What are higher and degree apprenticeships?

What are Higher and Degree Apprenticeships?

Higher and degree apprenticeships are work-based learning programmes where you combine a real paid job with formal study at levels 4–7 (from foundation degree to master’s), gaining both practical experience and a recognised qualification while your employer funds your training and you earn a salary instead of paying tuition.

Who are they for?

These apprenticeships are open to anyone over 16 living in England who is not in full-time education, typically with level 3 qualifications like A-levels or equivalent and usually requiring English and maths, although entry criteria vary by employer.

How do they work?

Successful applicants spend a minimum of about 30 hours a week working alongside experienced professionals, attend college, university or training provider sessions, and have their course fees paid by the employer with good prospects of continued employment afterwards.

In the first episode for 2026 of the HE Knowledge Hub Podcast, we’re delving into higher and degree level apprenticeships, and especially how they work at Plymouth Marjon University.

Listen to: Series 4, Episode 1 – 2026 Higher & Degree Apprenticeships with Plymouth Marjon University

How to apply

There are several different websites that advertise apprenticeship vacancies. Below is a list of the best websites to begin your search with.

You apply for a higher apprenticeship in the same way you apply for a job, by approaching employers instead of speaking to the training provider as you would with a traditional university degree.

The Amazing Apprenticeship website includes a vacancy snapshot which shows you a number of vacancies in top companies and allows you to research them further.
Use the ‘Find an apprenticeship’ section on the government website to search for vacancies in your area and filter them by level. Alternatively, if you know an employer who doesn’t currently recruit apprentices but would like to, you can direct them to the ‘Recruit an apprentice‘ section of the gov.uk website.
UCAS publishes a list of higher and degree apprenticeship vacancies you can apply for.
Prospects also publishes a searchable list of degree apprenticeships.
The Higherin website has honest reviews and insider advice.

Specific employers (particularly smaller businesses) will also advertise apprenticeship vacancies on their own website.

Hourly rates of pay as of 2025

Age 16 – 18: £7.55 per hour
Age 19 or over (in the first year of apprenticeship): £7.55
Age 19 or over (after first year): National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for your age, £12.21 if 21 years of age or above.

Myths and misconceptions

Apprentices are not just there to make tea.
Apprenticeships are not only for those who “failed” A levels.
They are available across many industries, not just trades or construction.
Degree apprenticeships can offer strong career progression, sometimes exceeding traditional graduate paths.
Pay varies by employer, age, and level, and many employers offer higher salaries than the legal minimum.

This insightful interview with nursing professionals and apprentices involved in the 2026 Higher and Degree Apprenticeships programme at Plymouth Marjon University, highlights real-world experiences from nurses navigating the transition into degree-level practice.

Explore Apprenticeships & Nursing Pathways

How will I be assessed?

Assessment depends on the apprenticeship framework, with older style programmes using continuous assessment and newer apprenticeship standards requiring an end-point assessment by an independent body.

Things to consider

Apprenticeships are advertised on a rolling basis.
Apprenticeships are very competitive – anyone can apply to them, including existing employees
Sometimes you are required to hold a license or certification for certain types of electrical, plumbing or construction work, which may hamper participation.

Case study: Tristan Boase

Tristan works as a lead engineer at Arcol UK. He felt as though going straight to University wasn’t for him. His best advice: “Furthering your knowledge and skills is crucial to progressing, but there are different ways of going about it so find a style of learning that suits you”

How did he get here?

A-levels in Engineering, Electronics and ICT
Apprenticeship: NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Engineering: Turner & Fitter
FdSc Engineering at Cornwall College

Next Steps partner institutions that offer higher and degree apprenticeships:

University Centre Somerset
City College Plymouth
Cornwall College
Exeter College
Petroc
Plymouth Marjon University
South Devon College
Strode College
Truro and Penwith College
University of Exeter
University of Plymouth
Yeovil College University Centre

Support for Schools

Click here for Amazing Apprenticeships – Support for Schools