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Information for Apprentices

Apprenticeships are an innovative way of earning while learning.

For those interested in further study but worried about student debt, Higher and Degree Apprenticeships offer exciting opportunities to combine university study with a paid job, while getting your fees paid for.

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What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship combines university study with a job, ensuring that you develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for a specific occupation. As an apprentice, you would be employed by a company and paid a wage for the duration of the programme. Apprentices are entitled to the same rights as other employees at that company and, best of all, have their tuition fees paid!

Earn as you learn

The curriculum of our courses has been developed to ensure apprentices are learning new knowledge, skills and behaviours beneficial to real world business needs.

This exciting iniative is available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels:

  • Level 6 (Undergraduate Level) - are suitable for students who would like to gain work experience alongside their studies. We currently offer one Level 6 programme in BSc Computer Science with Digital Technology in partnership with PwC. You do not need to be already employed to apply.
  • Level 7 (Postgraduate Level) - are suitable for people who want to take their career to the next level through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities. They are taught on a part time basis and are aimed at those already employed in a managerial role. 
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How to apply

Applying for an apprenticeship is a simple 6 step process. If you are employed in a relevant job role and interested in undertaking a degree apprenticeship at the University of Birmingham, you must first have a discussion with your employer.

The University has a good reputation, and the campus and facilities are great. Going back into the university environment was a real challenge to begin with but the lecturers, administration team and fellow students have all been approachable and supportive. The combination of practical skills and theoretical knowledge that I have experienced so far will be really useful to my planning role.

Kate Bailey, Head of Strategic Growth, Wyre Forest District Council

Who can do an apprenticeship?

If you are employed in a relevant job role and interested in undertaking a degree apprenticeship at the University of Birmingham, you must first have a discussion with your employer.

Basic eligibility requirements

To be eligible for an apprenticeship programme, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old (there is no upper age limit)
  • Meet the academic entry requirements for the course (please check relevant requirements here)
  • Have the right to live and work in England
  • Over the duration of the apprenticeship, spend at least 50% of your working hours in England
  • Be contracted to work a minimum of 30 hours per week and be paid at least your age-related Apprentice National Minimum Wage

Head over to our FAQ page to find more about how degree apprenticeships work in practice.

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Supporting your studies

There is a range of support available for our apprenticeship students, including experience academic staff, tutors, support staff and our wellbeing resource, which includes 24-hour online support through UBHeard. Students also have access to our Careers Network teams, which help to prepare them with the skills they need to compete for jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Degree apprenticeships can be at Level 6 (undergraduate degree) or Level 7 (postgraduate degree) and each programme is mapped to an apprenticeship standard, ensuring that apprentices develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for a specific occupation. Apprenticeships can be paid for by employers through the Apprenticeship Levy.

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Get in touch

If you have any questions about studying a Degree Apprenticeship with us, get in touch.