Introduction from the President and Vice-Chancellor
Over the past decade, the University of Exeter has helped shape what degree apprenticeships can and should be within a modern skills economy. Working in close partnership with employers and stakeholders, we have developed an employer-led model of higher education that combines academic excellence with realworld application, ensuring learning is both rigorous and workforce-ready.
Today, more than 4,200 apprentices study with us across 22 programmes, representing 14% of our total student population, with a further eight programmes in development. We are now the largest university provider of degree apprenticeships in England and the first to bring our full portfolio together within a single, strategic Centre for Degree Partnerships, launched in September 2023 by the Secretary of State for Education.
Our mission is simple: co-design. Every programme is developed in collaboration with employers and professional bodies, aligned to the evolving needs of the UK economy. Together, we address critical skills shortages across digital, finance, engineering, business and health.
We are proud of our outcomes, not simply for the statistics but for what they represent. Our achievement rate stands at 84%, with a 97% pass rate. This reflects our commitment to inclusive, research-led design, rigorous initial assessment, and personalised support that enables every apprentice to succeed.
Degree apprenticeships at Exeter are also widening access to higher education. 55% of our undergraduate apprentices are first-generation students, 30% come from ethnic-minority backgrounds, and 30% are from areas of highest deprivation. For us, these figures reflect our commitment to access and success for all ensuring that talent, not background, shapes opportunity and outcomes.
Degree apprenticeships succeed because they are partnerships between universities, employers, professional bodies, assessment organisations, government, and apprentices themselves. Built on trust and shared purpose, these partnerships create education that transforms lives, strengthens organisations, and drives economic growth.
To everyone who has supported us, who has challenged us, co-designed with us, and believed in this model — thank you.
2016/17
A Decade of Growth
Launch of the first University of Exeter Degree Apprenticeship Programme: Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship.
2018/19
Programme Lead Dr. Simon McGinnes said: “I’mdelightedthatthe Universityisofferingthedigitaldegreeapprenticeshipprogramme andthatemployershavebeensoenthusiasticaboutparticipating.
BusinessITisoneofthoseprofessional,vocationalsubjectsthatis bestlearnedpractically,inthebusinesscontext.Theapprenticeship isagreatwaytolearn;unlikemanyuniversitycourses,ithasbeen designedfromthegrounduptoallowstudentstoachievemastery bypractisingtheirprofession initspropercontext.”
The University of Exeter was also proud to run the Academic Professional Apprenticeship.
This is a flagship continuing professional development opportunity for early career lecturers and university educators, run by academics for academics. It is a level 7 programme aligned with HE sector professional standards: HEA Fellowship (Advance HE), and the Academic Professional Apprenticeship standard.
Civil Engineering apprentices complete their Level 4 Civil Engineering Senior Technician and progress onto their Level 6 Civil Engineer programme.
The University launched the pioneering BEng Civil Engineering Site Management programme to help tackle a crucial skills gap experienced in the UK construction industry.
The University has teamed up with international engineering company Laing O’Rourke, together with their partners at Hinkley Point C, to deliver the degree apprenticeship. Apprentices will start on Level 4 Civil Engineering Senior Technician and progress onto their level 6 Civil Engineer programme.
The University of Exeter also launched two Degree Apprenticeships in Management and Leadership, Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship and Level 7 Senior Leader Masters Degree Apprenticeship.
The complementary programmes provided an opportunity for individuals and businesses to develop higher-level skills in leadership and management.
Building on the success of its established apprenticeship scheme, J.P. Morgan partnered with the University of Exeter to deliver the inaugural cohort of Level 6 Financial Services Professional Apprenticeships.
The University expanded their Financial Services offer by introducing a
Investment Operations
A Decade of Growth
The first degree apprenticeship in the UK for Diagnostic Radiography has been approved and launched in March 2020.
The first degree apprenticeship in the UK for Diagnostic Radiography has been approved and launched in March 2020. This is the first diagnostic radiography degree apprenticeship to be approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and the Society and College of Radiographers.
We’re proud that we received a number of commendations for the programme and the staff. We’re very excited to be able to offer this alternative route into the profession and to be able to run this alongside our award-winning undergraduate programme.
In January 2022, the launch of Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship specifically for those working in the public sector.
Continued growth in healthcare apprenticeships with the launch of another two apprenticeship programmes Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner and Advanced Clinical Practitioner.
University of Exeter and Exeter College partner on a new validated Degree Apprenticeship in Data Science delivered by Exeter College and accredited by the University of Exeter.
A new degree apprenticeship programme, Senior People Professional for managers working in HR has been launched by the University of Exeter Business School.
The portfolio of Civil Engineering Apprenticeship pathways are expanded to include Construction Site Management degree apprenticeship, ensuring that the University’s apprenticeship portfolio meets the skills needs and occupations of the region.
2016/17 2017/18
Launch on the innovative level 7 Research Scientist with embedded MSc Data Science
2018/19 2019/20
2020/21 2021/22
In 2020, the University of Exeter’s largest employer partner was the NHS. Building on the success of the Diagnostic Radiographer apprenticeship, the University launched Clinical Associate in Psychology and Senior Leader Healthcare during 2020.
2022/23 2023/24
Continued Collaboration with the investment banking sector, now provides school leavers with the opportunity to secure a front office investment banking role through the expansion of the Financial Services Professional Apprenticeship Investment Banking pathway.
2024/25 2025/26
A Decade of Growth
Amazon join in collaboration with the University of Exeter to launch a bespoke Operations Departmental Manager with progression to Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship and an Amazon Senior Leader Apprenticeship programme tailored to encompass Amazon’s Leadership principles and support development across all levels of leadership at Amazon.
University of Exeter Business School launch a Retail and Commercial
pathway of
Partnership with the NHS Leadership Academy expands to embedding the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson programme into our Senior Leaders (Healthcare) Apprenticeship.
Specialised level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (Healthcare) pathway accredited with the NHS Leadership Academy Mary Seacole programme.
Services Professional adding to the already successful Investment Banking, Investment Management and Operations pathways. Accounting Finance Manager Degree Apprenticeship launched with employers crediting this programme as being able to accelerate
Apprenticeship starting points and development are critical to the success of apprenticeship programmes for the employer and the individuals.
It’s the reason for launching our Diagnostic Radiographer apprenticeship with MSc Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging to compliment the already successful University of Exeter BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging.
The Princess Royal launched our new Mine Management Degree Apprenticeship delivered from Cambourne School of Mines.
Renowned across the global mining industry it leads the way in pioneering new techniques in sustainable mining practices, and sourcing critical minerals required for the transition to net zero.
As we mark a decade of Degree Apprenticeships at the University of Exeter, we’re looking boldly to the future. With the UK’s evolving Skills and Growth Levy and renewed national priorities in the Modern Industrial Strategy, Exeter is expanding its offer to meet the skills needs of the next decade.
We are developing new Apprenticeship Units and launching an exciting portfolio of programmes — from cutting-edge Engineering pathways and next-generation Leadership and Management degrees to new opportunities in Digital Marketing, Law, and Nursing. These developments reflect our commitment to employer-led, future-ready education that empowers learners, supports industry, and drives economic growth.
The right starting place and progression are also the themes of the programmes launching in 2023/24.
Level 7 Digital Technology Solutions Specialist provides a master’s level programme complementing our first apprenticeship programme
Level 6 Digital Technology Solutions Professional.
We launched our Level 5 Higher People Professional Apprenticeship where on completion, apprentices can gain direct access to our successful level 7 Senior People
In collaboration with Amazon we launched our first Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship in September 2023.
Planned new programmes
Engineering Programmes
• Electro-mechanical Engineer (BEng)
• Manufacturing Engineer (BEng)
• Electrical and Electronic Engineer (BEng)
Leadership and Management Programmes
• Leadership and Management Professional (BSc)
• Improvement Leader (MSc)
• Service Designer (MSc)
Healthcare
• Nursing
Marketing Programmes
• Digital Marketer (BA/BSc)
A Decade of Achievements
Over the past ten years, the University of Exeter’s Degree Apprenticeships have moved from an ambitious pilot to a flagship model of inclusive, impact-driven higher education and the results speak for themselves.
Outstanding Outcomes, Year after Year
In 2024/25, Exeter’s degree-level apprenticeships achieved an 84% on-time achievement rate, with a 97% pass rate and 83% retention, significantly higher than the national degree apprenticeship achievement rate of 68.6%.
In our management and leadership programmes, the standard is exceptionally high: 74% of Advanced Clinical Practitioners, 83% of Digital Technology Solutions Professionals, and 97% of Senior Leaders graduate with distinctions.
Winner of the Diversity and Inclusion catagory
Multicultural Apprenticeship Award for University of the year
These outcomes reflect not just rigorous academic standards, but a learning model intentionally designed to support every apprentice from their starting point whatever their background or prior experience.
Recognition, Awards and Real-World Impact
Over the decade, Exeter’s Degree Apprenticeships have been recognised nationally and globally for their quality, innovation, and commitment to inclusive access. Our awards include (among others) the QS Reimagine Education Award (Gold), the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards, Power of Partnership, University of the Year, the Chartered Management Institute’s Higher Education Partner of the Year and the Diversity and Inclusion award at the Apprenticeship and Training Awards along with highly commended for sustainability in apprenticeships and training.
Highly commended in the Education Practice Award (Experienced Category)
Gold Award at the QS Reimagine Education awards 2024
Winner for the Power of Partnership category
Alongside the university’s own national recognition, our apprentices continue to shine brightly on regional and national stages, earning awards that celebrate their talent, ambition, and impact in the workplace.
Their achievements reflect the true spirit of degree apprenticeships learning with purpose, contributing with confidence, and driving meaningful change in their organisations and communities. We are immensely proud of the growing number of apprentices whose talent, dedication and impact are being recognised nationally. Each year, our apprentices excel across a wide range of industry, professional body, and national award platforms and we celebrate these outstanding individuals whose success inspires our community and exemplifies the very best of apprenticeship learning at Exeter.
Below are just a sample of our amazing apprentice achievements.
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2024
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR
Finance Apprentice Eleanor Osborne from Mercer won Investment Trainee of the Year at the Professional Pensions Rising Star Awards 2024
Dr Hiba Khan, an NHS obstetrics and Gynaecology Doctor, Level 7 Senior Leader alumnus was crowned CMI Apprentice of the Year 2024
Dr Hiba Khan, an NHS obstetrics and Gynaecology Doctor, Level 7 Senior Leader alumnus was crowned CMI Apprentice of the Year 2024
Honor Lovell from Exeter’s Education Support team and a level 6 Chartered Manager Apprentice recently became the first ever Apprentice of the Year 2025 at the West Country Women Awards.
DR. HIBA KHAN WINNER
CMGR FCMI Chief Revenue Officer, Medics Academy
Nathan Powell of Bott UK was recently awarded the Make UK Engineering Apprentice Rising Star for the South West region 2025.
Dr Hiba Khan, an NHS obstetrics and Gynaecology Doctor, Level 7 Senior Leader alumnus was crowned CMI Apprentice of the Year 2024
CISI Awards
Investment Operation Specialist Apprentices recognised for their outstanding achievement at the CISI Awards.
Fran Cottingham, a Radiography Apprentice won the Society and College of Radiographers ‘Learner of the Year’ award for the Midlands region in 2024.
Digital Technology Solutions Apprentice
Dan McHugh from BT won both the Royal Navy Degree Apprenticeship of the Year Award at the National Apprenticeship Awards and The Christopher Mills Award for Technical Excellence from the Institute for Telecommunications professionals (ITP) in 2023.
A Decade of moments that matter
Across ten years of Degree Apprenticeships at the University of Exeter, there have been defining moments that capture the spirit, ambition, and community at the heart of our journey. These moments celebrate not only what we have achieved, but how far apprentices, employers, colleagues, and partners have travelled together. Each milestone reflects our commitment to excellence, partnership, and purpose and together, they tell the story of a decade shaped by innovation, resilience, and a shared belief in the transformative power of degree apprenticeships.
Here is a list of some of the moments that matter.
June 2019 Ofsted Monitoring visit for higher level apprenticeships
September 2019 The Leading-Edge speaker series at the University of Exeter is an established platform that brings together students, apprentices, alumni, and business professionals to explore what it means to lead with purpose.
December 2021 a delayed graduation ceremony for the first degree Apprenticeships graduates (delayed due to Covid)
May 2022 Ofsted Full inspection of higher and degree apprenticeship provision
September 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework Gold
September 2023 Education Secretary Gillian Keegan MP opens new apprenticeships and professional development centre at the University of Exeter
February 2025 First World Skills UK Accredited Graduate Skills Competition
A Decade of Collaboration
Partnership sits at the heart of degree apprenticeship provision at the University of Exeter. Our model is built on deep collaboration with employers, regional further education colleges, professional bodies, assessment organisations, and the wider skills sector, working together to design and deliver education that meets real workforce needs. Through strong regional partnerships, we create clear skills escalators that widen access, support progression, and strengthen local and national economies.
Employers co-design curricula to ensure relevance and impact, FE partners support inclusive pathways into higher education, and apprentices themselves are active partners shaping their learning through lived workplace experience. This collaborative approach enables us to address skills shortages, remove barriers to participation, and deliver outstanding outcomes for learners and organisations alike.
As a Russell Group university, Exeter brings academic rigour, research-led innovation and trusted quality assurance to these partnerships. Together, we create employer-led, future-ready education that delivers access, success and lasting impact for individuals, organisations and the wider economy.
Andy Berry, CBE of UCS College Group and Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice Chancellor, University of Exeter signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step towards strengthening regional education, research, and skills development across the South West.
The University of Exeter and Exeter College have signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), deepening their shared commitment to enhancing education across the region.
University of Exeter and Cornwall College Group cement strategic collaboration. The University of Exeter and Cornwall College Group have formed a new partnership designed to boost education opportunities, social mobility and regional economic development.
“WepartnerwiththeUniversityofExeter becausetheyunderstandourethosand investtimeinlearningourculture. Theybuildrole-plays,casestudiesand content that look and feel likeAmazon. Thatlevelofcustomisationisamazing.”
Jo Simovic, Senior Programme Manager, Amazon
“J.P.Morgan’spartnershipwiththeUniversityof Exeterhasresultedinthepositiveoutcomeswe hopedfor.Wewantedtomaximiseourlevywhile offeringanalternativepathwayfortalented individualstoearnarespecteddegree.
“Wehavealwaysfoundahelpfulandtrusted partnerintheUniversityofExetertoguideus throughmakingsuretheseapprenticeships run in a successful manner.”
Zeus Patel, Emerging Talent Lead, J.P. Morgan
“Wehavebeenworkingwiththe UniversityofExetersince2018.Their collaborationandflexibilityindeveloping programmeswithushasbeensignificant. Theycommunicatereallywell,aresupportive oflearnersandadapttomeetour organisationalneeds.”
Heidi Ashton, Apprenticeship Manager, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Along with collaborating with our employer partners, we are proud to be part of and collaborate with the University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC) The Russell Group and Devon and Cornwall Training Partnership Network (DCTPN).
A Decade of Inclusion
The University of Exeter is committed to advancing social mobility through education. Our approach focuses on widening participation, raising attainment, strengthening regional skills, and closing gaps in retention, progression and success so that all apprentices achieve strong outcomes during their studies and beyond graduation.
Our strategy is underpinned by four core principles: diversity, fair access and inclusion; a whole-student lifecycle approach; collaboration and partnership; and evidencebased practice. Working closely with regional partners, we seek to better understand and remove barriers to participation, address disparities in progression and attainment, and foster an inclusive culture in which all learners can fulfil their potential.
Our impact is reflected in the success of a diverse community of apprentices who act as role models and ambassadors for inclusive education. One such example is Rubin Poku, a Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice, who secured £5,000 through the University’s Education Incubator to establish a Black Apprentice Network, creating space for connection, representation and shared success.
Our degree apprenticeship programmes are designed not only to meet the real-world demands of employers but also to create meaningful opportunities for diverse and under-represented groups, driving impact at both local and national levels. The University of Exeter’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has produced measurable and meaningful outcomes, demonstrating the success of our initiatives in creating opportunities and reducing barriers for under-represented groups.
The University of Exeter’s commitment to inclusion has been nationally recognised through being named UniversityoftheYear at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards, alongside the celebration of outstanding individual apprentice achievements and impact.
Rubin Poku Black Apprentice Network illustration
Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2024 - Exeter wins ‘University of theYear’
Champika Dona, a Clinical Matron at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who joined the University of Exeter Business School programme in 2018, won in the Health, Medical and Social Care category
Miranda Simms, one of our TUI Senior People Professional Apprentices came away with the “Apprentice of the Year in the ‘Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism” Category.
Mamadou Kone, who was one of six shortlisted apprentices studying at University of Exeter, won in the Transport and Logistics 2023 category.
In 2024 the University of Exeter had 9 Finalist for the Multicultural Awards Jasneet Grover, a JP Morgan employee on the Financial Services Professional programme, is shortlisted in the Accounting and Financing category. Guarav Singh, a Bloomberg employee on the Digital and Technology Solutions programme, is shortlisted in the Digital and Technology category. Exeter also has five apprentices working for Amazon shortlisted in the Transport and Logistics category: Rubin Aboagye-Poku, on the Operations/Departmental Manager programme; and Baljinder Singh, Annie Vong, Boubacar Diallo (pictured) and Beril Uzan (pictured) , who are all studying for the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship. Nathan John, an IBM apprentice studying on the Digital and Technology Solutions programme, was shortlisted for the second year running – this time in the Judges’ Choice category.
A Decade of Impact
As a Russell Group university, the University of Exeter embeds research-led teaching at the heart of every programme. We are proud not only to integrate the latest scholarship into our curriculum, but also to lead national research that shapes the future of apprenticeships themselves.
Our academic community is producing a growing body of influential work exploring skills development, pedagogical innovation, learner experience, employability, and dual learning environments. This research is advancing understanding across the HE and skills sectors while directly enriching the teaching and learning experience of our apprentices. The outputs showcased here reflect our commitment to evidence-based practice and our ambition to contribute meaningfully to the national conversation on skills, education and workforce development.
A Decade of Partnerships
Thank you to our employer partners.
None of these achievements would be possible without the trust, energy, and innovation of our employer and stakeholder partners. Together, we have built a powerful ecosystem of learning, enabling apprentices to thrive and industries to evolve.
To every organisation that has supported, collaborated, and championed Degree Apprenticeships at Exeter — thank you.
Ageos
Aldi
Amazon
Amey PLC
Arcadis
Aviva
Avondale Construction
Axis Europe
Babcock International Ltd
Bank of America
Bank of England
Barclays PLC
British Broadcasting Corporation
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Blackdown Dental Equipment Services
Blackrock
Bloomberg
Bombardier Services UK
British Telecommunications PLC
British Transport Police
Builders Merchant Federation
Butlins Skyline Ltd
CACI International Inc
Carpmaels & Ransford Services
Catch 22
CBRE UK
Compare the Market Ltd
Cooper Parry Group Ltd
Cormac
Cornwall Council
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
DEFRA Group
Department for Education
Department for International Trade
Deutshe Bank AG
Devon County Council
Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue
Dorset County Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
EDF Energy Ltd
Encompass South West
Exeter City Council
Forestry Commission
Great Ormond Street Hospitals
GSK
GXO Logistics UK Ltd
Hampshire County Council
Harrow Council
Haulfryn Ltd
Homes England
Hospiscare
Host 2
House of Commons
House of Lords
Howmet Aerospace
HSBC
IBM
ICL Boulby
Isle of Wight & Portsmouth
J.P. Morgan
JB Construction Ltd
Kier Group PLC
Laing O’Rourke PLC
Leonardo Helicopters
Leonardo UK
Lineal Software Solutions Ltd
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
The Met Office
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
Morgan Sindall Group PLC
National Highways
National Institutions of the Church of England
Neptune North Ltd
Newcastle University
NFU Mutual
NHS England
Norfolk Constabulary (with Suffolk)
OFWAT
Openwork Services
Oxford University Hospitals
PenCarrie Ltd
Pfizer Inc
Portsmouth University Hospitals
Practice Plus Group
Reading Borough Council
Renishaw PLC
Reply Ltd
Rittal CSM
Rokos Capital Management
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Saint Gobain
Sandwell Council
Smiths Detection
Smiths Group PLC
Somerset Council
Somerset NHS Trust
Somerset Passenger Solutions
St Austell Brewery Co. Ltd
Standard Chartered
Stantec Inc
Stonehaven Campaigns
STRABAG UK Ltd
Structurehaus
Tate Gallery
Telensa Ltd
The Donkey Sanctuary
The Southern Co-operative Ltd
Theatre Royal Plymouth
Torbay & South Devon NHS Trust
Townsend Medical Centre
Travis Perkins PLC
TUI
Turning Point
UBS
Unilever UK Ltd
University Hospitals Plymouth
University Hospitals Sussex
University of Bristol
Vanguard Asset Services
Vinci
Vita Health Group—Kent and Medway
Talking Therapies
Wessex Water Services Ltd
West Berkshire Council
West London NHS Foundation Trust (Hammersmith & Fulham Talking Therapies)
West Midlands Combined Authority
Wincanton
WSP
You First Support Services
A Decade of Appreciation
As we mark a decade of degree apprenticeship provision at the University of Exeter, we extend our sincere thanks to the employers, Apprentices, End-Point Assessment Organisations, Professional Bodies, partners and other stakeholders who have worked alongside us to shape, challenge and strengthen what we do. This milestone reflects the power of collaboration—of co-creating education that is inclusive, future-focused and grounded in real workforce need. We are proud of what we have achieved together and remain firmly committed to deepening these partnerships in the years ahead, continuing to innovate, widen opportunity and deliver impact for individuals, employers and wider society.
Professor Rachael Johnstone Dean of Professional Education and Partnerships