People Professional Apprenticeship (Level 5 CertHE)
Source: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/degree-apprenticeships/programmes/people-professional/ Parent: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/degree-apprenticeships/
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People Professional Apprenticeship (Level 5 CertHE)
Why study People Professional Apprenticeship (Level 5 CertHE) at Exeter?
- This apprenticeship is ideal for people looking to further their career as an HR professional. It will help to build the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to take their career to the next level and comes with an additional level 5 CIPD qualification.
- This programme is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of Human Resources management. It will equip apprentices with the tools they need to drive their organisation’s people agenda forward. Apprentices will be in roles where they can provide managers and employees with advice on complex HR matters.
- Apprentices would be responsible for various activities such as attracting, developing, and retaining talent, managing payroll and benefits, supporting positive employee relations, and ensuring compliance with employment law.
- The penultimate module gives apprentices the opportunity to select from two options, Specialist Employment Law or People Management within the International Context, allowing for further specialism.
- Gain a CertHE in Applied Human Resource Management and a CIPD associate diploma in People Management.
Quick facts
- 24 months full-time
- Online learning
- Typical A-Level offer: CCC
- UK Top 10 for Business and Management
- Entry point in September 2026
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Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72
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Course content
Integrative in its design and delivery, this apprenticeship is designed for students who are looking to further their careers within Human Resources, and has the additional qualification of CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management.
Apprentices have the opportunity to specialise during the penultimate module, choosing between Specialist Employment Law, or People Management within the International Context.
Top 10 for Business and Management
9th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and The Complete University Guide 2026
Triple accredited Business School
AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS
All Business School departments are top 15 for graduate prospects
The Complete University Guide 2026
Entry requirements
We require 3 Cs or equivalent at A Level and/or two years’ relevant experience.
There is a requirement from the Education and Skills Funding Agency that apprentices under 19 hold a level 2 qualification in English and mathematics.
Find out more about how we support Functional Skills.
How to apply
This apprenticeship does not follow the standard UCAS application process. To gain a place candidates must apply directly to one of our employer partners’ vacancies.
Candidates can apply to this programme in addition to making applications to any institution through UCAS. When vacancies are open they will be advertised by our employer partners and on University of Exeter Degree Apprenticeship website.
Please be aware that employers start their recruitment at different times of the year so please be sure to check regularly.
- Vacancies are advertised by employers and promoted through our current vacancies page when they become available.
- Candidates should apply through their chosen company's website via the links which are available on this page once vacancies become live.
- Candidates are welcome to apply for more than one vacancy.
- Please be aware that each company will have their own recruitment process, the stages and timelines may vary.
- If applicants are successful they will be offered a position as an apprentice with the company.
- An apprenticeship place on the programme will be confirmed by University of Exeter, and we will send further information about how to enrol as a student.
- If candidates have not been successful this time, do not worry! Keep an eye out for other opportunities on our vacancies page.
Applicants must have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship – please see the ESFA guidance for further information.
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Funding
Full programme cost: £11,000
The employer fully covers the cost of the apprenticeship; apprentices do not pay for any of the eligible training costs. The apprentice will be an employee of the organisation, gaining a University of Exeter award alongside working and earning a salary.
Employers who pay the Apprenticeship Levy will pay for the apprenticeship fees directly through that contribution. See further information about the Apprenticeship Levy funding.
UK-based employers who do not pay the Levy will be able to claim 95 per cent of the cost of the apprenticeship from the Government. Up to 100 per cent Government contribution may be available if the employer has fewer than 50 employees and:
- Recruits an apprentice aged 16-18
- OR an apprentice aged 19-24 who has previously been in care or who has a local authority education, health and care plan
See further information on the Apprenticeship Levy funding.
Employers must pay their apprentices a salary at least consistent with national legislation.
Funding eligibility criteria
- To be eligible for funding apprentices must meet the criteria listed in the ESFA guidance. Apprenticeship funding rules.
- They must also have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship – please see the ESFA guidance for further information
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Learning
On average, approximately 20% (a minimum of 6 hours per week) of a learner’s contractual working time will be given over to study. Apprentices can expect to be stretched and challenged but supported throughout as they develop the academic skills required to be a successful HR Manager.
Careers
Apprentices will be a full salaried member of an organisation in the UK. Much of the learning will take place at work, either through projects linked to academic content or time set aside for distance learning. Apprentices will be working in an exciting and relevant job from day one of their studies, meaning when they complete, they'll have both the professional and academic experience sought after by employers.
Find out more about our People Professional apprenticeship
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