact hours
Lectures and workshops are delivered through a series of two-week blocks spaced throughout your degree apprenticeship. Structuring contact hours within these blocks provides a regular dedicated period of study for you to fully focus on your learning.
Outside of contact hours, you will have access to a wide range of the Universities digital resources, including our library, databases, lecture recordings and learning materials. You will also be in contact with a wide range of subject matter expert academics to guide and support your apprenticeship.
Careers
About the apprenticeship
As an apprentice, you will be a full salaried member of an organisation, typically earning between £13,000 and £19,000. Much of your learning will take place at work, either through projects linked to academic content or time set aside for distance learning.
Apprentices will be working in a relevant job from day one of your studies, meaning when you graduate, you'll have both the professional and academic experience sought after by employers.
Employer valued skills
The apprenticeship standard defines an apprentice's capabilities as an Electro-Mechanical Engineer. You will have gained experience in areas including project management, machine learning and AI, managing engineering practices in a safe and sustainable way and communicating with clients and workers of all levels.
Employer information
The Electro-Mechanical Engineer Apprenticeship has been developed in response to the growing industry demand for engineers with expertise in both electrical and mechanical systems. As industries become increasingly automated and integrated, the need for professionals who can work across disciplines—particularly in areas such as robotics, automation, power systems, and advanced manufacturing—has never been greater. The Engineering Department has significant expertise in electro-mechanical engineering, particularly in automation, robotics, and intelligent systems. This programme fits within the strategic vision of Engineering 2030, which aims to develop cutting-edge programmes aligned with emerging technological advancements.
Top 15 in the UK for General Engineering
13th in the Complete University Guide 2026
£6.5million investment in our teaching labs, workshop spaces and equipment
Apprentices earn a salary and pay zero tuition fees, meaning they’ll graduate debt-free and enhance their career
81% University apprentice achievement rate: 27% higher than the national average
HERA 2023/24 Qualification Achievement Rates (QAR)
