Academic professional
Level 7 · Degree (Master’s)Education and early years 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An academic professional works in a university or higher education institution, combining teaching, research, and scholarly activity at the highest level. Apprentices develop expertise in designing curricula, delivering lectures, conducting original research, and supporting student learning. This pathway is suited to those moving into lecturing or research roles and can lead to senior academic or professorial positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Curriculum design and learning outcome development
Effective lecture, seminar, and tutorial delivery methods
Research methodology and scholarly writing techniques
Academic assessment design and marking practices
Student support and inclusive teaching strategies
Academic integrity and research ethics principles
Knowledge exchange and public engagement approaches
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Plan and deliver lectures, seminars, and tutorials to students
Design and mark assessments, providing constructive feedback
Conduct independent research and write for academic publication
Supervise undergraduate or postgraduate student projects
Participate in departmental meetings and academic committees
Support students with pastoral and academic guidance
Contribute to grant applications and research bids
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 7 (Degree (Master’s)) - roughly Master’s-degree level. Usually needs a relevant degree or Level 6 qualification, or significant experience.
What’s next: Leads into senior and chartered professional roles.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
No employer videos yet for this apprenticeship. Employers offering it can add one to show young people what the role is really like.