Academic Professional Higher Apprenticeship
18 months part time

The programme encourages the development of a social, political, economic and practical perspective on issues relating to higher education teaching, learning and assessment practices by considering the impacts of initiatives and policy variations in the higher education sector.

There will be a strong focus on understanding the multiplicity of learners’ needs to ensure the design and delivery of inclusive experiences to a wide and diverse demographic of students as well as understanding the processes to access the wider support available, thus aiming for an outstanding student experience. All learning opportunities are mapped to the UKPSF (UK Professional Standards Framework) and thus to the APA (Academic Professional Apprenticeship) Standard.

End Point Assessment (EPA) *Apprenticeship only

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (2020) state that - Rigorous, robust and independent End Point Assessment (EPA) gives employers confidence that apprentices can actually perform in the occupation they have been trained in and can demonstrate the duties, and knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the occupational standard. For details of the current EPA for your standard please consult the IFATE Apprenticeship standards / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education webpage here.

This apprenticeship normally takes 18 months part-time, followed by the endpoint assessment which will typically be completed within 3 months of Gateway. Full details are available on the IFATE website. Much of the programme’s assessment (both formative and summative) contribute towards the EPAs, but additional time is set out in the Standard’s Assessment Plan to prepare for these assessments. In response, the programme team host writing workshops, editing support sessions and professional conversation practice as part of the offer.

As this is a non-integrated Apprenticeship, the Academic Professional Apprenticeship Assessment Plan requires that an Independent Assessor from an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) conducts the EPAs. Currently, through the EPAO we work with, all assessments are submitted digitally and conducted remotely.   

Apprentices are required to attend the University, for induction and then on a weekly basis for taught sessions. Each module takes place over a semester and a semester is 12 teaching weeks in length. Taught sessions take place weekly on a Thursday 10.00-12.00 throughout a 12-week semester at Northumbria University’s City Campus.

The Academic Professional programme and modules are designed and led by experienced and well-qualified academics all with S/FHEA and their own Higher Education Pedagogic research underpinning practice and research informing their design, delivery and quality assurance of your programme.  

Talent from across the institution and sector offer guest seminars to introduce practice, research, policy and theory to enrich the community of practice.

Technology used to enhance your Learning

Apprentice’s will have access to an online learning platform called Blackboard where module leaders will build the learning and assessment materials for each module. The online Collaborate platform will be used for some online sessions, particularly where this kind of learning is being showcased or the activity is more efficient with your time. All assessments are set (Panopto lecture captured), submitted and returned online, Portfolios are created and shared via ‘cloud’ storage and some progress review meetings are conducted virtually. Access to the extensive online library and learning resources, materials, expertise and the booking of physical study spaces are fully available to all apprentices.

In partnership with Northumbria University, an employer will support the apprentice at work to achieve their apprenticeship. Whilst studying, the apprentice will be required to work full-time, for at least 30 hours a week, and will be supported through learning at work to achieve the requirements of the apprenticeship standard.

Employers need to provide apprentices with an allocated workplace mentor – known as Learning and Teaching Mentors (LTMs). LTMs host bimonthly meetings with apprentices to discuss progress in the job role and workplace, an to share approaches and strategies. LTMs join the progress review meetings and provide a structured Session Observation and feedback.

Northumbria University provides annual training for LTMs and will ask apprentices to provide the details of their LTMs when the Initial Needs Analysis meeting takes place before the start of the programme, so that we can communicate with them in support of mentoring.

For the Apprenticeship route the employer needs to commit to the apprentice receiving 20% Off the Job for learning (20% OtJL). This is a condition of the degree apprenticeship ESFA’s funding rules. The programme leader will work individually with employers to determine number of hours required for OtJL depending on the contractual details per apprentice.

An employer should provide apprentices with opportunities to practice and develop teaching, learning and assessment and associated activities across the FHEQ (Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications) levels. Where direct responsibility is a challenge, apprentices should work pro-actively with mentors to identify and plan to address gaps. Apprentices need to have between 30-40 hours of teaching and engaging with students to practice that which they have learnt about to then then generated the evidence to underpin their claim on the assessments.

The employer covers all tuition fees for the apprentice, the total payment required depends on the organisation’s apprenticeship levy status.

Apprentices studying an apprenticeship do not pay any tuition fees, however, as they are in full-time employment they do not have student status and therefore are not entitled to apply for student finance.  

To discuss the fees for this apprenticeship in detail or to explore signing an agreement with the university, complete the enquiry form below and someone from our Business and Enterprise team will be in touch shortly.

We guide both employer and apprentice through the application and funding process and will be on hand to assist you during the apprenticeship journey.

Before entry onto the programme, all Apprenticeship applicants must complete an Initial Skills Assessment which maps their prior knowledge against the apprenticeship standard. This is part of the University’s regulatory funding obligations. The purpose of an apprenticeship is to provide new learning and the skills assessment will be used to establish whether we need to tailor your programme in any way to account for your previous qualifications or experience. It also provides a benchmark against which to map your progress on the programme.

Initial Needs Analysis (INA)

Once we receive your application, the Programme Leader will arrange an Initial Needs Analysis (INA) meeting where an audit of your prior skills, knowledge and experience is recorded. This is to ensure that you are recognised for any prior learning (RPL), allowing us to ensure that you join the programme at the point most suitable for you to gain new learning and build upon existing experience. 

This meeting will also ensure that you have the required professional role to embed, and evidence the progression on the learning that is provided. We will also take note of your workplace mentor who will support your progress throughout the programme. We will contact your LTM for training and Tripartite meetings.

Eligibility for Apprenticeship

This INA will also be used to ensure that you are eligible for the Apprenticeship route. You will need to have achieved (and have the certificate evidence) of Level 2 in Maths and English Language (or commit to achieving these via functional skills programme and tests before the end of the taught programme to pass through Gateway). Apprentices should hold at least also have three-year residency status in England. 

All apprentices are required to be in full-time employment to study the Academic Professional Higher Apprenticeship. If you are interested in studying this apprenticeship and you are in current full-time employment complete our online enquiry form.

If you are not in full-time employment but would like to study this apprenticeship programme, discover our recruitment opportunities below. Alternatively, visit our vacancies page for information on all apprenticeship opportunities currently available.

To start the application process for either current employees or new recruits contact our Business and Enterprise team today by email or complete our online enquiry form. Alternatively, you can call 0191 215 6300.