What are Degree Apprenticeships?
Degree and Higher Degree Apprenticeships allow you to work in your current role while studying part-time, combining practical, on-the-job experience with academic learning through a mix of online and university-based study. Developed by the Government, employers, and universities, Degree Apprenticeships are open to anyone over 18, whether you’re starting out or looking to change or progress in your career. The cost of the apprenticeship is covered by your employer and the Government, so you won’t need to take out a loan or pay tuition fees. Depending on the level, they can take up to five years to complete. A key benefit is the ability to earn while you learn, maintaining financial security while gaining a degree and valuable work experience.
Apprenticeship Courses
BSc (Hons) Podiatry (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)
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BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)
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BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)
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BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)
Learn MoreWhat will I be required to do at University during my apprenticeship?
Our apprenticeships include a mandatory study time each week, for a minimum of 6 hours a week (based on a minimum 30 hours a week contract). This will include a mixture of in person, online, and self-directed study and counts as your Off-The-Job Training (OTJ). During this time, you will develop the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) necessary to complete your apprenticeship. For the rest of the week, you will be based at your workplace, where you’ll engage in planned learning activities. Both the Health Sciences University and your employer are responsible for ensuring you attend your OTJ training, so it’s recommended that you plan any annual leave around your university schedule.
If you have prior training that aligns with your apprenticeship requirements, it may count toward your course. We will assess your record of prior learning (RPL) before you start the program, which could exempt you from certain units of the apprenticeship. This will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
You will need to provide evidence of all your OTJ training through our e-portfolio system. After completing your apprenticeship training, you will need to pass an End Point Assessment (EPA) to demonstrate that you have met the required KSB standards. EPA formats vary by course, and detailed information is available on each apprenticeship course page.
What qualifications do I need? 
To be eligible for any of our four integrated degree apprenticeship courses, you must meet one of the following academic qualifications:
- Level 5 Qualification – e.g. FdSc Assistant Practitioner.
- A Levels – BBB-BBC or above, including at least one Science subject.
- BTEC – DMM or above in a relevant Extended Diploma (e.g. Applied Science, Medical Science, Health and Social Care).
- Access to HE Diploma – 112-120 UCAS points in a relevant subject (e.g. Science, Medicine, Human Science, Allied Health Professions).
- International Baccalaureate – 30-32 points overall, including Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, or Physics at Higher Level.
- T Level – Merit in any Health and Science pathway.
Additionally, you must have:
- GCSE English and Maths (grades A-C or 4-9) or an equivalent qualification.
If you have any questions about the entry requirements, please contact our Apprenticeship Team by emailing apprenticeships@aecc.ac.uk, completing the form below, or calling 01202 436200.
Anything else needed?
In addition, apprenticeship funding comes with the following requirements:
- You must be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week, at least 50% of these hours must be working in England.
- Your employment must be linked to this apprenticeship course.
- You must have resided in the UK for a minimum of 3 years.
- You must be eligible for apprenticeship funding through your employer.
- You must not be enrolled on another apprenticeship
International registrants who are employed and have relevant visas can access apprenticeship programmes, please see the international section for information on the English language required for this programme.
If you are not sure about anything listed here, talk to our Apprenticeship team by emailing apprenticeships@aecc.ac.uk complete the form below or call us on 01202 436200 and we will be happy to answer any question you have
International Students
International applicants must meet both academic and English language requirements to be eligible for our integrated degree apprenticeship courses.
English Language Requirements
To be accepted onto your chosen course, you must demonstrate that you meet the minimum English language standards. Requirements vary depending on the profession:
- Podiatry, Occupational Therapy, and Diagnostic Radiography:
- HCPC Standards of Proficiency require English proficiency equivalent to IELTS (Academic) 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5.
- Speech and Language Therapy (SLT):
- HCPC Standards of Proficiency require English proficiency equivalent to IELTS (Academic) 8.0, with no component below 7.5 (covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
For further details, please visit our English Language Requirements page.
Visa and Immigration Information
If you require permission to study in the UK, please refer to our Visas and Immigration page for up-to-date information on student visa requirements.
Admissions Policies and Procedures
For information on our admissions policies, including our Admissions Complaints and Appeals Policy, please see our Latest Policies page.
If you have any questions, our Admissions Team is happy to help. Contact us by emailing apprenticeships@aecc.ac.uk or calling 01202 436200.
Evidence of prior learning
At interview you will undertake a skills scan, where relevant prior academic learning and experience relevant to the course learning outcomes, will be identified. Consideration will be given to recognition of this prior learning. Prior learning will be reviewed to ensure it meets the learning needs of the course and meets the learning outcomes of any units where exemption is requested.
Register your Interest
Register your interest in one of our new integrated degree apprenticeships using the links below.
BSc (Hons) Podiatry (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)
BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)
BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)
Why choose Health Sciences University?
There are many benefits to studying at Health Sciences University, from our expertise and history in teaching health sciences, to our state-of-the-art facilities, on-site clinical training, and of course our choice of location – choose between studying on the beautiful Bournemouth coast or in our facilities in central London, on London Borough High Street.
Latest News
Discover and read all the latest news, press releases and happenings here at Health Sciences University.
Health Sciences University (HSU) recently hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion in celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Dr Mahitha Naidu has recently graduated from the MSc Podiatry (Pre registration) course at Health Sciences University.
Health Sciences University, in collaboration with Dorset HealthCare, has launched a new Brain Health Clinic on its Bournemouth campus.
Carla tells us more about her experience of the course so far and what she enjoys about being part of the HSU community.
Dan Egelstaff is a First Year student on the MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) course. The degree at Health Sciences University appealed to Dan when he was working as a Learning Disabilities Support Worker during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Natalia Purkiss is in her first year of the MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) course at Health Sciences University.
