Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University (BU) is a UK public university that delivers degree-level apprenticeships designed for both new entrants and existing employees seeking to upskill. BU offers Level 6 and Level 7 programmes – equivalent to undergraduate and Master’s level – combining paid employment with structured academic study, typically on a part‑time basis over 18 months to five years, depending on the apprenticeship standard. Apprenticeship delivery blends on‑the‑job learning in the workplace with lectures, workshops and university-based teaching, supported by off‑the‑job training that is built into paid working hours. BU’s apprenticeship portfolio includes areas such as health and social care (for example nursing, operating department practice, enhanced and advanced clinical practice), social work, business and accounting, digital marketing, engineering and senior leadership. Courses are developed in collaboration with employers to align curricula with sector skills needs and to support organisational workforce planning. An Ofsted inspection of BU’s apprenticeship provision in June 2024 judged it to be Outstanding in all categories, reflecting the quality of education, leadership and learner support. Employers can work with BU to ‘grow their own’ talent pipeline, address skills shortages and upskill existing staff, while apprentices gain industry-recognised qualifications, practical experience and progression routes without paying tuition fees.