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Dietetic Degree Apprenticeships

A degree apprenticeship combines vocational work-based learning with study for a university degree. Designed in partnership with employers, degree apprenticeships offer a higher education qualification, a salary, and invaluable practical experience and employment skills.

Skills England has recently replaced the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) as the national body overseeing apprenticeships in England, following IfATE’s closure in summer 2025. The recently revised level 6 dietitian standard can be found here: Skills England - level 6 dietetic degree apprenticeship standard. This provides employers, Higher Education Institutes (HEI's) and prospective apprentices with information on the level 6 standard and assessment and timescales for study etc. 

Level 7 dietetic degree apprenticeship programmes are also available to award and can be mapped against the Skills England level 6 standard. This supports applicants to access the Apprenticeship Levy funding for the programme despite changes to apprenticeship funding for level 7 apprenticeship courses.

Successful completion of a level 6 (BSc) or Level 7 (Msc) dietetic degree apprenticeship programme will enable application to the Health and Care Professions Council for registration to practise using the protected title ‘Dietitian’.

What are the benefits of a degree apprenticeship?

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  • a cost-free degree with tuition fees paid by your employer and the government
  • a fast track to a great career and earning potential
  • a recognised qualification
  • a salary
  • work-based skills prized by employers
  • support and investment from an employer 

Who is eligible for a degree apprenticeship?

A degree apprenticeship is open to anyone who’s in employment, whether you’re a new recruit or an existing employee. You have to be 16 or over to be eligible for an apprenticeship, but there is no age limit.

You need to be supported by your employer. The BDA does not hold a list of employers who take on apprentices.

Employers may offer new jobs out to advert as an apprenticeship. In this case there would be a competitive recruitment process and roles would be advertised on NHS Jobs.

What are the typical entry requirements and standards?

The entry requirements vary depending on the individual degree apprenticeship and details can be found on the individual university course pages.

The typical minimal entry requirements are:

  • At least 5 GCSEs grades A-C
  • Level 3 qualifications including A level, NVQ Level 3 or BTEC National

Some employers will expect applicants to have qualifications relating to their chosen sector along with some experience.

Skills England has recently replaced the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) as the national body overseeing apprenticeships in England, following IfATE’s closure in summer 2025. The recently revised level 6 standard can be found on the Skills England - level 6 dietietc degree apprenticeship standard webpage. and provides information on the occupational standard and assessment and timescales for study. 

How is a degree apprenticeship taught?

Apprenticeships require on-the-job training combined with academic learning. Each programme has a mixture of learning through campus days, online sessions and workplace visits with 1,000 hours of Practice-based Learning (placement).

What dietetic degree apprenticeship courses are currently available?

Please note: Despite governement changes to how Level 7 apprenticeships are funded, these are still avilable.

The BDA webpage will be updated as and when any new dietietc degree apprenticeship programms are accredited. For apprenticeships linked to professional statutory registration, you should find out from individual HEIs if your qualifications meet entry criteria.

I’m interested in pursuing a dietetic degree apprenticeship. What should I do now?

Start by having a discussion with your line manager explaining how you believe undertaking an apprenticeship will support you to bring:

  • additional skills to the service
  • benefits to patients
  • benefits to your service
  • Seek their approval and support to undertake an apprenticeship

Join the growing BDA student community

If you’re studying a pre-registration dietetic degree apprenticeship you can join the BDA as an Associate Student member and get all the benefits of BDA student membership plus added insurance protection and employment support.

Find out more about eligability and joining as an Associate Student member.

Employers & Higher Education Institution information

What are the benefits of a degree apprenticeship for an employer?

  • attract and retain top talent
  • demonstrate your commitment to staff investment
  • enhance and develop your workforce
  • fill higher-level skill gaps
  • grow your business
  • improve business performance
  • increase productivity
  • receive government funding and use your levy payments to pay for course fees.

Choosing apprentices

Your apprentices can be existing team members or new recruits. The choice is yours.

You must employ the apprentice for a minimum of 30 hours a week, and you are expected to provide support and guidance to your apprentice whilst paying them an appropriate training salary throughout the duration of their study. Starting salaries vary depending on the sector and individual levels of experience.

How much do they cost and what funding is available?

  • If you’re an employer who pays the apprenticeship levy with bills over £3m training costs will be covered by the levy funds in your digital account. Non-levy payers have access to the co-investment model with government funding available for up to 95% of the cost. Find out more about government funding here and interested employers can visit the government website for information on how to register.
  • Level 7 Apprenticeship courses are mapped against the Skills England Level 6 Standard, but institutions are allowed to award at Level 7.  This supports applicants to access the Apprenticeship Levy funding for the course despite changes to apprenticeship funding for level 7 apprenticeship courses.

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