What are higher and degree apprenticeships?
Higher and degree apprenticeships offer the best of both worlds – combining university study with practical application in your workplace. Designed in partnership with your employer, they're designed to meet industry needs while supporting your professional growth. You’ll earn a recognised qualification while building valuable skills on the job.
As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll spend at least six hours a week on off-the-job training, delivered by the University. The rest of your time will be spent gaining real experience with your employer, enhancing your knowledge and skills by applying them in a workplace setting.
Higher apprenticeships lead to Level 4 or 5 qualifications. Level 4 is equivalent to the first year of undergraduate study or a Higher National Certificate (HNC), while Level 5 is equivalent to a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND). Degree apprenticeships are at Level 6 or 7, meaning you’ll achieve a full bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Our apprenticeships are built to help you grow – both professionally and personally – while giving employers the skills they need to thrive.
Application information
What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?
Higher and degree apprenticeships offer a range of benefits, making them an increasingly popular route into skilled careers. They allow you to:
- Study with the University and apply your learning directly in your workplace
- Have your tuition fees fully funded by your employer (via the apprenticeship levy and/or the government)
- Build industry-relevant skills through real experience
- Earn a salary while you study and work
- Gain a nationally recognised qualification
- Benefit from courses shaped in collaboration with employers to address real workplace skill gaps.
Our apprenticeship courses
Other opportunities
We’re excited to be expanding our apprenticeship offer through a new partnership with Access Training(opens in new tab) – an award-winning training provider based in Team Valley, Gateshead. By working together, we’re making it even easier for you to gain the skills, experience, and qualifications you need to succeed.
With over 40 years of experience, Access Training has been helping people across the north-east build careers in a wide range of industries. Their apprenticeships cover areas like accountancy, business and management, fire and security, and digital.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step, this partnership means even more opportunities for you to learn, earn, and grow.
To find out more, get in touch with our team to see what's available.
Contact us
To find out more information about our apprenticeships, please get in touch by emailing us at apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab) or calling us on 0191 515 3361.