This page guides both apprentices and employers on how to apply for a University apprenticeship with us. It includes eligibility requirements, the application process, and important deadlines for starting in September 2026.
For apprentices
Have a job starting by 11 September 2026?
Ask your employer to fill out our enquiry form. We’ll check that they can support you and meet the University partner criteria. Once approved, you’ll get a link to apply online.
Still looking for a job?
Sign up for alerts about apprenticeship vacancies from our employer partners.
Apply early
Spaces are limited and applications are reviewed as they arrive. Programmes may close once full - see the final deadline below.
For employers
To recruit an apprentice with us, your organisation must first be approved as an employer partner. Full details are here:
How to register apprentices:
- Choose a programme from our apprenticeship page for employers.
- Fill out our enquiry form to arrange a call.
- Discuss your training needs, our employer partner requirements, and programme details.
- We’ll confirm your acceptance as an employer partner.
- Candidates can then apply (employment must start on or before 11 September 2026).
You can find a complete overview of our application process in the application process document.
Applications are reviewed as they arrive and spaces are limited, so we recommend early applications. The final deadline is listed below.
Apprenticeship deadlines - September 2026
Employer consultation
Discuss apprenticeship programmes with the University by Friday 7 August 2026.
Application deadlines
- New apprentices: Friday 14 August 2026*
- Our existing Level 4 apprentices applying for Level 6: are encouraged to apply by Friday 1 May 2026, as applications by this date will be given priority for places on the programme.
*Applications may close early - submit as soon as possible.
Meeting conditions deadline
Submit all documentation to meet academic and apprenticeship eligibility conditions by Monday 7 Sep 2026
Enrolment
- Final enrolment: Monday 5 October 2026*
- Enrolment is a separate task to application. Enrolment will take place after receiving and accepting an unconditional offer.
*No extensions available.
Other dates
- Results Day: 13 August 2026
- Enrolment and Induction Week: w/c 14 September 2026
- Semester start: w/c 21 September 2026
Eligibility requirements
Academic requirements
- Entry requirements vary by apprenticeship. Check individual course pages for details.
- If you don’t meet the requirements, contact us – we may still consider your application.
Who can apply?
- You must be employed in a relevant role as part of an approved apprenticeship scheme.
- Aged 18 or over and not enrolled in full-time education on the apprenticeship start date.
- Meet DfE funding eligibility criteria.
Funding eligibility
To be eligible for funding, you must:
- Have the right to work and study in England.
- Be employed in a relevant role, with a contract covering the full apprenticeship, including the End Point Assessment.
- Spend at least 50% of your working hours in England (applies to remote/hybrid roles).
- Have lived in the UK or EEA for 3+ years before the start of your apprenticeship. Please refer to Annex A of the DfE funding rules on GOV.UK for further details on residency eligibility and exceptions.
- Only apply if the apprenticeship leads to substantive new skills and if learning is materially different from any prior qualifications
- Not be enrolled in another apprenticeship or funded education programme at the same time.
- If applicable, hold a visa covering the entire apprenticeship duration, including End Point Assessment.
- Not be asked to contribute financially toward the apprenticeship costs.*
Detailed information on apprenticeship funding eligibility is available in the DfE funding rules.
*Note: Some apprenticeships may include optional costs for activities like field trips. These are separate from the training plan and will be communicated in advance.
Apprentices with additional requirements
Disabilities
We welcome apprentices with disabilities and assess applications based on ability, not limitations. Let us know if you need any support or adjustments - we’ll work with you to make sure you can succeed. Some courses may not be suitable for certain conditions, and late starters might need to defer to allow adjustments.
For more information, please visit our Disability Learning Support pages.
Care leavers
We offer tailored guidance and support to help care leavers settle in. You may also be eligible for a bursary to support your apprenticeship.
For more information, have a look at our care leavers pages.
As a care leaver you may be eligible for the care leaver bursary. For more details, read the apprenticeships care leavers' bursary guidance on GOV.UK.
Applicants with a criminal record
An unspent conviction won’t automatically stop you from joining us. We focus on your academic ability, and disclosure is only needed if you require a UK study visa.
For further information, please see our guidance for those with criminal convictions.