Choosing Your Path: Apprenticeships vs. traditional university courses
Deciding on the right path for your future can feel overwhelming. We're here to help by breaking down the differences between apprenticeships and traditional university courses.
What exactly are apprenticeships? How do they compare to undergraduate or postgraduate degrees? You may have plenty of questions—but don’t worry, we’re here to provide the answers.
First things first – what is an apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships allow individuals to achieve a qualification while working full-time and gaining hands-on experience in the workplace. They lead to formal qualifications, including HNDs, foundation degrees, and even full Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees.
What can you gain from doing an apprenticeship?
With an apprenticeship, you can earn a qualification while receiving a salary — without needing to take out a student loan. Your employer will contribute to the training costs, with the remainder covered by the government. You’ll continue building valuable work experience, with the potential to gain additional professional certifications. According to statistics, 71% of apprentices remain with their employer after completing their training, and 25% receive a promotion within 12 months (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Apprentice Survey 2014).
How is an apprenticeship different to a degree?
A degree apprenticeship means you get a mix of both full-time working and academic learning. The main difference is the added bonus of gaining thorough experience in a working environment alongside classroom learning. An undergraduate or postgraduate degree may give you the opportunity to complete a year-long or module-based placement, however, the difference with an apprenticeship is the inclusion of working for a salary alongside working towards a qualification.
You will still gain a qualification equivalent to college or university study.
| Name | Level | Equivalent education level |
| Intermediate | Level 2 | 5 GCSE passes |
| Advanced | Level 3 | 2 A Level passes |
| Higher | Level 4 | First year of a degree programme |
| Higher | Level 5 | Foundation degree and above |
| Higher/Degree | Level 6 | Bachelors degree level |
| Higher/Degree | Level 7 | Masters degree and PhD level |
For those with substantial work experience and relevant skills, BCU offer a portfolio route, allowing individuals to join second- or third-year students directly. This pathway assesses previous professional experience and qualifications, enabling experienced candidates to fast-track their studies while still gaining a recognised qualification. The portfolio route can be an excellent option for those who have developed strong industry expertise but want to formalise their skills through academic accreditation.
University benefits for apprenticeships
As a member of BCU, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services, be taught by experienced, professionally qualified tutors, and benefit from state-of-the-art university facilities designed to enhance your learning experience.
You'll still have access to BCU's Students' Union, and social and study spaces, so you don't have to miss out on the social side of university.
Take a virtual tour to explore the spaces and £500 million facilities you'll have access to as a BCU student.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
Apprenticeships are open to individuals who hold GCSEs and a Level 3 qualification (such as A-levels, BTECs, or equivalent). However, work experience can also play a significant role in eligibility. For example, a nursing associate with industry experience may be able to progress into a registered nursing apprenticeship. Having relevant qualifications or practical experience in your chosen field can strengthen your application and open pathways to higher-level apprenticeships.
Find out more about Apprenticeships
Have you got more questions about apprenticeships? Check out our FAQs.
