Level 6 (Degree) Apprenticeships

A Level 6 apprenticeship lets you work, earn, and gain a qualification equal to a bachelor’s degree—all at once.

Level 6 (Degree) Apprenticeships

Degree Apprenticeships combine working with an employer and university, in a great opportunity where you’ll earn a salary, get work experience and finish the apprenticeship with a degree – which you won’t have to pay a penny for!

As a Level 6 (degree) Apprenticeship, you’ll graduate with either a BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons) degree, exactly the same as your peers who go to university full time! You’ll feel extra proud when throwing your mortarboard in the air that you’ll have experienced the best of both worlds, you’ll have a great degree and a boatload of experience to back it up, too.

On a degree apprenticeship, you’ll spend 20% of your working week studying towards a qualification at university. You’ll either study at university, online or an assessor might come to see you in the workplace. At this level, the qualification part of the apprenticeship will be quite challenging due to the academic aspect of a degree. As a result, you’ll need formal qualifications to be accepted onto a course. Entry requirements for degree apprenticeships vary, however most will require you to have level 3 qualifications, such as an advanced apprenticeship, A-Levels, BTEC or NVQ. Alternatively, if you have experience in the industry, you may not need recent qualifications or may need fewer of them.

As a degree apprentice, you’ll take on quite a bit of responsibility in your role, whether that’s managing your own team or handling official processes associated with your organisation. A Level 6 apprenticeship will usually last at least 2 and a half years, meaning this responsibility will continue to increase throughout. Don’t be put off by this! You’ll have support from your manager or workplace mentor to make sure you’re not overwhelmed.

If you do your degree apprenticeship with a university, you will also be entitled to everything that the more typical undergraduates get. You’ll have library access, academic support, student accommodation, all of the sports groups, societies and most importantly graduation! This means you won’t be missing out on student life one bit – you may just struggle to find time to do everything you want to do!

They’re a great opportunity if you want to academically challenge yourself but also want to start working in a professional environment.

FAQs

What are Level 6 (Degree) Apprenticeships like?

As a Level 6 apprentice, you’ll spend a majority of your time working with your employer and the rest studying towards your degree. You could study at university or with a training provider, learn online, or your assessor might come to your workplace. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to put your academic knowledge to the test in the workplace as you progress with your learning.

Before you even realise it, you’ll be managing teams, projects or important processes and these responsibilities can only be expected to grow throughout your apprenticeship. Don’t let this put you off though! While working you’ll have the support of your manager, workplace mentor and colleagues so you can take on the responsibility that’ll come with your role.

What qualifications do I get?

If you choose a Level 6 degree apprenticeship, you’ll graduate with a full BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons) degree from your university – no different from the one that your peers will receive if they go to university as a full-time undergraduate.

As a degree apprentice, many employers will also sponsor you to gain chartered status (something essential to certain roles) or to complete qualifications that are more directly related to your job. This could be one that allows you to use certain machinery or systems.

But, if you don’t have any recent qualifications in English and Maths, you’ll have the opportunity to get your Level 2 or 3 Functional Skills qualification to pass the apprenticeship programme. Your training provider will check this on your behalf when you sign up for the apprenticeship.

What is the difference between a Level 6 (degree) and Level 6 (higher) apprenticeship?

To explain this, we’ll have to go into some more detail. Every qualification you do has an associated level with it, to put it in context, Level 2 qualifications are the equivalent of GCSEs, Level 3 are the equivalent to college/sixth form and a Level 8 is the highest level of qualification you can get (a Doctoral degree).

With a level 6 apprenticeship you will get a level 6 qualification, regardless of if you do a higher or degree apprenticeship. The difference is that with a degree apprenticeship you will get a bachelor’s degree, whereas with a higher apprenticeship you’ll get the same level qualification, it just won’t be a degree.

How do they work?

Unlike a conventional degree, you’re guaranteed to have all of your tuition fees paid on your behalf by your employer, as well as receiving a salary for your hard work! As a Level 6 Apprentice, you'll be earning a salary of at least £7,000, however, this will depend on your employer – as a higher-level position most will offer a starting salary of around £18,000. That means you won’t really fit the usual ‘broke university student’ stereotype - nice!

Degree apprenticeships can be a little complicated to talk about due to their hybrid nature. They all depend on the role you choose and the employer and training provider that runs the programme. You’ll spend 20% of your time working towards your qualification; like a full-time degree, you’ll be taught with a variety of lectures, seminars, group study, flipped learning and much more.

This can either be on a block release basis (where you spend a few weeks at work and then a week at university or with a training provider), but most will combine block training in the workplace and studying once a week. This could be online from your desk at work, at home or with an external training provider, college or university.

Can I do a Level 6 apprenticeship?

As a high-level apprenticeship, you’ll likely need some formal qualifications to complete the programme as your employers will want to know that you can take on the challenging academic work.

Most Level 6 apprenticeships will require five GCSEs at 9-4 (or A*-C on the old grading scale), including English and Maths. You’ll also need Level 3 qualifications, such as A-Levels, NVQs, a BTEC or a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship. But, if you think you don’t have the qualifications to complete the programme, fear not! If you have experience in your chosen industry a lot of employers will be more relaxed in terms of which qualifications, you need.

What kind of apprenticeships can you do at a degree level?

There are more than 40 different apprenticeships at a Level 6 (Degree) Apprenticeship, including:

Building Services Design Engineer
Chartered Surveyor
Civil Engineer
Clinical Trials Specialist
Digital Marketer
Laboratory Scientist
Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer
Paramedic
Police Constable
Professional Economist
Project Manager
Registered Nurse

What does an employer look for in my application?

Level 6 apprenticeships are highly competitive, even more so than a lower-level apprenticeship or a full-time undergraduate degree, as there aren't as many available in the country and those applying for them are just like you; people who really know their stuff.

If you’re applying for a degree apprenticeship, an employer will likely want some employment history. This doesn’t have to be a full-time job, a part-time role while you were at college or school would be a perfect example to show that you can handle the work/study/life balance. This will let them know that you can reliably hold down a job and possess good time management and prioritisation skills.

However, if you don’t have much experience, there are still ways that you can impress an employer. Make sure you emphasise these key skills on your CV, whether that’s by using examples from extra-curricular activities or taking from experiences that you had at school, college or in your free time. If you've already completed an apprenticeship this may help you stand out as you can show that you know how to balance your workload.

To help you out with applications, we have compiled the three key traits that we think employers are looking for in our abundant experience operating alongside them:

Enthusiasm: You’ll need a genuine interest in the role and degree subject to work independently. It’s three years of your life – you’ll want enthusiasm to complete your work even when it gets tough!
Character: You’ll need to be mature enough to participate in the workplace and follow the etiquette there. That means someone who is dedicated to their work, studies and is a good fit for the company will be a crucial aspect of the apprenticeship application.
Academic Ability: This is a very challenging option, and your employer doesn’t want to set you up to fail; after all, it’s in their best interests as well that you succeed! Grades aren’t everything, but you’ll need to make sure you can take on some of the harder academic aspects of the position.

What support will I get while doing a degree apprenticeship?

As a Level 6 apprentice, you’ll have much more support than the typical undergraduate. Not only will you have HR support as well as your manager, but you’ll normally be assigned a workplace mentor. They may not work directly with you, but they’ll be able to offer extra support. Also, as a student, you’ll be able to access the same support from your tutor and student service if you have any difficulties during your studies.

How much will a Level 6 (Degree) Apprenticeship cost?

In some specific industries, a degree is definitely worthwhile. But if you choose to attend university and graduate, you’ll leave the all-nighters at the library and alcohol-filled parties with friends in your student flat with an average of £40,000 of debt. However, a Level 6 degree apprenticeship will incur no cost to you, just like any other apprenticeship!

Through the UCAS system, you can apply for scholarships that can go towards your tuition fees, but quite a few would be needed if you wanted to pay them off in their entirety. On the other hand, with a Level 6 apprenticeship there are no training costs or tuition fees to your higher training – that means no student loans to worry about in the future! With this option, you’ll even be paid to get your degree; it really is the best of both worlds.

Where can I find degree apprenticeship vacancies?

You can find exciting details about new Level 6 apprenticeships across England on our website. Search by your postcode, preferred industry or specific employer to find the perfect role for you. Once registered with www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk you can apply for as many apprenticeship positions as you want with the click of a button.

Some large employers like BT, Jaguar Land Rover, KPMG and Tesco will also have their own apprenticeship programmes you can apply for directly with the employer.

How does a sponsored degree programme work?

Other options include doing a sponsored degree. Like a degree apprenticeship, you’ll work directly with your employer while studying or after graduating, meaning you’ll get the experience you need for future roles while gaining your qualification. To find out more info about sponsored degree programmes, check out our blog post on them here!

How does will a Level 6 Apprenticeship improve my future prospects?

As part of the Level 6 apprenticeship, you’ll be combining the theoretical knowledge you gain at university with work every day – that means you’ll always have the opportunity to see your learning pay off in real-time. In more diverse frameworks, such as a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, many organisations will allow you to rotate around the business to get you to grips with their different departments.

When you finish your programme, you'll also be well-equipped to continue your work with your organisation compared to the traditional graduate. You'll know the ins and outs of the business, whether that’s due to the knowledge you picked up completing your degree or from the internal processes you absorbed while at work.

This work experience means you may even lead or mentor the 'regular' graduate programme with your experience! If you don’t remain with the same company don’t worry, your qualifications and practical skills will be highly valuable to other employers.

Is a Level 6 Apprenticeship difficult?

If you’re considering a Level 6 Apprenticeship, you should remember that it’s not the easy alternative to a full-time undergraduate degree. In fact, it’ll be as academically challenging as a traditional degree, but you’ll have the pressures that come with a job too. You’ll have to make sure there’s enough time in your day to get everything at work done as well as completing your coursework.

If you ask any uni student, they’ll tell you how much work they have to do and how awful deadlines can be. Equally, you’ll know from your parents, family and friends how working can come with its own issues. In a degree apprenticeship you’ll have to handle both of these at the same time. But, if you think you’re capable, you’ll be setting yourself up with some great career prospects for the future!

If you complete your apprenticeship with a university, you’ll be able to participate in all the things a more traditional undergraduate would.

Apprenticeships

Intermediate (Level 2) Advanced (Level 3) Higher (Level 4) Higher (Level 5) Degree (Level 6) Professional (Level 7)

Work Experience & Short-Term

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Education & Graduate

University Graduate Roles

Higher Level 6 Apprenticeships

AI Solutions Apprentice

QA Apprenticeships

pstrongEmployer description:strongp pPeak Signal is a boutique consultancy working in the broadcast, media, arts and culture sectors supporting organisations design better solutions and services, improve efficiency and drive meaningful change through user-centred design, innovation and business process optimisation. Although we are a very small consultancy, we have a number of prestigious customers who are at the forefront of exploring how AI can be harnessed to drive innovation within their businesses. As a key partner to them, we provide thought leadership and expert input to augment our customers thinking - and we need to ensure our team has the underpinning skills and expertise to bring novel solutions to the table. Our apprentice will be key to this.p pstrongOverview:strongp pThis role is offered in partnership with a UK government-approved training provider, aligned to the Level 6 (Digital and Technology Solutions Professional) apprenticeship standards. The apprenticeship includes part-time study towards a relevant degree or master’s qualification while you gain real-world experience on live projects with all the support you need to succeed. We are looking for someone who already has a strong technical foundation in AI and Machine Learning, whether youve gained it through self-study, previous work or hands-on projects and who is ready to apply this to practical, real-world challenges in a highly innovative environment.p pstrongResponsibilities:strongp ul liSupport the design, prototyping and testing of AI-driven solutions across our client and internal innovation projects.li liConduct applied research into new tools, frameworks and use cases for LLMs, agentic AI, speech technologies and other areas of client interest.li liTranslate user needs and organisational goals into technical experiments and proofs of concept.li liHelp deliver user-facing tools or backend services, contributing code, documentation and testing.li liParticipate in workshops, stakeholder engagement and project delivery.li liEngage in structured academic learning and apply insights to practical work throughout the apprenticeship.li ul pstrongWhat were looking for:br strongWe are open to a number of potential applicant routes. Do you fall into ANY of the following categories:p ul liTechnically strong in computer science, AI, data science or related fields.li liA self-taught MLAI practitioner with demonstrable personal or professional projects.li liAn early-career technologist looking to gain a formal qualification while working on meaningful, real-world applications.li ul pstrongRequired skills:strongp ul liSolid foundation in AIML principles (e.g. neural networks, NLP, transformers, speech processing).li liHands-on experience with Python and popular ML frameworks (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face).li liFamiliarity with LLM APIs and open-source models (e.g. GPT, Claude, Mistral, Whisper).li liFamiliarity with agentic AI frameworks (LangChain, AutoGen, CrewAI, OpenAI Functions).li liInterest in human-centred design, service delivery and inclusive technologies.li liAbility to explain complex technical ideas clearly and collaborate in small teams.li liSelf-driven problem-solver, curious and adaptable to changing technologies and user needs.br br li ul pstrongAdditionally, the following experience would be beneficial:strongp ul liExperience of deploying solutions which include ASR or captioning tools (e.g. Whisper, Vosk, AWS Transcribe).li liExperience of deployment solutions which include agentic AI frameworks (e.g. LangChain, AutoGen, CrewAI, OpenAI Functions).li liUnderstanding of accessibility best practices (e.g. WCAG standards).li liExperience of client facing projects or customer service.li liExposure to cloud services (e.g. AWS, Azure) and deployment workflows.li ul pstrongEntry requirements:strongp pAcceptable qualifications include any of:p ul liTwo A-levels in one or more similar subject plus B in A-Level maths.li liTwo A-levels in one or more similar subject plus 2-years work experience in tech.li liLevel 4 or 5 apprenticeship in a similar technical subject.**li liInternational Baccalaureate at Level 3 in a similar subject.li li3 years in a similar subject-related role.li liA first degree in a numerate discipline (but excluding Computer Science as not fundable).li ul pYou may also have a combination of qualifications and experience which demonstrate the minimum foundation needed for the programme. In this instance you could still be considered for the programme.p pIf you hold international equivalents of the above qualifications, at the time of your application you must be able to provide an official document that states how your international qualifications compare to the UK qualifications.p pstrongFor more information please visit the UK ENIC website. strongp pstrongWorking hours:strongp p40 hours per week.p pstrongBenefits:strongp ul liA fully funded qualification through a recognised UK apprenticeship programme (Level 6 equivalent to Bachelors Degree).li liExperience working with prestigious clients across the broadcast, media and creative sectors.li liMentorship from senior business practitioners.li liA flexible, inclusive working environment with genuine opportunity to shape the direction of your work.li liThe chance to work on projects that blend cutting-edge technology with human impact.li ul pstrongFuture prospects:strongp p90 of QA apprentices secure permanent employment after completing: this is 20 higher than the national average.p pstrongAbout QA:strongp pOur apprenticeships are the perfect way to gain new skills, earn while you learn, and launch yourself into an exciting future. With over 50,000 successful apprenticeship graduates, we’re a top 50 training provider, dedicated to helping you succeed.p pstrongInterested? Apply now!strongp

Location: Northamptonshire Data analysts 14.42 per hour Northamptonshire

Higher Level 6 Apprenticeship

Posted 6 days ago 22 days until closing

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Higher Level 6 Apprenticeship

AI Engineer Apprentice

QA Apprenticeships

pstrongEmployer description:strongp pMatillion is a fast-growing, cloud-native data integration and transformation company, enabling businesses to build and scale data pipelines across platforms like Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift, Databricks, and Synapse. With global offices we support leading brands like Cisco, Slack, and TUI in turning data into actionable insight. Recognized as a great place to work in both the UK and US, Matillion fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and customer focus. Were proud to be driving the future of data with cutting-edge technology and a passionate team.p pstrongOverview:strongp pReady to kickstart your career in machine learning and AI? Join Matillion as an AI Engineer Apprentice and gain hands-on experience building real AI solutions while learning on the job. Youll be part of our supportive Enterprise Data team, where youll work on exciting projects, learn from experienced mentors, and grow your skills in a fast-paced tech environment. This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to combine learning with real-world experience in one of the most in-demand areas of tech.p pstrongResponsibilities:strongp ul liDesign, prototype, and test machine learning models.li liRun experiments to improve performance of AI systems and large language models.li liHelp build and manage tools for evaluating and deploying AI solutions.li liMonitor and support production AI systems to ensure they run smoothly.li liWork with teams across the business to align AI projects with real-world goals.li liStay up to date with AI trends and contribute fresh ideas.li ul pstrongDesirable skills:strongp ul liSome experience or knowledge in software, data, or tech-related fields.li liPython skills and interest in machine learning tools and frameworks.li liCurious about large language models (LLMs), prompt engineering, or AI evaluation.li liAny exposure to cloud tools or MLOps is a bonus.li liEager to learn and grow in a fast-paced tech role.li liGreat communicator and team player.li liStrong problem-solving and attention to detail.li liOpen to feedback and new ideas.li liPassionate about AI, data, and innovation.li ul pstrongEntry requirements:strongp pAcceptable qualifications include any of:p ul liTwo A-levels in one or more similar subject plus B in A-Level maths.li liTwo A-levels in one or more similar subject plus 2-years work experience in tech.li liLevel 4 or 5 apprenticeship in a similar technical subject.**li liInternational Baccalaureate at Level 3 in a similar subject.li li3 years in a similar subject-related role.li liA first degree in a numerate discipline (but excluding Computer Science as not fundable).li ul pYou may also have a combination of qualifications and experience which demonstrate the minimum foundation needed for the programme. In this instance you could still be considered for the programme.p pIf you hold international equivalents of the above qualifications, at the time of your application you must be able to provide an official document that states how your international qualifications compare to the UK qualifications.p pstrongFor more information please visit the UK ENIC website. strongp pstrongWorking hours:strongp p37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am - 5.30pm.p pstrongBenefits:strongp ul liLearn while you earn full support from the Data team and expert mentors.li liHybrid working.li li30 days holiday plus bank holidays.li liPrivate medical insurance (BUPA).li li5 paid volunteering days per year.li liFree catered lunch every Wednesday.li liRegular team socials, happy hours, and quizzes.li ul pstrongFuture prospects:strongbr A chance to move into a permanent role at Matillion after successful completion of the apprenticeship.p pstrongAbout QA:strongp pOur apprenticeships are the perfect way to gain new skills, earn while you learn, and launch yourself into an exciting future. With over 50,000 successful apprenticeship graduates, we’re a top 50 training provider, dedicated to helping you succeed.p pstrongInterested? Apply now!strongp

Location: Greater Manchester Data analysts 13.70 per hour Lancashire

Higher Level 6 Apprenticeship

Posted 13 days ago 15 days until closing

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Higher Level 6 Apprenticeship

AI Engineer Apprentice

QA Apprenticeships

pstrongEmployer description:br strongWere Product Madness, and its our mission to bring joy to life through the power of play. Since we opened our doors in 2007, weve grown to be one of the worlds largest mobile game studios. Headquartered in London, with offices in Barcelona, Gda&nacute;sk, Lviv, Montreal and a remote team spanning the USA, we are truly a global powerhouse. Our hit titles, such as Lightning Link Casino, Cashman Casino, and Heart of Vegas, captivate millions of players each day and are some of the top-grossing social casino games on the market. Plus, were award winning, with accolades across our product, our specialist teams, and our culture. We might be known for creating fun, entertaining player experiences, but we take the serious stuff seriously. Responsible gameplay, sustainability, and the needs of our people are at the heart of what we do, every day.p pstrongResponsibilities:strongp ul listrongFull stack contribution: strongContribute to the development and maintenance of both front-end (Unity) and back-end components (APIs, microservices, databases) that support AI-driven tools and automation workflows. Implement features and fixes following established patterns and best practices, under guidance from senior developers.li listrongUnity tooling & integration: strongAssist in building and maintaining custom Unity editor tools to automate repetitive tasks (e.g., content creation workflows, build pipelines). Learn and apply APIs to integrate services and automate manual steps in development and live-ops processes.li listrongBackend & infrastructure support: strongSupport the development and optimisation of server-side applications and microservices that power AI features and data processing. Participate in discussions and contribute to CICD pipelines to automate testing and deployment processes.li listrongAI & automation learning: strongSupport the integration of AI models and advanced techniques into Unity and backend systems, working with data scientists and AI specialists. Research and learn about emerging AI tools and frameworks, contributing to team discussions on their potential applications.li listrongQuality assurance & testing: strongWrite unit and integration tests for assigned features, following team guidelines and best practices. Participate in code reviews and learn about automated testing strategies.li listrongCollaboration & knowledge sharing: strongCollaborate effectively with team members, other developers, and product managers to understand requirements and contribute to solutions.li listrongContinuous improvement: strongActively seek opportunities to learn and improve skills in Unity, backend development, AI, and automation. Stay up-to-date with relevant industry trends and propose ideas for discussion within the team.li liContribute to documentation of systems, workflows, and best practices.li ul pstrongDesirable skills:strongp ul li1 years of professional experience in development roles, OR a recent graduate with significant internship or personal project experience in full stack development, preferably with exposure to game development.li liSolid foundational knowledge of Unity (C) with experience in developing gameplay mechanics, tools, or other Unity-based applications.li liBasic understanding of a modern backend language (e.g., C, Python, Node.js, Java) and fundamental web development concepts.li liFamiliarity with database concepts (SQL andor NoSQL) and basic API interactions.li liAwareness of version control systems (e.g., Git) and a willingness to learn about CICD practices.li liUnderstanding of basic software engineering principles (e.g., modularity, clean code).li liGood communication and teamwork skills, with a proactive attitude toward learning.li ul pstrongEntry requirements:strongp pAcceptable qualifications include any of:p ul liTwo A-levels in one or more similar subject plus B in A-Level maths.li liTwo A-levels in one or more similar subject plus 2-years work experience in tech.li liLevel 4 or 5 apprenticeship in a similar technical subject.**li liInternational Baccalaureate at Level 3 in a similar subject.li li3 years in a similar subject-related role.li liA first degree in a numerate discipline (but excluding Computer Science as not fundable).li ul pYou may also have a combination of qualifications and experience which demonstrate the minimum foundation needed for the programme. In this instance you could still be considered for the programme.p pIf you hold international equivalents of the above qualifications, at the time of your application you must be able to provide an official document that states how your international qualifications compare to the UK qualifications.p pstrongFor more information please visit the UK ENIC website. strongp pstrongWorking hours:strongp p37.5 hours per week, 9am - 5.30pm with 1 hour lunch break.p pstrongBenefits:strongp ul listrongImpact & innovationstrong: Play a key role in building the next wave of automation and AI capabilities that will redefine how we develop and operate live games.li listrongGrowth opportunitiesstrong: We invest in continuous learningexplore emerging AI technologies and evolve as a developer and innovator.li listrongCollaboration & autonomystrong: Be part of a small, agile team with the freedom to experiment, fail fast, and learn.li listrongWork-life balancestrong: Our culture places a high value on flexibility, well-being, and supportive collaboration.li liWork outings.li liDress down.li ul pstrongFuture prospects:strongp pThe possibility of full time employmentp pstrongAbout QA:strongp pOur apprenticeships are the perfect way to gain new skills, earn while you learn, and launch yourself into an exciting future. With over 50,000 successful apprenticeship graduates, we’re a top 50 training provider, dedicated to helping you succeed.p pstrongInterested? Apply now!strongp

Location: London Data analysts 15.38 per hour London

Higher Level 6 Apprenticeship

Posted 14 days ago 14 days until closing