Degree apprenticeships at Manchester Metropolitan University

Manchester Met is a leading university provider of degree apprenticeships with a proven record of success.

With more than 2,400 apprentices enrolled, we are an Ofsted Grade 1 Outstanding provider and the top rated university for degree apprenticeships (Rate My Apprenticeship Awards, 2019 - 2023 and University of the Year at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2023, for the second year in a row).

We are already delivering degree apprenticeships with over 540 of the UK’s leading employers, including AstraZeneca, Barclays, IBM, BAE Systems, Lloyds Banking Group, Thales, Asda and McDonald’s as well as scores of smaller businesses. 

We also have well-established relationships with many public sector organisations including councils and NHS trusts, and we are a national exemplar for degree apprenticeships with SMEs (Small Business Charter 2019).

All of this success is based on our strong partnerships with our employers.

Read about the impact of degree apprenticeships on the students and employers that we work with in our Force for Change report.

Every qualification is designed by an employer advisory board, which helps us shape our programmes to directly meet the needs of business. Visit our Degree Apprenticeships in Development page for more information about how to get involved in the development of upcoming programmes.

When you partner with us, you and your apprentices will be supported throughout with:

  • a dedicated account manager
  • advice about funding and financial help from the government
  • assistance with recruitment, including vacancy alerts to potential candidates and space to exhibit at open days
  • a dedicated skills coach to provide your apprentice with pastoral and academic support

Incentives are available to support employers who recruit new apprentices.

Why offer degree apprenticeships?

  • Apprentices develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours directly relevant to your business, often in key skills shortage areas
  • Degree apprenticeships help attract and retain talented employees, providing a ladder of opportunity and progression - they are also a great way of improving the diversity of your workforce and social mobility
  • Apprentices work on live projects devised by you, them and our academics - maximising tangible business benefits
  • Programmes are supported by government funding and the apprenticeship levy scheme

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The latest programmes updates, news stories and events

How degree apprenticeships work

Degree apprenticeships are a powerful combination of study and on-the-job learning.

Apprentices can be new recruits or existing employees who want to gain new knowledge and develop their careers. As well as learning new workplace skills, employees who complete their apprenticeship will graduate with a qualification, such as a bachelors or masters degree.

You will need to pay apprentices a salary of at least the applicable National Minimum Wage and give them paid time off to study, complete assessments and attend university.

Study patterns vary depending on the programmes and employer needs – eg day release each week, or three-day block delivery with online learning. Apprenticeships take between two and four years to complete, depending on the programmes.

Large employers can use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for the cost of the programmes. The government will pay 95% of the programmes fees for smaller firms who do not pay the apprenticeship levy.

Find out more about funding

Degree apprenticeships enable IBM to attract diverse talent, which is essential for innovation. Our degree apprentices have proven to be highly successful in terms of their career velocity and adding value to the business.
Kashif Taj
Apprenticeship Lead, IBM
Degree apprenticeships enable IBM to attract diverse talent, which is essential for innovation. Our degree apprentices have proven to be highly successful in terms of their career velocity and adding value to the business.
Kashif Taj
Apprenticeship Lead, IBM

Employers we work with

accenture logo

Accenture

Asda logo

Asda

Astra-Zeneca logo

AstraZeneca

Barclays logo

Barclays

Bentley logo

Bentley

IBM logo

IBM

McDonalds logo

McDonald's

Odeon logo

Odeon

United Utilities logo

United Utilities

NHS Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

NHS Manchester University Trust

Award-winning apprenticeships

Ofsted outstanding provider logo

Ofsted Outstanding Provider

The University has now received two consecutive overall ‘Outstanding’ ratings.

Rate My Apprenticeship awards logo

RateMyApprenticeship Awards

Manchester Metropolitan was voted the UK's top university training provider 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards

University Provider of the Year

The University was recognised at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2022.

Diversity Champions Network

Diversity Champions Network

Manchester Metropolitan University is part of the Apprenticeships Diversity Champions Network

Small Business Charter

Small Business Charter

Small Business Charter status recognises the University's support for small businesses.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International logo

AACSB accredited

Our Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Association of MBAs logo

Association of MBAs

The Association of MBAs has accredited the Manchester Metropolitan Business School.

EQUIS accreditation logo

European Quality Improvement System

Accreditation from European Quality Improvement System has been secured by our Business School.

FE Week AAC Awards

FE Week AAC Awards

Care Services Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 2023

FE Week AAC Awards

FE Week AAC Awards

Digital Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 2023

North West Apprenticeship Awards

North West Apprenticeship Awards

Training Provider of the Year 2023

Nursing Award 2023

Nursing Times Student Awards

Nurse Education Provider of the Year 2023