Can you do an Apprenticeship if you already have a Degree?

What Apprenticeships can I do?

As you'll already be loaded up with qualifications, the schemes at the top of the apprenticeship ladder (Level 4 to 7) will be your best bet.

However, you can’t apply for an apprenticeship in a subject you already have a degree in. To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you have to be gaining new skills.

For example, if you already have a degree in nuclear engineering — you won’t be able to do an apprenticeship in the same subject.

Let's break down your options.

Level 7 Degree Apprenticeships

You might be able to gain more skills in your chosen field with a Level 7 apprenticeship. These apprenticeships are equivalent to a Master’s degree.

So if you’ve already got a Bachelor’s degree to your name, you could apply for a Level 7 apprenticeship in a similar field if it’s available.

They are available in a wide variety of industries:

• Agriculture, environmental and animal care

• Business and administration

• Care services

• Construction and the built environment

• Creative and design

• Digital

• Education and early years

• Engineering and manufacturing

• Health and science

• Legal, finance and accounting

You could become an architect, a broadcast engineer, a nurse or an actuary. There are many possibilities.

Apprenticeships are 80% on-the-job training and 20% study. You'll work full-time for a company for 1-4 years whilst studying towards your Master's qualification. You'll be paid a salary for the duration of your scheme, and will be eligible for the same company benefits that other employees get.

Can I do an apprenticeship even if I didn’t finish university?

Yes! If you didn’t finish your degree, you could still apply for an apprenticeship. You’ll be able to pick from most apprenticeships, depending on your existing qualifications.

You can read our guide to apprenticeships for more information on the different options available to you.

What if I fancy doing something different?

Doing an apprenticeship after you graduate is also perfect if you want to change career paths.

Let’s say you studied for a degree in Law but decided that barrister’s wig doesn’t quite suit you, and you’d much prefer a career as a cyber intrusion analyst.

Well, now you can.

Will I need to apply for student finance?

Nope. You won’t need to borrow a penny more.

One of the most alluring qualities of an apprenticeship is that you earn a salary. That’s because an apprenticeship is a full-time job.

How much you get paid varies by scheme. Read our apprenticeship reviews to see what others in your industry were paid. You can filter by level or industry too!

How do I apply?

So how do you actually find and apply for apprenticeships? Well, you’re in the right place. You can search for apprenticeships right here with us.

You will also need to prepare an apprenticeship cover letter and CV for your application. And if you're successful, we have brilliant interview tips as well, including specific apprenticeship interview questions.

Look below to apply for apprenticeships.