Support a member of staff through a degree
Flexible distance learning, built around the job they already do.
Support a member of staff through a degree
Flexible distance learning, built around the job they already do.
At a glance
Who it's for
Employers wanting to develop an individual member of staff, and government bodies, charities and NGOs sponsoring a student.
Cost
Employer-sponsored or self-funded. Prior learning can reduce both the time and the fees.
Timescales
Varies by course and by how much prior learning is recognised.
Best suited to
Staff with relevant experience who need the qualification to match it.
What's involved
Work-based degrees are flexible distance learning programmes designed to be embedded in the job your employee already does. Projects can be tailored to your work environment and your objectives, so what they study is useful to you as they study it.
Applications are assessed individually, taking account of work experience as well as prior qualifications. Recognition of Prior Learning may reduce the credit your employee needs to complete — which reduces both the time it takes and the fees you pay.
This route lets you:
- Develop one person without committing to an apprenticeship framework
- Shape their projects around your objectives
- Recognise experience they already have, reducing time and cost
- Support study at Bachelor’s or Master’s level
- Sponsor fees directly, or let the employee fund their own study
How this differs from a degree apprenticeship
Work-based degree
Flexible distance learning. Employer-sponsored or self-funded. No fixed release requirement. Prior learning can shorten it.
Degree apprenticeship
Structured programme funded through the levy. Requires one day a week release and a specific employment arrangement.
How it works
1. Find a course
Browse work-based courses, or tell us the skills gap and we’ll suggest options.
2. Your employee applies
Applications are assessed individually, taking account of work experience and prior qualifications.
3. Confirm sponsorship
If you’re paying, complete an External Company Sponsorship (RE2) form or send a letter of sponsorship. Details in the section below.
4. They study alongside work
Distance learning, with projects tailored to your workplace.
Before you enquire
Sponsorship means paying us directly. If you give the money to your employee and they pay us, they are classified as self-paying, not sponsored.
You must confirm sponsorship for each academic session, generally each year of the course, not once at the start.
Fees are payable within 30 days of invoice. If you need a purchase order number on invoices, it must be on the form — without it, your employee’s progress could be interrupted.
Your sponsorship commitment stands even if your employee withdraws from the course or leaves your employment. We recommend you make your own agreement with them covering that.
Tell us who you want to develop
Describe the skills gap and the person, and we’ll suggest routes.
