Allied Health Apprenticeships

Allied Health Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship routes for Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Occupational Therapy

Hero Carousel

Allied Health Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship routes for Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Occupational Therapy

Pioneering apprenticeships in allied health subjects

The University of East London has a strong background in apprenticeship delivery in a variety of subject areas and an established reputation in healthcare education. UEL is the leading provider of degree-level apprenticeships in allied health for London and the South East.

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy

UEL was the first Higher Education Institution in England to offer physiotherapy as a degree programme and has subsequently been involved in the education of physiotherapists for over 35 years. The UEL degree was developed from the Royal London Hospital School of Physiotherapy and is a continuation of over 80 years of physiotherapy education in East London. We previously delivered the innovative Physiotherapy by Situated Learning Programme (SLP). This programme allowed "interns" to be employed by local NHS Trusts while they studied full time in both the University and clinical setting, the model was a very successful and forms the foundation of our apprenticeship.

Find out more about our BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy degree that underpins our apprenticeship route.

BSc (Hons) Podiatry

UEL has been training podiatrists since 2003. In fact, we are the only university in London offering a BSc (Hons) Podiatry course. We believe in giving our students an unrivalled educational experience. To do this, we have developed strong links with NHS trusts across London and the East of England. This means that UEL podiatry students are able to experience modern podiatric practice across a wide range of clinical settings.

Combined with an enthusiastic and motivated teaching team, we feel this is why our students have an excellent record for graduate employability. The BSc (Hons) Podiatry Apprenticeship builds upon the success of our traditional undergraduate course. By working in partnership with NHS employers, we are able to provide a unique combination of degree level education with real world clinical experience and on the job learning.

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a challenging and rewarding health career. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages, helping them to develop, recover or maintain their daily living and working skills. Occupational therapists work with people who may have physical, cognitive or mental impairments. Their expertise helps improve independence and quality of life.

Alongside our BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy degree we offer an apprenticeship route.

Delivery and support

Our apprenticeship courses mirrors the relevant undergraduate full-time degree. As an apprentice, you will spend a minimum of 20 per cent of your time doing 'off the job' training. This means that you will spend time on day release at UEL where you will attend lectures, tutorials and practical classes. The rest of your time you will spend working for your employer, integrating and assimilating what you have learnt at University. Your programme will run across four years and includes periods of assessed clinical practice.

Apprentices will be supported by the course leader who manages the learning and teaching and co-ordinates with a mentor based in the Trust. Both academic and pastoral support is provided.

We recognise that apprenticeship courses can be demanding. UEL has a long history of supporting mature students to achieve a higher education degree. For this reason, additional support is available to apprentices through our Student Hub and the Centre for Student Success.

Assessment

On the apprenticeship you will complete the same modules and undertake the same assessments as the full-time course. In order to be awarded the apprenticeship a final additional assessment is required. This is called the apprenticeship end point assessment.

The end point assessment occurs within the final practice-based assessment and comprises of two clinical practice assessments.

All of our Allied Health apprenticeship courses are professional registrations that will allow you to be eligible to apply to the relevant body for entry onto their professional register.

Entry requirements

  • Employer support and commitment to undertake the programme
  • Evidence of level 3 study or equivalent
  • Maths and English GCSE Grade C or above or Functional Skills Level 2 (or equivalent)
  • Interview based on values-based practice and understanding of commitment
  • Employer's reference
  • Verification of DBS check and Occupational Health Clearance
  • Good written and spoken English
  • Right to remain and work in the United Kingdom

We will consider a range of level 3 qualifications including:

  • Access to HE Diploma (QAA approved) with 45 credits at Level 3 – 24 credits at Distinction to include Biology and or Chemistry
  • A levels: 120 UCAS points including passes at A2 in at least three subjects minimum Grade BBB (AS Levels not accepted) and must include Biology or Chemistry.
  • Alternatively, a single A level in a biological science taken as mature student, grade B

Please contact us to discuss other entry routes.

Fees and funding

As  an apprentice, your course fees will be covered by your employer from the apprenticeship levy. However, because you will receive a salary instead of a student loan, you will not be eligible for additional student finance.

Next steps

Apprenticeships are training programmes available for paid employed staff only. No-one can join an allied health apprenticeship programme unless they are employed in that apprenticeship role within an NHS Trust. If you are currently in employment as, for example, a rehabilitation assistant you should express your interest to the employer's apprenticeship lead and the course leader.

If you are not currently employed in a relevant field, you should monitor job sites for current opportunities as well as the NHS jobs portal for apprenticeship vacancies.

If eligible to apply you will have a collaborative interview conducted by the employer and UEL.

Allied Health Apprenticeships FAQs

Who can apply for an Allied Health apprenticeship at UEL?

You can only join if you are employed in a relevant apprenticeship role within an NHS Trust. You need employer support to undertake the programme.

Can I apply if I’m not currently employed by an NHS Trust?

Not yet. You need an apprenticeship job first. Look at job sites and the NHS Jobs portal for vacancies.

How long are the apprenticeships?

The programme runs across four years, including periods of assessed clinical practice.

How is the apprenticeship delivered?

You study the same academic content as the full-time degree. You spend at least 20 per cent of your time in off-the-job training, including day release at UEL for lectures, tutorials, and practical classes. The rest of your time is spent working for your employer.

What support will I get while on the apprenticeship?

You’re supported by the course leader and a mentor based in your NHS Trust. UEL also offers academic and pastoral support through the Student Hub and the Centre for Student Success.

Will I be professionally registered when I finish?

These apprenticeships lead to professional registration eligibility. On completion, you can apply to the relevant professional body register for your field.