Take learning into your own hands with an apprenticeship

What’s it really like?

The Medical Doctor Degree Apprenticeship is a new route - it is expected that apprentices will begin this qualification in September 2023. Apprentices will be employed by a healthcare provider organisation, and will study flexibly  alongside work, so they can put newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice immediately, for the positive benefit of service users and patients. Medical Doctor Degree Apprentices will do the same training, at the same high standard as those taking traditional educational routes. Any medical school offering the Medical Doctor Degree Apprenticeship will be approved by the General Medical Council.

Traditional university degrees and apprenticeships have some similarities - primarily in the qualification that you’ll receive. Apprenticeships in health and social care are often referred to as degree apprenticeships - this just means that although the format of the education may be different, students would still obtain the same qualification. 

Apprenticeships are hosted by universities, but this is done collaboratively with partner organisations such as the NHS, private care providers, or social care organisations.

There are some similarities between typical university degrees and degree apprenticeships. Students undertaking a degree apprenticeship will spend approximately 80% of their time in clinical settings, with the rest in a learning environment. As the time at university will be less than some other students, the time to complete an apprenticeship can take longer - this can be between two and four years. 

As students undertaking a degree apprenticeship, the curriculum won’t differ drastically from the curriculum that is studied by those undertaking the traditional route. An important thing to note is that degree apprenticeships aren’t currently available, but will be by 2023 with healthcare provider organisations listing opportunities depending on their needs. So, it’s important to do your research, and check for the apprenticeships online, and which university they’re connected to. 

If you’re an aspiring medical student who is interested in spending more time in clinical practice but is unable to attend university full time, the degree apprenticeship could be the route for you.