Degree or degree apprenticeship?

[marthamonday]

DC is in the very fortunate position of having been offered a degree apprenticeship and holding an unconditional offer for a Uni place. Both at the same Uni, same qualification.

Obviously pros and cons to both; apprenticeship obviously there's no student debt, and earnings for the next four years - but having done the advanced apprenticeship DC knows it's a hard way of doing it, working full time and studying. To go to Uni would mean making friends, societies, being independent - but with a huge debt at the end of 3 years... which might not be paid back.

Obviously added to that is the thought that it might not be a normal Uni experience this year either.

DC spoke to the Head of Faculty for advice, and she agreed it was a fabulous position to be in, but had no advice one way or the other!

What would you do?

*pure degree sorry

I did professional qualifications which was supposed to be one afternoon and one evening per week. Plus all the work that required. Then trying to work at a senior level for the rest of the time was hard. I rarely made it to college on time. However it’s worth it. It was the end of 6 years part time study whilst working for me at the time.

I've done an MSc on top of demanding FT work and I'm doing a degree level apprenticeship on top of work and two DC at present. I won't say it's the most fun you can have, but it's definitely doable, and it's most definitely been worth it. Virtual/blended learning modes have been a big help. Even years ago when I did my MSc, I switched from evening lectures to online learning with residential weekends. Having to physically rush from a full day of work to an evening's study is definitely stressful, so it's worth looking at the study setup. With the opportunity for day/block release with the apprenticeship and virtual delivery, I would guess it'll be easier than having to physically attend evening lectures after work.

Apprenticeship- way higher chance of a job with good experience and tens of thousands less debt.

Take it from someone who had to do an apprenticeship after getting their degrees...

I think posters need to stop referring to debt, its a tax on earning over 27k and you stop paying after 30 years
Obviously its a tax you wouldnt pay if you are dont go to uni,

It is a debt. You borrow a lump sum upfront. Just one with generous and flexible repayment terms. Many FT students also end up with conventional debt from finding their lives - overdraft, credit card, etc.

It is not debt. Most never pay it off. It’s is not a bank loan. You do not earn enough,, you don’t pay. You stop and have children, you do not pay. You work part time and earn under £26,000, you do not pay. It is clearly a grad tax. It is totally dependent upon earnings.

Well, it's money you won't have to pay in future if you don't take it, so whatever you want to call it, you end up richer in future if you let an employer pay your fees (and pay you a salary, and give you valuable work experience).

In this case, yes, as the degree is the same. In other cases it would not be so clear cut. Would you do a law degree at Oxbridge or do an apprenticeship degree at a local post 92 university? Future earnings could be severely compromised with the latter if you were a really bright DC.

Entirely true.

As it's the same degree, I would advice the degree apprenticeship as it is difficult right now to get a job as a graduate with little work experience.

*advise FFS

Same Uni?

Degree Apprenticeship.

Well Done to your DC for securing both great opportunities.