Deciding what to do after finishing school or college can be challenging. There are so many options, from internships and apprenticeships to gap years, volunteering and work experience. Where should you start with it all?

Well today, we’re looking at degree apprenticeships and how they compare with the traditional university experience. Degree apprenticeships let you earn a salary, gain industry experience and achieve a degree without the burden of tuition fees. Sounds great, right? Well, they are! But each option has unique benefits and challenges. 

In this article, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of university and degree apprenticeships, to help you figure out the best fit for your future.

In this article:

Degree Apprenticeships vs University Study

What are degree apprenticeships?

Degree apprenticeships offer a fantastic blend of work and study, letting you earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree while working. They usually last three to six years, with most of your time spent working and about 20% dedicated to university study. This can mean attending university 1-2 days a week or in concentrated blocks.

Key features of degree apprenticeships include:

• Work-integrated learning: Apprentices spend a significant portion of their time (typically around 80%) in a paid role. This employment directly relates to their field of study, letting apprentices apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
• Academic study: Alongside their work commitments, apprentices attend university classes part-time. The curriculum is aligned with industry standards, ensuring apprentices develop theoretical understanding relevant to their profession.
• Employer support: Degree apprenticeships are sponsored by employers who cover the cost of tuition fees, making them a cost-effective option for apprentices. This employer involvement ensures that training is tailored to industry needs, enabling seamless transitions between learning and applying knowledge in the workplace.

Do degree apprenticeships get a degree?

Yes, degree apprenticeships lead to a full bachelor’s or master’s degree. These degrees are totally equivalent to “normal” degrees obtained through traditional university study. 

Really, the only difference is your tuition fees are covered by your employer (rather than you), meaning you earn a wage and gain practical experience without racking up student debt. 

Available degree levels are:

• Bachelor’s Degree Apprenticeships: These programs typically span three to four years and result in a bachelor’s degree (e.g., BSc Hons or BA Hons) in a specific discipline. They’re great for professions requiring foundational knowledge and skills at an undergraduate level.
• Master’s Degree Apprenticeships: These advanced programs let you pursue expertise in specialised fields that demand deeper understanding and capability. Master’s degree apprenticeships can last up to six years, combining extensive work experience with advanced academic study.

Is a degree higher than an apprenticeship?

Degree apprenticeships provide qualifications equivalent to traditional university degrees. 

So if you’re going down this path, you’ll work towards a full degree that’s the same level as a “normal” Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Some apprenticeships also let you work towards a Foundation Degree.

In the hierarchy of educational attainment, the distinction between a degree and a degree apprenticeship lies in their educational approach rather than intrinsic value. 

For instance, degrees are traditionally associated with broader academic knowledge and skills applicable across various industries. They’re often required for entry into professions like law, medicine and academia, where a deep understanding of theoretical concepts is essential. 

Apprenticeships, while also providing the same qualifications, emphasise hands-on, industry-specific skills and are typically more targeted towards specific careers such as engineering, architecture, IT or healthcare.

Is university better than a degree apprenticeship?

Deciding between university and a degree apprenticeship can be tricky. Ultimately, neither is “better” than the other. It depends on your preferences, the university’s reputation, financial circumstances and career goals.

So whether you prefer the structured academic environment of university or the practical experience of a degree apprenticeship, understanding the pros and cons will help you make an informed decision. 

What are the advantages of degree apprenticeships?

Here are some of the pros of degree apprenticeships.

• Real-life experience: Gain hands-on experience in your chosen field, applying what you learn directly to your job. This builds industry-specific skills and knowledge.
• Financially beneficial: One of the most significant advantages is financial. Your tuition fees are covered by your employer, and you earn a salary while you study, letting you avoid student debt.
• Early career start: Starting your career straight-away can give you a head start in the job market. You’ll have years of experience by the time your university peers graduate.
• Networking opportunities: Working in the industry means you build a professional network from day one – invaluable for future career prospects.
• Structured learning: Degree apprenticeships follow a well-structured program that balances work and study, providing a clear pathway to your career goals.

What are the disadvantages of degree apprenticeships?

As well as the many benefits, degree apprenticeships do come with challenges.

• Balancing act: Managing the demands of work and study requires excellent time management and organisational skills. It can be challenging to keep up with both responsibilities.
• Limited financial support: Unlike university students, degree apprentices might not qualify for traditional student loans, which can limit access to financial support.
• Different social experience: You might miss out on the university social experience, such as living on campus, joining clubs and participating in extracurricular activities.
• Dependency on employer: Your success and experience heavily depend on the quality of the employer’s training. Although many apprentices are offered full-time positions after completion, there’s no guarantee of a job at the end.
• Less flexibility in study: University programs might offer more flexibility in course selection and the opportunity to explore different academic interests. While specialised skills are beneficial, this can limit future career options if you change fields.

Do employers prefer degrees or apprenticeships?

Whether an employer prefers degrees or apprenticeships depends on the industry and role you’re applying for. 

Both qualifications are valued and both offer a degree at the same level. So having the specific skills and experience necessary for the job is way more important than the educational path you chose.

But preferences can vary depending on factors like:

Industry-specific preferences

• Traditional professions: Certain professions such as law, medicine and academia might favour traditional university degrees. Employers in these sectors often value the broad knowledge and in-depth research skills that come with a degree.
• Technical and vocational roles: Industries like engineering, construction, IT and healthcare may prioritise apprenticeships due to their emphasis on practical skills and hands-on experience. Employers in these fields often value apprenticeships for their ability to produce job-ready candidates.

Skills and experience

• Transferable skills: Degrees are valued for their transferable skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving and communication, applicable across various roles and industries.
• Practical experience: Apprenticeships are highly regarded for providing real-world experience and specific technical skills tailored to the needs of the industry. Employers appreciate apprenticeships for producing candidates who can contribute immediately and require less training upon employment.

Changing perceptions

• Growing acceptance: There is an increasing recognition among employers of the value apprenticeships bring in addressing skills gaps and fostering a skilled workforce. Many companies actively promote apprenticeship programs as integral to their talent acquisition and development strategies.
• STEM fields: In STEM sectors, where practical skills and hands-on experience are critical, apprenticeships are often favoured. These fields require specialised knowledge and technical proficiency that apprenticeships effectively provide.
• Professional services: Industries like finance, marketing and consulting may (sometimes, but not always) lean towards graduates with traditional degrees. This ultimately hinges on the role and whether you’ve got the skills necessary for the job.

Degree Apprenticeships: The Practicalities

How competitive is a degree apprenticeship?

Degree apprenticeships are highly competitive, often more so than traditional university courses. The application process involves multiple stages, including submitting a CV, writing a cover letter, and going through interviews and assessment centres. 

Due to the intense investment (both in terms of finances and time), employers look for candidates who not only have strong academic records but also possess practical skills such as teamwork, dedication, problem-solving and effective communication. 

With no tuition fees (as well as the opportunity to gain real-world experience), you’ll probably find lots of students applying for each position.

What is the highest paying degree apprenticeship?

The highest-paying degree apprenticeships are generally found in industries such as finance, engineering and technology. 

• Finance degree apprenticeships: Positions in banks, investment firms and financial services companies offer apprenticeships with salaries starting around £18,000 to £25,000 per year, rising significantly as you progress.
• Engineering degree apprenticeships: Roles in mechanical, electrical and civil engineering can start at £15,000 to £22,000 annually, with the potential to earn much more after qualification.
• Technology degree apprenticeships: Companies in IT, software development and cybersecurity offer apprenticeships with starting salaries ranging from £18,000 to £30,000, depending on the company and location.

These fields not only offer high starting-salaries but also provide excellent career growth and earning potential as you gain more experience.

How many hours a week is a degree apprenticeship?

A degree apprenticeship typically requires a commitment of 30 to 40 hours per week. This includes time spent working on the job as well as attending university for study. 

Generally, you’ll spend about 80% of your time working and 20% studying. The study component can be delivered in various formats. You might attend uni one or two days a week, or in longer blocks such as a week at a time. Depending on the course, lectures could be online as well as in-person.

What is the most popular degree apprenticeship?

Some of the most popular degree apprenticeships are in sectors with high demand for skilled professionals and strong career prospects.

This includes:

• Digital and Technology Solutions: Covering roles in software development, cybersecurity and data analysis, these apprenticeships are in high demand due to the tech industry’s rapid growth.
• Engineering: Mechanical, electrical and civil engineering apprenticeships are popular due to the practical skills and job security offered.
• Healthcare: Nursing and healthcare-related apprenticeships are increasingly sought after, providing a pathway into vital and rewarding careers without traditional student debt.
• Business Management: Apprenticeships in business administration, finance and human resources are also popular, offering broad career opportunities in various industries.

Can you drop out of uni and do a degree apprenticeship?

Yes, it’s possible to drop out of uni and transition into a degree apprenticeship. But you’ll need to apply just like any other candidate. 

This involves researching opportunities, submitting applications, and potentially going through interviews and assessments. 

Start dates for degree apprenticeships can also vary (and aren’t necessarily tied to the academic year), so you’ll need to align your application with the recruitment cycle of employers you’re interested in.

In some cases, the credits you’ve earned at university might transfer to your degree apprenticeship – letting you continue your studies without starting from scratch. This depends on the university and the apprenticeship program though, so you’ll need to get in touch directly.

Is a degree apprenticeship worth it?

For many students, earning a salary, gaining practical experience and achieving a degree without debt makes degree apprenticeships highly attractive. But the right choice depends on your career goals, financial situation and learning preferences. 

Contact our team of academic coaches for expert advice on your next steps. Whatever your academic or professional dream, we’ll help you turn it into reality.