Level 6 Degree Apprenticeships

Level 6 is the most common type of degree apprenticeship in the UK. It leads to a full bachelor's degree — the same qualification awarded to students who attend university full time. The difference is that you earn it while working for an employer, receiving a salary throughout, with your tuition fees paid in full.

What does Level 6 mean?

In the UK Qualifications Framework, Level 6 corresponds to a bachelor's degree. This includes:

• BSc — Bachelor of Science (technology, engineering, science, data)
• BEng — Bachelor of Engineering (civil, mechanical, aerospace, electrical)
• BA — Bachelor of Arts (business, law, management)
• LLB — Bachelor of Laws (solicitor apprenticeship route)

A Level 6 degree apprenticeship typically lasts three to four years. You spend four days per week at work and one day per week studying at a partner university. The degree you earn is indistinguishable on paper from a degree earned through full-time study — it is awarded by the university, not the employer.

Level 6 is the entry point for most school leavers applying directly from A-Levels or BTECs. If you are considering applying after a traditional university degree, Level 7 (master's degree) may be more appropriate.

Sectors and employers

Level 6 degree apprenticeships are available across a wide range of sectors. Some of the most active are:

Salary and funding

Level 6 degree apprentices are paid employees from day one. Salaries vary by sector and employer:

• Technology: £20,000–£35,000 starting salary
• Finance: £22,000–£30,000 starting salary
• Engineering: £20,000–£28,000 starting salary
• Healthcare: £18,000–£26,000 starting salary (NHS Agenda for Change bands)
• Law: £20,000–£28,000 starting salary

Salaries typically increase year on year as your responsibilities grow. Many employers move apprentices to a graduate or junior professional pay band on completion — often £30,000–£50,000 depending on sector.

Your tuition fees are funded entirely through the government's Apprenticeship Levy. Employers with a payroll above £3 million pay into a levy fund that can only be used for apprenticeship training. You are never billed for tuition and you take out no student loan.

Entry requirements

Level 6 apprenticeships are designed primarily for school leavers applying after A-Levels, BTECs, or equivalent qualifications. Typical requirements:

• A-Levels: BBC to AAA depending on sector and employer — technology and finance programmes at top employers are most competitive
• BTECs: Distinction–Distinction–Merit or equivalent accepted by many employers, especially in engineering and IT
• GCSEs: Grade 4 or 5 (C or above) in English and Maths required by almost all employers
• No prior degree required — Level 6 is the undergraduate level

There is no upper age limit. While most applicants come straight from school, employers also recruit people who are changing careers or returning to education. The assessment process looks at aptitude and motivation, not just grades.

Level 6 vs Level 7 — which is right for you?

If you are applying directly from school, Level 6 is the right route. Level 7 is typically for people who already hold a bachelor's degree or have substantial professional experience. Read our Level 7 guide for more detail.

How to apply for a Level 6 degree apprenticeship

Applications typically open in September–November for programmes starting the following September. Apply early — many large employers fill cohorts on a rolling basis and close applications well before results day.

• Search listings: Browse ApprentiFinder and filter by Level 6 to see all current opportunities
• Apply directly to each employer: There is no central application system — each employer has its own portal
• Typical process: Online application → aptitude tests → video interview → assessment centre → offer
• Apply simultaneously to UCAS: You can hold UCAS and apprenticeship offers at the same time and decide after A-Level results
• Apply to multiple programmes: Most students apply to five to fifteen employers simultaneously