This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.
Key figures
- Young scientists AstraZeneca supports each year, including apprentices
- 630+
- Source: AstraZeneca UK (opens in a new tab)
- Length of each job rotation on the four-year IT degree apprenticeship
- 8 months
- Source: AstraZeneca (opens in a new tab)
Overview
AstraZeneca is one of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies, with major UK sites in Cambridge and Macclesfield. It supports more than 630 young scientists each year, including apprentices.
Scientist Apprenticeship
A three-to-four-year apprenticeship in laboratory science, at the Cambridge site and Macclesfield campus. You learn alongside experts and can work towards a professional qualification, depending on your department. A current apprentice describes it as a Level 6 Laboratory Scientist Apprenticeship.
IT degree apprenticeship
A four-year degree apprenticeship leading to a BSc (Hons) in Digital and Technology Solutions, studied at Manchester Metropolitan University. You spend four days a week at work and move through 8-month rotations in different IT teams.
What they don’t tell you
AstraZeneca says apprentices earn a competitive salary but doesn’t publish pay, and entry requirements are set on each advert.
What they do
AstraZeneca researches, develops and makes medicines. In the UK it supports more than 630 young scientists each year across apprenticeships, placements, PhDs and postdoctoral roles, with apprentices at its Cambridge site and Macclesfield campus.
Apprenticeships they offer
-
Scientist Apprenticeship
Laboratory science
At the Cambridge site and Macclesfield campus. You can work towards a professional qualification depending on your department. A current apprentice describes it as a Level 6 Laboratory Scientist Apprenticeship.
-
Digital and Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship
IT
A BSc (Hons) in Digital and Technology Solutions, studied at Manchester Metropolitan University, with 8-month rotations across IT and four days a week at work.
Career areas
Entry requirements
- Scientist Apprenticeship
- Set on each advert. AstraZeneca asks for a passion to learn and good literacy, numeracy and IT skills. From AstraZeneca's apprenticeship page.
Our tips for AstraZeneca
- Entry requirements are set on each advert, so check the science subjects and grades for the role you want.
- The IT degree apprenticeship moves you through different teams every 8 months, which is a good way to find out what you enjoy.
- Look at where the role is: science apprentices are based in Cambridge or Macclesfield.
Summary
- AstraZeneca runs a three-to-four-year Scientist Apprenticeship in Cambridge and Macclesfield.
- Its IT degree apprenticeship leads to a BSc (Hons) in Digital and Technology Solutions over four years, with 8-month rotations.
- It supports more than 630 young scientists each year across apprenticeships, placements and PhDs.
- AstraZeneca says pay is competitive but doesn't publish figures.
Questions about AstraZeneca apprenticeships
Does AstraZeneca do apprenticeships?
Yes. It runs a Scientist Apprenticeship lasting three to four years and a four-year Digital and Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship in IT.
Where are AstraZeneca apprenticeships based?
Science apprenticeships are at its Cambridge site and Macclesfield campus.
Do AstraZeneca apprentices get a degree?
IT apprentices study for a BSc (Hons) in Digital and Technology Solutions. Scientist apprentices work towards a professional qualification, and a current apprentice describes theirs as a Level 6 apprenticeship. Read our degree apprenticeships guide.
How much do AstraZeneca apprentices get paid?
AstraZeneca says apprentices earn a competitive salary, but it doesn't publish the figure.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.