XPP Degree Apprenticeships
Degree Apprenticeships
Employer-funded Level 6 and Level 7 programmes that combine a full university degree with an apprenticeship standard — earning a salary throughout, with no tuition fees.
The best of both worlds
A degree apprenticeship is a higher or degree-level programme that leads simultaneously to a full university degree (BSc, LLB, MSc, or equivalent) and an apprenticeship certificate at Level 6 or 7 on the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework. The degree is awarded by XPP University; the apprenticeship standard is set by Skills England. Both are completed as a single integrated programme.
Full degree award
Graduates receive a full XPP University degree — BSc (Hons) at Level 6, or MSc/LLM at Level 7 — recognised by the Office for Students (OfS). The same academic rigour as a traditional university degree, delivered part-time alongside full-time employment.
Dual assessment
Apprentices are assessed through two routes simultaneously: module-based academic assessments (essays, exams, projects) marked by XPP academics throughout the programme, and an End Point Assessment (EPA) conducted by an independent organisation at the end. The degree and apprenticeship certificate are awarded at the same time.
Employer funded
The entire programme is funded through the employer's apprenticeship levy or, for smaller employers, government co-investment. The apprentice pays no tuition fees and incurs no student loan debt — making degree apprenticeships one of the most financially accessible routes to a degree-level qualification.
Earn while you learn
Apprentices are employed for the full duration of the programme — typically 30 or more hours per week — and paid a salary throughout. At least 6 hours per working week are dedicated to structured off-the-job learning, integrated into the working week rather than taken as additional study time.
How degree apprenticeships differ
Degree apprenticeships are often confused with standard apprenticeships at Level 6 or 7 — but they are a distinct programme type. The key differences:
Integrated degree
A standard apprenticeship at Level 7 may or may not lead to a degree. A degree apprenticeship always does — the degree is a core, mandatory outcome of the programme, not an optional add-on.
University partnership
Degree apprenticeships require a university registered with the Office for Students as the degree-awarding body. XPP University delivers and awards the academic component, while Skills England governs the apprenticeship standard.
Entry requirements
Level 6 degree apprenticeships typically require A-levels or Level 3 qualifications. Level 7 programmes typically require an undergraduate degree. All require the apprentice to be employed for at least 30 hours per week in a relevant role.
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