What are higher and degree apprenticeships?

Degree apprenticeships include the award of a full first-degree or a Master's degree. Higher apprenticeships are a university level qualification but don’t include a full degree award.

Apprentices spend 80% of their time working and undertaking on-the-job training and the remaining 20% is spent attending university or another training provider. You are paid a salary and 100% of your tuition fees are paid for by your employer (sometimes with government support).

Our higher and degree apprenticeships cover a range of qualifications up to Master’s level and many are also accredited by professional bodies.

Apprenticeship or traditional university study?

A university qualification opens many doors to exciting new careers and opportunities for personal and professional growth. We want to make sure you choose the right course to gain the skills you need for your chosen career.

Higher and degree apprenticeships offer an alternative route to higher education for both school leavers and people already established in their careers. Apprentices work full-time whilst also studying at university during the normal working day. 

The benefits of higher or degree apprenticeships:

• You achieve a university level qualification whilst working.
• You will have the opportunity to earn whilst you learn and your tuition fees will be covered by your employer.
• You will be entitled to the same benefits as everyone else in the workplace, including tax credits and paid holiday.
• You will learn at a pace suited to you with the support of an experienced mentor.
• You will receive excellent progression opportunities, whether looking to study further or climb the ranks within your workplace.

The benefits of the traditional university route:

• Whilst studying for your degree, you will gain many transferable skills highly sought after by employers and businesses. This is great if you aren’t sure about your career path just yet or are even thinking of setting up your own businesses (like many of our graduates).
• You won’t be combining a full-time job with studying so you will be able to participate fully in student life, making new friends, and joining a diverse community of academics and students.
• The university experience can help you develop independence and critical thinking skills, through self-directed study and immersion in an academic environment.
• Many degrees have the option of a work placement allowing you to gain valuable work experience whilst at university. 

The availability of higher and degree apprenticeships for new employees can be limited. If you are currently employed, your employer may already have an apprenticeship scheme offering the right opportunity for you.

How to apply

Our apprenticeship courses are delivered through employers who are supporting their employees to undertake an apprenticeship. This means that you can’t apply to the University directly in the same way you would for a traditional university course.

I am already employed

If you’re already employed in an organisation that is working in partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University, then you should discuss with your manager and apply through your employer.

If your employer is not yet a CCCU partner, please discuss with your employer what apprenticeship provision they have in place.

I am not yet employed

To be offered a place on one of our degree and higher apprenticeship programmes, you first need a relevant job with an employer who will support you in undertaking an apprenticeship.

The best way to start an apprenticeship is to find employers with apprenticeship opportunities. You can search for apprenticeship vacancies on the National Apprenticeship Service website.

Many employers advertise their apprenticeship vacancies on their websites and you can view the organisations we are currently working with.