FAQs
Our frequently asked questions cover the main things you need to know about professional degree apprenticeships.
A professional higher or degree apprenticeship combines vocational work-based learning with study for a university degree.
A professional higher or degree apprenticeship is open to anyone who is in employment, whether they are a new recruit or an existing employee. Apprentices have to be 16 or over to be eligible for an apprenticeship, but there is no age limit.
Apprentices spend a minimum of six hours a week (of their contracted working hours) undertaking off-the-job training, and the rest of the time in the workplace.
Each programme has a mixture of learning, combining days on campus and online sessions.
There is no strict timeframe for a professional higher or degree apprenticeship. They can take from two to six years depending on the programme.
Professional apprenticeships can provide your business with a range of benefits including:
- demonstrate your commitment to staff investment
- attract and retain top talent, putting you ahead of competitors
- enhance and develop your workforce
- fill higher-level skill gaps, improve business performance and increase productivity.
A professional apprenticeship allows learners to develop and expand their existing skills and knowledge, while gaining a degree qualification. Other benefits include:
- career development, boosting earning potential
- development of relevant skills to your sector, putting you ahead of the competition
- no costs or tuition fees to the learner.
If you're an employer who pays the apprenticeship levy (with annual salary bills over £3m), training costs will be covered by the levy funds in your digital account.
Non-levy payers pay just 5% towards the cost of the apprenticeship, with the government funding the remaining 95%.
Find out more about government funding here
Each apprenticeship programme has course-specific entry requirements, details of which can be found on course pages.
In addition, the government requires that all higher and degree apprentices demonstrate evidence of English and maths qualifications at Level 2 (GCSEs at Grades 9-4 or A*-C, or equivalent) or above.
To study an apprenticeship at Teesside University, we require applicants to achieve these qualifications before starting their programme to give learners the best experience and chance of success.
Employers will be asked to ensure that applicants can provide evidence of these qualifications as part of the recruitment process.
English and maths requirements
Employers can contact our team to discuss requirements and come up with a training plan to include the most appropriate apprenticeship courses for the organisation.
