Degree Apprenticeships

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Degree Apprenticeships are an exciting and innovative way for individuals to gain a degree whilst in employment, offering an alternative route to higher education for both school leavers and those already established in their career.

Combining traditional academic learning with work-based training, Degree Apprenticeships offer a pathway to a recognised qualification and professional competence whilst enabling students to apply the knowledge and skills gained into the practical work place environment.

Degree Apprenticeships are funded degree programmes allowing employed people to 'Earn While They Learn' and gain a work-relevant bachelor's degree whilst working.

Programmes usually run for one day a week over a period of three years (often over an afternoon/evening) requiring just ½ day release from work each week, with students spending on average 80% of their time at their employer and 20% spent working towards their degree at University.

Current Courses

Currently Swansea University offers three Degree Apprenticeships:

BSc Applied Software Engineering (delivered at Swansea Unviersity)
BEng in Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering (delivered through our FE partner Coleg Cambria in North Wales)
BEng in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (delivered through our FE partner Coleg Cambria in North Wales)

For further details on these programmes please contact us.

Benefits of undertaking a Degree Apprenticeship

As a Degree Apprenticeship student you will:

graduate with a full degree which is industry recognised and transferrable.
have the opportunity to develop new skills and progress within your industry.
have the opportunity to ‘earn as you learn’ receiving a salary (from your employer) and guaranteed employment during the apprenticeship programme.
gain up to 3 years relevant work experience to supplement/compliment your degree.
graduate with no student debt, as all tuition fees are paid by HEFCW.

Eligibility

To qualify for a degree apprenticeship you will need to be employed in a relevant job either as an existing employee or new hire, for a minimum of 30 hours per week and work 51% of the time in Wales. Your employer will need to agree to you enrolling onto the course and releasing you from work for the required time each week. You will also need to meet/ satisfy the competencies and programme entry requirements of the relevant degree apprenticeship.

Course Fees

Annual fees for UK/EU students are £9000 per annum, with ‘full funding’ currently available (subject fto confirmation from HEFCW), covering the full course tuition fees of £27,000 (i.e., £9000 per year per student over 3 years).

No additional tuition fee charge is required from the student or the employer.

n.b. Fees may be increased in subsequent years of study by amount determined by Welsh Government.