Science Degree Apprenticeships

Can you do a degree apprenticeship in science?

YES! There are many areas within science that offer degree apprenticeships. You could apply within:

• Laboratory Science. These focus on roles in research and development, quality control, or analytical testing. Apprentices learn how to conduct experiments, analyze data, and support the development of new medicines.

• Pharmaceutical Science. These programs train apprentices to work in the production of medicines, including operating machinery, ensuring product quality, and following strict health and safety procedures.

• Environmental Science. These include monitoring environmental impact, managing sustainability projects, and helping ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Roles may include fieldwork, lab testing, and reporting.

• Bioinformatics & Data Science. This combines biology with computer science to analyse complex biological data, like DNA sequences, protein structures, or clinical trial results. You might work with large datasets to support medical research, drug discovery, or disease tracking.

• Chemical Science. In this role you will work in labs supporting chemical research, product development, or manufacturing. You may be involved in developing new materials, analysing substances, or improving industrial chemical processes.

• Life Sciences. These roles include supporting research or development in areas such as immunology, microbiology, cell biology, or genetics. You could be working in healthcare, agriculture, biotech, or environmental sectors.

There are many more options, and it grows every year. It’s fast becoming a popular route to a career in science.

What do you do in a science degree apprenticeship?

In a science degree apprenticeship, you split your time between working for an employer and studying toward a science degree (Bachelor of Science), usually over 3-5 years. You’ll gain hands-on experience while earning a salary. Here's what you typically do:

On-the-job responsibilities:

• Lab work. Run experiments, prepare samples, use scientific equipment, and follow safety protocols.

• Data analysis. Record and analyse experimental results using spreadsheets, software, or lab systems.

• Project support. Help with real research, testing, or development projects depending on the industry.

• Report writing. Write up results, document procedures, and contribute to technical or scientific reports.

• Team collaboration. Work alongside scientists, engineers, or technicians and attend team meetings.

Academic study:

• University courses. Study modules related to your field (e.g., biology, chemistry, pharmacology, environmental science etc).

• Assessments. Complete exams, essays, lab reports, and possibly a final project or dissertation.

• Study time. You’ll typically have one day a week (or block release) dedicated to university learning, either online or in person.

On completion, you could potentially be invited back as a full-time employee with your company, do a level 7 degree apprenticeship (the equivalent of a masters!) or find a graduate job. 

Is it better to do a degree or a degree apprenticeship in science?

Whether it's better to do a degree apprenticeship or a traditional science degree depends on your learning style, career goals, and personal circumstances. Here's a comparison to help you decide:

Regardless of your choice, you’ll be able to get valuable insight into the science industry from both routes. Both paths are highly respectable and will ensure a great career in this industry.

Here’s what a degree apprentice said about their time with Pfizer:

Here’s what a degree apprentice said about their time with Siemens Healthineers:

How much does a science degree apprentice get paid?

This will depend on your employer and your location. If you’re based in London or the South East, you can expect to earn more. 

On average, degree apprentices get paid £21,650 per year, as found on our reviews on Higherin. This is only the beginning. Having a degree apprenticeship under your belt is a speedy pathway to earning big!

How to apply

Entry requirements will vary depending on the employer, but they’ll usually expect the following qualifications:

• Five or more GCSES passes (including maths and English)

• Two or more A-levels (including science subjects) or equivalent, like:

• BTEC qualification

• Level 4 apprenticeship

You’ll also have to be 18 or older.

Roles tend to go live from September, the year before your degree apprenticeship starts. However, you will get more time to apply for degree apprenticeships than if you were just going to university, as you don’t have the strict UCAS deadline. Loads of science degree apprenticeships continue to open applications up until March, and sometimes even later.

You can search for science degree apprenticeships here on Higherin. We have opportunities going live every single week.

You then want to make sure your application is ready. You normally will be asked for an apprenticeship CV and cover letter. This is when you need to get the employer's attention. Show off your skills, passion and experience to show them why you would be a great fit for their science degree apprenticeship.

You can also expect to do an apprenticeship interview and an assessment centre. Which sounds scary, but trust us, they don’t have to be bad!