Higher and degree apprenticeships

Combining on-the-job training with academic study to help improve business skills and knowledge.

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What are higher and degree apprenticeships?

Our higher and degree apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with academic study.

Many apprenticeships offer the opportunity to gain a higher education qualification – usually a Bachelor's or Master's depending on your chosen course – and on most apprenticeships you will earn a salary whilst doing it.

Looking to progress your career

Hear why apprentice April chose to study a higher and degree apprenticeship and how it could benefit you.

Top 20

for best apprenticeship training provider. RateMyApprenticeship 2023/24.

Good

Ofsted rating for UWE Bristol apprenticeships. Ofsted 2022, published 2023.

87^%

apprentices agree they have developed new or built on existing skills since starting their apprenticeship. UWE Bristol apprentices survey 2022/23.

Benefits of becoming a higher or degree apprentice

Usually you’ll gain a university degree while earning a salary, plus a professional accreditation (depending on your apprenticeship).
Apprenticeships are fully funded by your employer with government contribution, leaving you debt free.
You’ll get on-the-job training as well as a higher/degree level qualification so you can apply what you learn right from the start.
You’ll get direct access to UWE Bristol's experienced academic community, as well as our modern facilities.
UWE Bristol has long-standing experience in running apprenticeships—get the support you need while at university and at your workplace.

Information for employers

Information about higher and degree apprenticeships, including business benefits, funding and the role of the employer.

Degree apprenticeships employer information

international students receiving careers support

Career development for apprentices

Access our Careers Toolkit for specialist careers advice and resources for higher and degree apprentices at UWE Bristol.

Careers Toolkit (login required)

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Our campus facilities provide practical learning opportunities that support your development in the workplace.

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Prior learning or existing knowledge

We have an established process should you have prior learning or existing knowledge.

You should be eligible for funding from Learner Support Fund from ESFA which can pay for specialist mentoring, specialist study skills tuition and other support.

Find out more about accredited learning (AL) and accredited experiential learning (AEL).

Support for higher and degree apprentices who are disabled

You may be eligible for reasonable adjustments for specific learning differences such as dyslexia. We strongly recommend that you disclose your disability to your employer so that reasonable adjustments can be considered within the workplace. To apply for reasonable adjustments at UWE Bristol, please email your medical evidence to disability@uwe.ac.uk and create an impact statement.

However, you aren't eligible for Disabled Student Allowances, so please apply to Access to Work as soon as possible to cover any needs you have around specialist equipment or assistive technology. If you experience difficulty, please contact the Disability Service for help via a student enquiry form.

You should be eligible for funding from Learner Support Fund from ESFA which can pay for specialist mentoring, specialist study skills tuition and other support.

Find out more about support for current disabled students and support for Police Constable Degree Apprentices.