Degree Apprenticeship vs University Degree - help?
I'm currently in year 12, doing my A Levels in History, English Lit and Psychology. At the moment I'm working at ABB, and am targeted to achieve A*A*A at the end of year 13 (+ the EPQ at probably grade B or above). I also achieved all A* and A grades at GCSE.
I'm just really confused about what to do after school though - should I do a degree apprenticeship, or should I study for a degree at a top university? I'm really not about the whole partying, university life, and would obviously rather not end up £30k in debt following it; hence my mum suggested that I consider a degree apprenticeship.
And they do sound great - there's some really good ones out there. Only problem is, you can only really get your degree in Business Management or IT with most of them, and I don't really know how much I'd want to study business management. Also, the entry requirements never seem to be higher than 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, and BBB at A Level. Would anyone doing a degree apprenticeship maybe be able to give me some advice?
If I were to instead go to uni, I would want to study English Lit and then train to become a secondary school English teacher afterwards. I just know that I am an academic person, and I just worry that if I end up doing a degree apprenticeship that only requires BCC at A Level, but I get my targeted A*A*A I'm going to be letting myself down or something (if you get what I mean?). But at the same time, I fare really well in a work environment and being paid for working while studying for my degree just sounds amazing.
My mum said that if it's possible, maybe I should do the degree apprenticeship and then train to become a teacher if I really don't enjoy the job I'm working in (not sure how that would work though as if I want to teach English I'd need a BA in it).
I guess I'm just a bit confused, some advice from someone would be really great :')
I'm just really confused about what to do after school though - should I do a degree apprenticeship, or should I study for a degree at a top university? I'm really not about the whole partying, university life, and would obviously rather not end up £30k in debt following it; hence my mum suggested that I consider a degree apprenticeship.
And they do sound great - there's some really good ones out there. Only problem is, you can only really get your degree in Business Management or IT with most of them, and I don't really know how much I'd want to study business management. Also, the entry requirements never seem to be higher than 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, and BBB at A Level. Would anyone doing a degree apprenticeship maybe be able to give me some advice?
If I were to instead go to uni, I would want to study English Lit and then train to become a secondary school English teacher afterwards. I just know that I am an academic person, and I just worry that if I end up doing a degree apprenticeship that only requires BCC at A Level, but I get my targeted A*A*A I'm going to be letting myself down or something (if you get what I mean?). But at the same time, I fare really well in a work environment and being paid for working while studying for my degree just sounds amazing.
My mum said that if it's possible, maybe I should do the degree apprenticeship and then train to become a teacher if I really don't enjoy the job I'm working in (not sure how that would work though as if I want to teach English I'd need a BA in it).
I guess I'm just a bit confused, some advice from someone would be really great :')
Apply for both, can't go wrong with that. When you get your results then you should decide, I'd say go for the top unis and best degree apprenticeships so if you get say BBC, then you may want to choose the latter but say A*A*A with Eng Lit at Oxford, then obviously go oxford. (As an example). Sorry if this is a bit incoherent, I'm so tired lol.
(edited 6 years ago)
Original post by dreamerkitten
If I were to instead go to uni, I would want to study English Lit and then train to become a secondary school English teacher afterwards. I just know that I am an academic person, and I just worry that if I end up doing a degree apprenticeship that only requires BCC at A Level, but I get my targeted A*A*A I'm going to be letting myself down or something (if you get what I mean?).
First and foremost, at university you do not need to go out partying if you do not want too, many will and you may find it a struggle to fit in at the start but once you start interacting with people similar to you then you will be fine.
Also, it is clear you have a set plan on what your career aspirations are which is good. Knowing what you want to do makes university less of a risk. If you know that you need a degree to become a teacher then I say go for it, also I hear that they pay you to become a teacher anyway so you might get some kind of grant from the government anyway.
Is there any other ways to become a teacher which do not require going to university? If not then go to university you are obviously capable of getting into a good university too so I say go for it.
I cant really provide you much insight into how to become a teacher etc but if you want general advice on what university is like then let me know.
Original post by LolIGotAU
Apply for both, can't go wrong with that. When you get your results then you should decide, I'd say go for the top unis and best degree apprenticeships so if you get say BBC, then you may want to choose the latter but say A*A*A with Eng Lit at Oxford, then obviously go oxford. (As an example). Sorry if this is a bit incoherent, I'm so tired lol.
Yeah - I definitely will. And no, it makes perfect sense - I do feel like if I get the grades to go to a top uni, it would be a waste to not go if you get me? But then I would still end up in £30K debt so lol I guess I'm stuffed either way. Agh I'll see what happens after I've done my predicted grade exams I think.
Thank you for the reply, it's good to have someone else set it out clear for me, makes me feel like I have a plan to go forward with
Original post by RiddIes
First and foremost, at university you do not need to go out partying if you do not want too, many will and you may find it a struggle to fit in at the start but once you start interacting with people similar to you then you will be fine.
Also, it is clear you have a set plan on what your career aspirations are which is good. Knowing what you want to do makes university less of a risk. If you know that you need a degree to become a teacher then I say go for it, also I hear that they pay you to become a teacher anyway so you might get some kind of grant from the government anyway.
Is there any other ways to become a teacher which do not require going to university? If not then go to university you are obviously capable of getting into a good university too so I say go for it.
I cant really provide you much insight into how to become a teacher etc but if you want general advice on what university is like then let me know.
Also, it is clear you have a set plan on what your career aspirations are which is good. Knowing what you want to do makes university less of a risk. If you know that you need a degree to become a teacher then I say go for it, also I hear that they pay you to become a teacher anyway so you might get some kind of grant from the government anyway.
Is there any other ways to become a teacher which do not require going to university? If not then go to university you are obviously capable of getting into a good university too so I say go for it.
I cant really provide you much insight into how to become a teacher etc but if you want general advice on what university is like then let me know.
Thank you so much, that's really helpful - that's exactly what my mum said haha, I'll just have to hunt for the other people who prefer to stay in and chill rather than go out and get drunk beyond words! Think what I'll do is set out 2 career paths, the steps to reach each one and look at the benefits and drawbacks of each. Unfortunately the government only pay for your degree if you're going to become a maths or physics teacher...
ripDo you have a lot of free time, being at uni? And if so, how do you end up filling it? Also, what are you studying? sorry for the bombardment of questions lol
Hi, I have applied for both but I'm going to reject all my uni offers, regardless of the outcome of my degree apprenticeships; I'll apply again next recruitment cycle. I have interviews with rolls Royce, national grid and Leonardo.
degree apprenticeships are harder than degrees. you are working plus a full degree. grade requirements are low because the position doesn't solely rely on academics; they have a greater emphasis on soft and hard skills compared to uni which is only grade based. people competing for degree apprenticeships will have high grades anyway; mostly As. so competition is fierce as the position I have applied for with rolls Royce only has 12 positions and I know lots of people have applied because it has taken them ages for them to reply.
apply for both and accept a degree apprenticeship if you get one. YOU CAN GO TO UNIVERSITY AT ANY POINT IN YOUR LIFE. degree apprenticeships are once in a lifetime. plus you'll have excellent skills over a graduate plus a degree; what more do your want for you career progression?
degree apprenticeships are harder than degrees. you are working plus a full degree. grade requirements are low because the position doesn't solely rely on academics; they have a greater emphasis on soft and hard skills compared to uni which is only grade based. people competing for degree apprenticeships will have high grades anyway; mostly As. so competition is fierce as the position I have applied for with rolls Royce only has 12 positions and I know lots of people have applied because it has taken them ages for them to reply.
apply for both and accept a degree apprenticeship if you get one. YOU CAN GO TO UNIVERSITY AT ANY POINT IN YOUR LIFE. degree apprenticeships are once in a lifetime. plus you'll have excellent skills over a graduate plus a degree; what more do your want for you career progression?
(edited 6 years ago)
Original post by BTAnonymous
Hi, I have applied for both but I'm going to reject all my uni offers, regardless of the outcome of my degree apprenticeships; I'll apply again next recruitment cycle. I have interviews with rolls Royce, national grid and Leonardo.
degree apprenticeships are harder than degrees. you are working plus a full degree. grade requirements are low because the position doesn't solely rely on academics; they have a greater emphasis on soft and hard skills compared to uni which is only grade based. people competing for degree apprenticeships will have high grades anyway; mostly As. so competition is fierce as the position I have applied for with rolls Royce only has 12 positions and I know lots of people have applied because it has taken them ages for them to reply.
apply for both and accept a degree apprenticeship if you get one. YOU CAN GO TO UNIVERSITY AT ANY POINT IN YOUR LIFE. degree apprenticeships are once in a lifetime. plus you'll have excellent skills over a graduate plus a degree; what more do your want for you career progression?
degree apprenticeships are harder than degrees. you are working plus a full degree. grade requirements are low because the position doesn't solely rely on academics; they have a greater emphasis on soft and hard skills compared to uni which is only grade based. people competing for degree apprenticeships will have high grades anyway; mostly As. so competition is fierce as the position I have applied for with rolls Royce only has 12 positions and I know lots of people have applied because it has taken them ages for them to reply.
apply for both and accept a degree apprenticeship if you get one. YOU CAN GO TO UNIVERSITY AT ANY POINT IN YOUR LIFE. degree apprenticeships are once in a lifetime. plus you'll have excellent skills over a graduate plus a degree; what more do your want for you career progression?
Thank you so much - I think this kind of sets it out for me really well, your advice is great. Think the degree apprenticeship might definitely be the way to go, hearing it like that. Then worst case scenario, I end up hating the job I'm in, I can always decide to go to uni later on and change career path.
Good luck with your interviews!!! Hope you get one (if not all) of the positions. Which one are you most hoping to get of the 3?
Original post by dreamerkitten
Thank you so much - I think this kind of sets it out for me really well, your advice is great. Think the degree apprenticeship might definitely be the way to go, hearing it like that. Then worst case scenario, I end up hating the job I'm in, I can always decide to go to uni later on and change career path.
Good luck with your interviews!!! Hope you get one (if not all) of the positions. Which one are you most hoping to get of the 3?
Good luck with your interviews!!! Hope you get one (if not all) of the positions. Which one are you most hoping to get of the 3?
yes exactly! it's worth taking the risk while you're young and if it's just not your thing then just complete it and no harm done!
thank you! I'm hoping to get the rolls Royce position but any would do tbh as they all sound very exciting!
Original post by dreamerkitten
Thank you so much - I think this kind of sets it out for me really well, your advice is great. Think the degree apprenticeship might definitely be the way to go, hearing it like that. Then worst case scenario, I end up hating the job I'm in, I can always decide to go to uni later on and change career path.
Good luck with your interviews!!! Hope you get one (if not all) of the positions. Which one are you most hoping to get of the 3?
Good luck with your interviews!!! Hope you get one (if not all) of the positions. Which one are you most hoping to get of the 3?
Just as a note.. you can't get funding for a second bachelor's degree easily so you'd have to self-finance.
Re: your question.. If you really are on track for good A-levels and will be aiming for good unis.. You'd probably be better off with the degree route. Studying a subject you find interesting and experiencing normal university life will be far more manageable than bouncing between work and uni all the time on a course you may find marginally interesting.
Grad schemes in commercial areas don't specify what degree their applicants should have for the most part. As long as you put in the work to boost your employability at uni (society involvement, be in tune to what work experience and insight experience is available early on, apply to internships, study abroad, etc) you would have a much broader (and higher quality) opportunity set of grad schemes you could get an offer from.
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QUOTE=BTAnonymous;75843936]Hi, I have applied for both but I'm going to reject all my uni offers, regardless of the outcome of my degree apprenticeships; I'll apply again next recruitment cycle. I have interviews with rolls Royce, national grid and Leonardo.
degree apprenticeships are harder than degrees. you are working plus a full degree. grade requirements are low because the position doesn't solely rely on academics; they have a greater emphasis on soft and hard skills compared to uni which is only grade based. people competing for degree apprenticeships will have high grades anyway; mostly As. so competition is fierce as the position I have applied for with rolls Royce only has 12 positions and I know lots of people have applied because it has taken them ages for them to reply.
apply for both and accept a degree apprenticeship if you get one. YOU CAN GO TO UNIVERSITY AT ANY POINT IN YOUR LIFE. degree apprenticeships are once in a lifetime. plus you'll have excellent skills over a graduate plus a degree; what more do your want for you career progression?
This.
I may be biased on this matter but I would personally choose the degree apprenticeship option, this is because:
1. You would have three/four years of work experience when you come out of university, you will barely have any work experience to offer when it comes to applying for jobs. Nowadays the job market is very competitive and it isn't guaranteed that you would get a job at the end of your degree
2. You are earning a competitive salary by the time you are 21 you could be earning a relatively decent salary.
3. You are able to create good networks at a young age
I was in your position last year but I ended up choosing the degree apprenticeship option because of the above reasons mentioned. If you do end up choosing degree apprenticeships in the end.
The only disadvantage I would give in choosing the degree apprenticeship option is that they are very difficult. Bare in mind you are working whilst also studying, you will most likely be going to university once a week and working 4 days week! I started this degree apprenticeship 5 months ago, and I've already had 2 exams and 3 pieces of coursework to complete, with similar deadlines. Degree apprenticeships are not easy and demand a lot of motivation and commitment, already we have had 2 people drop out of the scheme because they just found it too difficult. As long as you have the dedication and determination to complete the degree apprenticeship then I don't see why you shouldn't opt for that route instead.
*Note: Sorry some parts of my written piece might not make sense as I typed this whilst on the train*
degree apprenticeships are harder than degrees. you are working plus a full degree. grade requirements are low because the position doesn't solely rely on academics; they have a greater emphasis on soft and hard skills compared to uni which is only grade based. people competing for degree apprenticeships will have high grades anyway; mostly As. so competition is fierce as the position I have applied for with rolls Royce only has 12 positions and I know lots of people have applied because it has taken them ages for them to reply.
apply for both and accept a degree apprenticeship if you get one. YOU CAN GO TO UNIVERSITY AT ANY POINT IN YOUR LIFE. degree apprenticeships are once in a lifetime. plus you'll have excellent skills over a graduate plus a degree; what more do your want for you career progression?
This.
I may be biased on this matter but I would personally choose the degree apprenticeship option, this is because:
1. You would have three/four years of work experience when you come out of university, you will barely have any work experience to offer when it comes to applying for jobs. Nowadays the job market is very competitive and it isn't guaranteed that you would get a job at the end of your degree
2. You are earning a competitive salary by the time you are 21 you could be earning a relatively decent salary.
3. You are able to create good networks at a young age
I was in your position last year but I ended up choosing the degree apprenticeship option because of the above reasons mentioned. If you do end up choosing degree apprenticeships in the end.
The only disadvantage I would give in choosing the degree apprenticeship option is that they are very difficult. Bare in mind you are working whilst also studying, you will most likely be going to university once a week and working 4 days week! I started this degree apprenticeship 5 months ago, and I've already had 2 exams and 3 pieces of coursework to complete, with similar deadlines. Degree apprenticeships are not easy and demand a lot of motivation and commitment, already we have had 2 people drop out of the scheme because they just found it too difficult. As long as you have the dedication and determination to complete the degree apprenticeship then I don't see why you shouldn't opt for that route instead.
*Note: Sorry some parts of my written piece might not make sense as I typed this whilst on the train*
Hi im considering dropping out the mech eng and doing a degree apprenticeship for a manufacturing degree because id rather work but get less workload. Is this a good idea however i am willing to work hard no matter its just the matter if i have to spend alot of time teaching myself which i don't like as it will take up alot of time.
Original post by BTAnonymous
yes exactly! it's worth taking the risk while you're young and if it's just not your thing then just complete it and no harm done!
thank you! I'm hoping to get the rolls Royce position but any would do tbh as they all sound very exciting!
thank you! I'm hoping to get the rolls Royce position but any would do tbh as they all sound very exciting!
How was your apprenteship?
What did you end up doing?
Original post by dreamerkitten
I'm currently in year 12, doing my A Levels in History, English Lit and Psychology. At the moment I'm working at ABB, and am targeted to achieve A*A*A at the end of year 13 (+ the EPQ at probably grade B or above). I also achieved all A* and A grades at GCSE.
I'm just really confused about what to do after school though - should I do a degree apprenticeship, or should I study for a degree at a top university? I'm really not about the whole partying, university life, and would obviously rather not end up £30k in debt following it; hence my mum suggested that I consider a degree apprenticeship.
And they do sound great - there's some really good ones out there. Only problem is, you can only really get your degree in Business Management or IT with most of them, and I don't really know how much I'd want to study business management. Also, the entry requirements never seem to be higher than 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, and BBB at A Level. Would anyone doing a degree apprenticeship maybe be able to give me some advice?
If I were to instead go to uni, I would want to study English Lit and then train to become a secondary school English teacher afterwards. I just know that I am an academic person, and I just worry that if I end up doing a degree apprenticeship that only requires BCC at A Level, but I get my targeted A*A*A I'm going to be letting myself down or something (if you get what I mean?). But at the same time, I fare really well in a work environment and being paid for working while studying for my degree just sounds amazing.
My mum said that if it's possible, maybe I should do the degree apprenticeship and then train to become a teacher if I really don't enjoy the job I'm working in (not sure how that would work though as if I want to teach English I'd need a BA in it).
I guess I'm just a bit confused, some advice from someone would be really great :')
I'm just really confused about what to do after school though - should I do a degree apprenticeship, or should I study for a degree at a top university? I'm really not about the whole partying, university life, and would obviously rather not end up £30k in debt following it; hence my mum suggested that I consider a degree apprenticeship.
And they do sound great - there's some really good ones out there. Only problem is, you can only really get your degree in Business Management or IT with most of them, and I don't really know how much I'd want to study business management. Also, the entry requirements never seem to be higher than 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, and BBB at A Level. Would anyone doing a degree apprenticeship maybe be able to give me some advice?
If I were to instead go to uni, I would want to study English Lit and then train to become a secondary school English teacher afterwards. I just know that I am an academic person, and I just worry that if I end up doing a degree apprenticeship that only requires BCC at A Level, but I get my targeted A*A*A I'm going to be letting myself down or something (if you get what I mean?). But at the same time, I fare really well in a work environment and being paid for working while studying for my degree just sounds amazing.
My mum said that if it's possible, maybe I should do the degree apprenticeship and then train to become a teacher if I really don't enjoy the job I'm working in (not sure how that would work though as if I want to teach English I'd need a BA in it).
I guess I'm just a bit confused, some advice from someone would be really great :')
Hey dreamer, I am in a similar position as you were; I presently study English, Maths and Business at Leeds College in Year 12 and I am kinda confused on which path I should embark on, either degree apprenticeship or uni, though to be a future economist/financial analyst it seems more appealing to go for a degree apprenticeship, kindly advise on which choice you later went for, please.
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