Guide · Last updated June 2026

Best Degree Apprenticeships in the UK 2026

The top programmes by sector — what they pay, how long they take, and which employers to target.

The number of degree apprenticeship programmes in the UK has grown significantly since 2015, and 2026 is shaping up to be a record year for new opportunities — particularly in technology and engineering, where demand for trained talent outpaces supply.

Below is a sector-by-sector breakdown of the best programmes, the employers who run them, and what you can expect.

Technology

Technology degree apprenticeships

Typical salary
£22,000–£35,000
Duration
3–4 years
Qualification
Level 6–7 (BSc / MEng)
Key employers
GoogleAmazonIBMBTBAE SystemsDXC Technology
What to know
  • Software engineering, data science, and cloud apprenticeships are among the most competitive
  • Google's degree apprenticeship is based in London and recruits nationally
  • Many programmes include rotations across different technology teams
  • Strong pipeline to permanent graduate roles
Browse Technology roles on ApprentiFinder →
Finance & Accounting

Finance & Accounting degree apprenticeships

Typical salary
£24,000–£35,000
Duration
3–5 years
Qualification
Level 6–7 (BSc / MSc)
Key employers
KPMGPwCDeloitteBDOBarclaysJP MorganMorgan Stanley
What to know
  • Big Four (KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, EY) run major school leaver and degree apprenticeship programmes
  • KPMG's programme leads to a BSc in Professional Accountancy — widely respected
  • Many programmes include ACA/ACCA/CIMA professional qualifications alongside the degree
  • London-centric but some regional options exist
Browse Finance & Accounting roles on ApprentiFinder →
Engineering

Engineering degree apprenticeships

Typical salary
£20,000–£32,000
Duration
4–5 years
Qualification
Level 6–7 (BEng / MEng)
Key employers
Rolls-RoyceBAE SystemsArupNetwork RailSiemensLeonardo
What to know
  • Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems run well-established engineering apprenticeship programmes
  • Often includes time at multiple UK sites
  • Strong demand for aerospace, civil, and systems engineering apprentices
  • Level 7 (Master's equivalent) programmes now more common post-2026 funding changes
Browse Engineering roles on ApprentiFinder →
Healthcare

Healthcare degree apprenticeships

Typical salary
£18,000–£26,000
Duration
3–4 years
Qualification
Level 6 (BSc)
Key employers
NHSAstraZenecaGSKRoche
What to know
  • NHS nursing and allied health degree apprenticeships available nationally
  • Pharmaceutical companies (AstraZeneca, GSK) run science and data apprenticeships
  • Roles are often regional — search by location
  • High competition for NHS clinical apprenticeships in major cities
Browse Healthcare roles on ApprentiFinder →
Business & Management

Business & Management degree apprenticeships

Typical salary
£20,000–£28,000
Duration
3–4 years
Qualification
Level 6 (BA/BSc)
Key employers
Civil ServiceProcter & GambleUnileverMarks & Spencer
What to know
  • Civil Service Fast Stream offers degree apprenticeship routes into government
  • Business management programmes often include international project work
  • Some programmes lead to Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualifications
  • BBC and Channel 4 offer media and journalism apprenticeships at degree level
Browse Business & Management roles on ApprentiFinder →
Important change from January 2026

From January 2026, apprentices starting a Level 7 (Master's level) programme aged under 22 are now fully funded by the government — previously some employers excluded under-22s from their Level 7 programmes due to funding rules. This makes Master's degree apprenticeships significantly more accessible for school leavers.

Find live roles from these employers

ApprentiFinder lists hundreds of live vacancies across all of these sectors, updated daily.

Browse all roles →Apprenticeship vs university guide