Advanced, higher and degree apprenticeships

Our apprenticeship provision has been rated good by Ofsted (July 2024). We offer advanced, higher and degree apprenticeships integrating academic study with practical application in the workplace, which can lead to a Higher Education certificate, diploma, or degree, and/or professional accreditation or membership.

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What are advanced, higher and degree apprenticeships?

Advanced, higher and degree apprenticeships offer a combination of studying for a recognised qualification and valuable work-based learning, giving you the opportunity to earn while you learn. For all our apprenticeships, you'll study with the University for the equivalent of a minimum of six hours per week, with the remainder of your time being spent at work.

In England, advanced apprenticeships are level 3 qualifications and are generally considered to be the equivalent of two passes at A Level.

Higher apprenticeships are level 4 and 5 qualifications. Level 4 apprenticeships are equivalent to the first year of undergraduate degree study or a Higher National Certificate (HNC), while level 5 apprenticeships are equivalent to a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND).

Degree apprenticeships are level 6 and level 7 qualifications, the equivalent to a bachelor's or master's degree respectively.

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Who is an apprenticeship suitable for?

If you're 16 or over, live or spend over 50% of your working time in England, and aren't in full-time education, you can apply for an apprenticeship. You may have recently left school or college and want to enter employment straight away while working towards a qualification, or you might already be established within your field and wish to advance your career further by developing your skills and knowledge.

Our advanced, higher, and degree apprenticeships offer module topics that enhance your skills to effectively carry out the tasks you're responsible for, allowing you to progress and implement learning effectively into both your studies and your profession.

Specific entry requirements will vary depending on the applicant, employer, and apprenticeship you're applying for. View a full list of our apprenticeships.

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What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?

There are several benefits of undertaking an apprenticeship and advanced, higher and degree apprenticeships are increasingly becoming a popular choice as they allow you to:

  • Work full-time with an employer that values staff development
  • Gain in-depth industry-relevant skills and experience
  • Earn a salary at the same time you're studying
  • Get the support you need to plan and realise your future career aspirations
  • Achieve a nationally recognised qualification
  • Study tuition-free as costs are covered by your employer and/or government funding.
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How to apply for an apprenticeship

To apply for an advanced, higher or degree apprenticeship, you must either have an employer in place to support you or have applied for an apprenticeship vacancy with an organisation that's recruiting apprentices.

If you're interested in applying for one of our apprenticeships and have an employer, please email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk and we'll provide you with the relevant application link.

To search for apprenticeships offered by employers in your area, visit the government website. Our apprenticeships team may also be able to signpost you to employers in our region who are currently recruiting.

Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6 and 7)

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Full-time/Part-time

Advanced Clinical Practitioner

The Advanced Clinical Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship is a dynamic work-based learning programme that will develop the core capabilities and advanced skills, knowledge and behaviours required for advanced clinical practice across a range of disciplines. This programme runs predominantly as a higher-level clinical apprenticeship. Practitioners who are not accessing an apprenticeship are also welcomed.

Find out more about Advanced Clinical Practitioner
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BA (Hons) Community and Youth Work (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)

The BA (Hons) Community and Youth Work (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship) will allow you to develop your practice in the workplace and learn off the job in order to qualify as a professional (JNC) youth worker. The course has been designed to focus on engaging professional development and you will undertake specific experience to enable your learning needs and demonstrate the necessary skills required by the apprenticeship standard.

Find out more about Community and Youth Work (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)
A student putting a sample into a test tube while wearing safety goggles
Full-time/Part-time

Biomedical Science Practice

This is a Level 7 programme or apprenticeship for Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACP). You will engage theory and practice within modules that adopt an integrated approach to teaching and learning in the development of skills, professional and practice knowledge. This is a work-based learning programme, where 70% of the learning is in the workplace and in role.

Find out more about Biomedical Science Practice
Students attending to a patient in the mock flat
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy (Apprenticeship)

This is an apprenticeship version of our popular BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy course. The course content reflects current practice and has been collaboratively designed with service users, local health and social care providers and academics, with support and guidance from national bodies such as the professional body, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, and the regulatory body the Health and Care Professions Council.

Find out more about Occupational Therapy (Apprenticeship)
Two podiatry apprentices practising on a foot
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Podiatry (Apprenticeship)

This apprenticeship is aimed at people who are assisting Podiatrists as foot care technicians or assistants, who would like to become a Podiatrist. You will be employed in either the National Health Service or in Private Practice and will need to have the agreement of your employer in order to apply.

Find out more about BSc (Hons) Podiatry (Apprenticeship)
Two nursing students on the mock childrens ward, gathered around a cot with a child manikin
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship

This five year undergraduate apprenticeship programme was designed and developed in collaboration with NHS Trusts and people who have lived experience of mental illness through the PCPI initiative, to ensure compassionate and competent person-centred care is in the hearts and minds of future registrants.

Find out more about Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship
A student using engineering equipment
Part-time

Engineering Practice

The Engineering Degree Apprenticeship suite consists of three pathways, Manufacturing Engineering Practice or Electronic and Electrical Engineering Practice. The suite of programmes to support the degree apprenticeship standards, offer a mix of technical skills commonly found on engineering programmes across the sector. 

Find out more about Engineering Practice
Audiology equipment
Full-time/Part-time

Healthcare Science Practice

This is a Level 7 programme or apprenticeship for Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACP). You will engage theory and practice within modules that adopt an integrated approach to teaching and learning in the development of skills, professional and practice knowledge. This is a work-based learning programme, where 70% of the learning is in the workplace and in role.

Find out more about Healthcare Science Practice
healthcare professional in white coat using a stethoscope on a patient
Part-time

PgCert Enhanced Clinical Practitioner (Apprenticeship)

Develop Enhanced Clinical Practitioner competencies aligned to the knowledge, skills and behaviours identified in the occupational standard. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Work within an area of enhanced practice.

Find out more about PgCert Enhanced Clinical Practitioner (Apprenticeship)
Two nursing students on the mock childrens ward, gathered around a cot with a child manikin
Part-time

Postgraduate Diploma Specialist Community Practitioner District Nursing

This postgraduate apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with local employers and has been designed to develop registered nurses (adult nursing) who wish to specialise in community district nursing practice.

Find out more about Specialist Community Practitioner District Nursing
A student sitting in the library, looking at their laptop while taking notes on a notebook next to them
Part-time

Senior Journalist Apprenticeship

This Level 7 Senior Journalist Apprenticeship will prepare you for a role as a senior journalist or editor in your company. You'll also be equipped to take the NCTJ National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ). The course will cover key developments around digital publishing and brand awareness and include full training in media law and editorial leadership.

Find out more about Senior Journalist Apprenticeship
MSc Project Management
Part-time

Senior Leader

This apprenticeship combines a masters degree, apprenticeship and the option to achieve Chartered Manager or Chartered Fellow professional recognition. It is designed for any individual moving into a senior or strategic management role.

Find out more about Senior Leader
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Social Work (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)

With our Social Work Degree Apprenticeship, you'll study for a degree whilst also gaining invaluable 'on the job' experience. Choose from two level 6 pathways depending on your prior learning – the BA (Hons) or the PgDip. Social workers improve the lives of a huge range of people. You could work with people with learning difficulties, children and families, older people, people who have problems with drug and alcohol misuse, people who experience mental health problems, or disabled people.

Find out more about Social Work (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)
A teacher in a classroom pointing at the board
Part-time

Teacher Apprenticeship

This Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship integrates practical experience with academic studies, including the theory of teaching and learning. It is aimed at anyone who currently works in, or plans to work in primary or secondary school education.

Find out more about Teacher Apprenticeship

Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4 and 5)

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Part-time

Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship

This Level 5 Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship integrates practical experience with academic studies, including the theory surrounding teaching and learning. It is aimed at anyone who currently works in, or plans to work, in the post-compulsory education sector delivering vocational education and training.

Find out more about Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship
a student and professor in the lab working with the equipmment
Part-time

Diploma in Healthcare Science (Apprenticeship)

Designed specifically for laboratory life scientists, the two year Healthcare Science Associate apprenticeship has been designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of individuals progressing to a band 4 healthcare science associate role.

Find out more about Diploma in Healthcare Science (Apprenticeship)

Advanced Apprenticeships (Level 3)

Two students laughing together in a classroom
Full-time

Business Administrator

Gain a set of knowledge, skills and behaviours that can be applied in all sectors. Develop your understanding of business administration. Enhance your knowledge of the organisation and consider how your role and work fit within the team and broader company goals.

Find out more about Business Administrator
Full-time

Team Leader/Supervisor

Develop the skills and behaviours needed to become a future leader. Gain Foundation Chartered Manager Status to support your professional development. Understand different leadership styles, and people and team management models.

Find out more about Team Leader/Supervisor

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Contact us

To find out more information about our apprenticeships, please get in touch by emailing us at apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk or calling us on 0191 515 3361.