University of Exeter Business School leads Russell Group with launch of two new Degree Apprenticeships

The programmes are underpinned by the Business School’s world-class BSc and MBA programmes, and are dual accredited with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Professor David Bruce Allen, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of the University of Exeter Business School, said: “We are extremely proud to be leading the Russell Group in offering these unique Degree Apprenticeships, which will provide debt-free access to higher education for a wide-range of people, who otherwise might not have considered higher education.

“Apprentices will study flexibly for a BSc in Applied Business or our number one ranked MBA (Corporate Knight’s Better World MBA Rankings 2017), whilst also securing industry-recognised qualifications from the CMI.

“The programmes enable employees to boost their skills alongside their regular employment, whilst allowing employers to provide their staff with valuable development opportunities from a leading business school.”

Dr Bill Russell, Director of Executive Education at the University of Exeter Business School who spearheaded the development of the programmes in partnership with a range of public and private sector organisations, believes the demand for these types of programmes has never been greater:

“We are operating in the era of the fourth industrial revolution, with digitisation transforming all aspects of business - so organisations absolutely need to develop and retain innovative staff for leadership and management positions to prepare for a complex and dynamic economic future.

“One of the most important things about these programmes is that they are immediately applicable. Apprentices can apply what they’ve learnt through a range of immersive learning experiences directly to their workplaces on a daily basis.”

Professor Janice Kay, Provost of the University of Exeter, said: “At the University of Exeter we have influential relationships with regional, national and global organisations and we are proud to help them solve challenges and innovate for the future.

“Our new business Degree Apprenticeships will help leaders to hone their skills so they set a clear direction and purpose, and drive their companies forward.”

Helen Limmer, Deputy Head of Education for the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The new  Degree Apprenticeships will provide excellent career progression opportunities for new entrants and for those of our existing workforce. The range of qualifications also means that there are a number of different routes to qualifying for different professions. Our NHS Trust is very committed to apprenticeships. By investing in apprentices we aim to increase the chances of up-skilling, and more importantly, maintaining a highly skilled competent workforce for the future.”

For more information please visit www.exeter.ac.uk/degreeapprenticeships