Software engineering degree apprenticeship UK
Earn a salary and a funded degree while building real software. Live roles at Google, Amazon, BT, IBM, and more — no tuition fees, no student debt.
Level 6
Qualification level
Equivalent to a full honours degree (BSc / BEng)
£22k–£38k
Typical starting salary
Paid on work days and study days — no unpaid placement
£0
Tuition fees owed
Employer and government levy fund the full degree cost
What is a software engineering degree apprenticeship?
A software engineering degree apprenticeship is a Level 6 programme that combines full-time paid employment with a fully funded university degree. You work for the employer roughly four days a week and study one day (or in block releases) at a partner university. The typical duration is 3–4 years, after which you graduate with a BSc or BEng in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
Unlike a traditional computer science degree, there is no student loan. The employer and the government's apprenticeship levy cover all tuition fees. You also accumulate years of industry experience — writing production code, working in agile teams, and building a professional network — before you graduate.
Top employers offering software engineering degree apprenticeships
| Employer | Programme | Salary | University partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineering DA | £29k–£38k | Varies by cohort | |
| Amazon | Software Engineering DA | £25k–£35k | Varies by cohort |
| BT Group | Technology DA | £20k–£27k | Aston / Exeter |
| IBM | Software Engineering DA | £22k–£28k | Varies by cohort |
| BAE Systems | Software / Systems DA | £21k–£28k | Various UK partners |
| Accenture | Technology DA | £23k–£30k | Various UK partners |
| GCHQ / Civil Service | Cyber & Software DA | £22k–£30k | Various UK partners |
| Capgemini | Software Engineering DA | £21k–£28k | Aston / Hertfordshire |
| Deloitte | Technology Consulting DA | £23k–£31k | Various UK partners |
| Dyson | Engineering & Software DA | £21k–£27k | University of Bath |
Estimated salary ranges for 2026. Verify with each employer's careers page before applying.
Entry requirements
3 A-levels at ABB or above (112+ UCAS points)
Maths A-level grade B+ required by most programmes
GCSE Maths at grade 6 (B) or above
English Language at grade 4+ also required
Right to work in the UK
Most programmes do not sponsor visas
Age 16 or over
No upper age limit — mature applicants welcome
Not already holding a degree at the same or higher level
You cannot use an apprenticeship to fund a qualification you already hold
BTEC and T-Level applicants: Most software engineering degree apprenticeship employers accept a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Computing or IT (DDM or above) as equivalent to 3 A-levels. T-Levels in Digital Production, Design and Development are increasingly accepted. Check each listing individually.
How to apply for a software engineering degree apprenticeship
Search live roles
Browse software engineering degree apprenticeship vacancies on Apprentice Wizard, filtered by location, employer, and salary.
Check entry requirements
Each listing shows the specific grades and qualifications required. Use the UCAS grade checker to confirm your points.
Prepare your application
Most employers use online application forms. Tailor your personal statement to the employer's tech stack and values. Technical assessment or coding test typically follows.
Assessment centre
Shortlisted candidates attend an assessment centre covering a group exercise, technical interview, and sometimes a presentation or case study.
Offer and enrolment
Successful applicants receive an employment contract and are enrolled in the degree programme by the employer — no UCAS application needed.
Live software engineering degree apprenticeship roles
Updated daily from UK employers.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is a software engineering degree apprenticeship?▾
A software engineering degree apprenticeship is a Level 6 programme that combines full-time paid employment with a fully funded university degree in software engineering or computer science. You work for the employer four days a week and study one day at a partner university, graduating debt-free after 3–4 years.
Do software engineering degree apprenticeships require Maths A-level?▾
Yes — almost all software engineering degree apprenticeship programmes require Maths A-level at grade B or above. Some employers (Google, GCHQ) also ask for A-level Computer Science or Physics. Always verify with the specific employer listing.
Is a software engineering degree apprenticeship better than a CS degree?▾
It depends on your priorities. A degree apprenticeship gives you the same Level 6 qualification, no tuition-fee debt, and 3–4 years of paid work experience. A traditional CS degree offers more academic breadth and freedom to specialise. Most employers view both routes equally on a graduate CV — the apprenticeship route wins on financial terms.
Which employers offer software engineering degree apprenticeships in the UK?▾
Major UK employers offering software engineering degree apprenticeships include Google, Amazon, BT, IBM, BAE Systems, Accenture, GCHQ, Capgemini, Deloitte, and Dyson. Many smaller technology companies and public sector bodies also run programmes — check Apprentice Wizard for the full current list.
When do software engineering degree apprenticeship applications open?▾
Most programmes open applications between September and January for a September start. Google, Amazon, and GCHQ typically open early (September–November). BT and Capgemini often open January–March. Roles are competitive and fill quickly — set up job alerts on Apprentice Wizard to be notified the moment new listings go live.
