Degree Apprenticeships offer work-based route to higher education to those who are already established in their careers as well as school leavers.

Designed in conjunction with employers and professional bodies to fill skill gaps in business and industry, apprenticeships give learners the knowledge and know-how to further their career and obtain a full degree. 

All of the learning is designed so apprentices can directly apply their new knowledge and skills in the workplace on a day-to-day basis. Personal and professional performance will also improve with the support of coaches and mentors from both Aston University and their employer.

Why choose Aston University? 

Aston University has built a reputation for its strong links with business and the professions and transforming young people into professionals with practical skills as well as knowledge.

We specialise in turning theory into action and our degree apprenticeships are designed to maximise opportunities for practical learning in the workplace.

Benefits of Degree Apprenticeships

At Aston University, we take pride in our approach to Degree Apprenticeships. Here are some key highlights of our programme:
 

The original University for Degree Apprenticeships 
We pioneered Degree Apprenticeships, becoming the first university to have graduates in July 2017. 

Aston delivers high achievers 
Our apprenticeships deliver excellent outcomes for both apprentices and their employers – 88% of our graduates have achieved a first class or 2.1 degree.
 
Delivering high quality Degree Apprenticeships 
Our offering has been nationally recognised in the 2024 RateMyApprenticeship Awards, where we were ranked 28th best Training Provider in the UK. 

Apprenticeships with impact 
Aston University's Degree Apprenticeships are developed in partnership with employers and professional bodies. Learning relates directly to modern business practices and can be applied to a learner’s job from day one – creating lasting benefits for both the apprentice and the organisation. 

Industry focused 
Business and industry are our heritage. We provide business growth and improvement services to many organisations each year, from innovative regional SMEs to major global players. Our research is critical to their success – find out more here.

Excellence in teaching 
Aston University is rated Gold in the Times Higher Education Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). TEF found that our students achieve ‘consistently outstanding outcomes’, with very high proportions going into highly skilled employment or further study.  

Backed by accrediting bodies 
Many of our programmes are accredited with leading global accrediting bodies. Aston Business School is in the 1% of business schools globally with triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. Browse the full list of our awards and accolades here.

Shaping talent across the UK 
We currently have over 600 Degree Apprentices studying with us, based at organisations across the UK. We have ambitious plans to grow our intake year on year, creating more opportunity for learners and business to succeed. 

Learning with a difference 
Aston Degree Apprenticeships include content that can be directly tailored to organisations through specialist elective modules, case studies, assignments and final projects. We can even offer bespoke programmes that will support specific strategic priorities. 

Ofsted New Provider Monitoring

Ofstead recently made their first visit to the University on the 28th and 29th September to review our Degree Apprenticeship provision. We achoeved a judgement of making 'reasonable progress' in all areas.