Higher and degree apprenticeships – information for employees

Higher and degree apprenticeships are nationally recognised qualifications that allow you to study for a degree relevant to your chosen profession while you work.

On successful completion, apprenticeships provide graduate apprentices with a solid foundation for career progression.

European Social Fund logo

European Social Fund

Apprenticeships are funded by the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) through a levy and where employers do not pay into the levy, funding may be received from European Social Fund (ESF) match project.

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • Our apprenticeships focus on work-integrated learning, developing professional knowledge and skills that you and your employer need.
  • You'll have the opportunity to obtain a recognised degree from Kingston University while you continue to gain practical experience in your workplace, allowing you to earn while you learn. You'll also get to apply everything you've learnt in the classroom to real-life situations at work.
  • The cost of an apprenticeship is covered by your employer, this means you won't pay any tuition fees. What's more, you'll get all the support you need and benefit from the expert teaching at Kingston, alongside your paid work, giving you the best of both worlds.

Apprenticeship FAQs

What is a degree apprenticeship?

Degree apprenticeships were launched in 2015 and are a nationally accredited work-based programme where an apprentice combines working in a skilled occupation with undertaking part time university study towards a related degree or masters qualification.

Apprentices are sponsored by their employer and work full time (usually 30 hours a week) whilst studying at university part time (usually attending one day a week) to gain a degree qualification.

Visit the gov.uk website to find out more about becoming an apprentice.

Would I have to pay tuition fees?

No, as an apprentice you will not pay any tuition fees; the cost of an apprenticeship is paid for by your employer.

How do I apply for an apprenticeship?

The route to a higher and degree apprenticeship at Kingston University is through your employer, therefore you must already be employed by a company or organisation in order to be eligible.

If you are currently employed and would like to find out more about apprenticeships, please ask your employer to contact the Kingston University apprenticeship team.

Entry requirements and eligibility

The route to a higher and degree apprenticeship at Kingston University is through your employer, therefore you must already be employed by a company or organisation to be eligible.

To qualify for a higher and degree apprenticeship, an employee is required to:

  • be employed in a relevant job for a minimum of 30 hours per week and will need approval from their employer to enrol onto a course
  • have been ordinarily resident in UK or EEA for at least three years prior to the apprentice programme
  • spend 50% of the working hours in England during the duration of the apprentice programme
  • adhere to the programme specific competencies and entry requirements
Entry requirements and eligibility
Next steps

Next steps

If you are currently employed and would like to find out more about apprenticeships, please ask your employer to contact the Kingston University apprenticeship team.

You can also find useful information about apprenticeships on the gov.uk website.

What our apprentices say

I was attracted to the apprenticeship programme because I liked the idea of being able to continue earning a salary and having the opportunity to work towards my degree. Kingston University has a very structured plan to get the apprentices caught up to the full time students, and provides excellent support.

Jason, Civil Engineering and Infrastructure apprentice

Useful links

If you're interested in becoming an apprentice, here are some useful links:

Useful links

Contact us

For more information, please contact the apprenticeship team.

Telephone: +44 (0)208 417 5907

Email: degreeapprenticeships@kingston.ac.uk