University or an apprenticeship?

Deciding what to do after school or college can feel like landing in a new city with no phone or Google Maps. Between rising living costs, career ambitions, and the pressure to “get it right,” it’s no wonder you might feel lost.

If you’re torn between diving into an apprenticeship or heading off to university, you’re not alone. While apprenticeships offer many benefits, we want to debunk some myths about university and highlight key advantages to help you make an informed choice.

 

University myths

Real-world experience

Apprenticeships are known for providing students with practical, real-life industry experience. But did you know that our undergraduate courses also allow you to gain practical experience in the workplace? At WBS, we understand the importance of students having time and access to employers. That’s why many of our courses offer a Placement Year – an incredible opportunity to spend a full year gaining professional experience. From Burberry to Deloitte, our students have completed placements at a wide range of companies across the globe.

If you are not looking to extend your degree with a placement year, but still want that real-world experience, there are still plenty of opportunities. You could complete summer internships and take part in careers events with employers, like our Careers Bootcamp.

Find out more about our Placement Years.

 

Employability-focused

Although university is an academic experience, we know our graduates need to be future-ready. Employability is embedded throughout our teaching via the PRACTICE framework, which ensures you develop key workplace skills like professionalism, teamwork, and more.

You will also have access to our CareersPlus and Employer Relations Team, both during and after your degree, who provide a specialised careers service exclusively for WBS students. From CV writing and interview workshops to finding exciting roles and connecting with top employers, we support you at every stage of your career journey.

Find out more about our career services.

 

Flexibility

If you're unsure about your future career path, a university offers flexibility. At WBS, our degrees allow you to build core business knowledge while tailoring your learning to topics that interest you through your elective modules.

Throughout your degree, you’ll study a wide range of subjects at WBS and other departments like Languages, giving you the chance to explore and discover new interests.

 

Costs of studying

We understand that university can involve more costs than apprenticeships. However, through student loans, bursaries, and scholarships, there are ways to manage these expenses. Some students also take on part-time work to help with living costs while studying.

To get a clearer idea of student expenses, you can reach out to our Recruitment Team and speak with a student ambassador.

Find out more about the support available at the University of Warwick.

 

Unique benefits of university

Meet a diverse range of people

University is a unique opportunity to meet people from all over the world. At WBS, our community includes such a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds. This not only helps you build great friendships and a strong network, but also challenges you to think differently and understand new cultures and perspectives.

 

Institutional reputation and support

At WBS, our courses consistently rank highly in industry league tables, giving you the confidence of being part of a respected and recognised institution. You’ll also benefit from a wide range of support services, including your Personal Tutor, CareersPlus, Wellbeing Services, and our dedicated Student Engagement Team.

 

Becoming independent

University is a time for growth – becoming an independent learner who is motivated and driven to succeed. You’ll be encouraged to take responsibility for your learning, a vital skill in any workplace.

Beyond academics, you’ll also gain independence by living away from home, managing your own life and responsibilities – all while having fun and enjoying everything university has to offer.

Read our undergraduate students’ guide to settling in at university.

Which brings us to the final point…

 

Extracurricular opportunities

University is a melting pot of new experiences! With over 65 sports clubs and 250 societies, it’s a unique chance to try something you’ve always wanted to explore.

Read Daksh’s blog on how societies helped him grow into a leader.

 

International travel

There are also opportunities for international travel. WBS are partnered with over 40 institutions across 15 countries, including Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, North America, Singapore, South Korea and Europe. Allowing you to discover new cultures, gain invaluable experiences and develop a global network.

Read Greg's blog on his year abroad experience. 

 

Becoming an alumni

Graduating doesn’t mean the end of your WBS journey—you’ll remain part of our alumni network, where you’ll find new chances to connect, along with guidance and support as you take the next steps in your career.

Find out more about our alumni.