LEVEL 7 ACADEMIC PROFESSIONAL (v1.0)
The Academic Professional Apprenticeship Assessment Explained
Academic Professionals work within the higher education (HE) sector – including universities, colleges and private providers – across teaching and research roles. Their core purpose is to generate and share knowledge with students, peers and external stakeholders, advancing their discipline and tackling complex challenges.
They support a wide range of stakeholders, including students, funders and government bodies, by offering insights into their specialist subject areas. Academic Professionals engage in ongoing professional development and make use of relevant technologies to enhance knowledge acquisition.
This apprenticeship enables individuals to progress from initial HE employment to full professional competence. It requires in-depth development across core responsibilities and one of two specialist routes: Teaching or Research.
Apprentices typically enter with considerable subject expertise – often evidenced by postgraduate qualifications – but require structured training to achieve full competency.
The Academic Professional Apprenticeship Standard aligns with the Higher Education Academy’s UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) and Vitae’s Researcher Development Framework.
Specialist roles
Teaching Specialist
Focuses on teaching and supporting student learning at undergraduate, postgraduate and research levels. Apprentices develop and lead teaching practices, assessment methods and pedagogical approaches. They support diverse learners and embed technology to enhance learning experiences. Their work spans from HE Certificate to Doctorate-level delivery.
Research Specialist
Centres on operating as a principal investigator – identifying research opportunities, securing funding, managing projects and producing outputs. This role involves leading research, managing budgets, collaborating with external organisations and disseminating findings. It addresses global challenges and research priorities that extend beyond the scope of individual academic qualifications.
Professional recognition
The standard is aligned to the UKPSF and the Vitae Researcher Development Framework. Apprentices on the Teaching Specialist route who meet the relevant criteria are eligible for recognition as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
Timeline
The apprenticeship typically takes 18 to 24 months to complete, with assessment typically taking place in the final 3 months.
For additional information about this apprenticeship Assessment check out the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Assessment Plan.
Assessment methods
01
Academic Professional Practice
Teaching Specialist: Up to three recordings (or partial recordings) of teaching and learning sessions demonstrating design and delivery of learning, assessment and subject expertise.
Research Specialist: Up to three recordings (or partial recordings) of academic or professional conference presentations demonstrating research design and delivery within the apprentice’s discipline.
02
Professional Conversation
A one-hour discussion with an Assessor, conducted via live video. The conversation assesses how well the apprentice demonstrates the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the standard. Competency-based open and closed questions are used, following a standardised assessment template to ensure consistency across providers and cohorts.
03
Written Submission
A 7,500-word submission, including:
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Reflective Commentary (3,000 words)
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Annex (4,500 words), containing up to 10 pieces of mapped evidence supporting the apprentice’s specialist knowledge and skills
Our Assessment Process
Gateway
What is Gateway?
Gateway marks the transition from learning to assessment. It’s the point where the employer and training provider confirm the apprentice has developed the required knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) and is ready for final assessment.
To be eligible for assessment, apprentices must have:
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Achieved Level 2 English and maths
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Note: This is required for apprentices aged 16–18. For those aged 19+, it may not be mandatory if agreed with the employer and noted in the training plan.
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Completed all workplace and off-the-job training
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Demonstrated potential to meet the requirements of the standard
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Been confirmed as occupationally competent by their employer
assessment
All Elevate assessments are delivered remotely, with flexible scheduling to meet provider and apprentice needs – whether during or outside of standard hours.
Information, advice and guidance
We guide apprentices, employers, and training providers through every stage of the EPA process, from onboarding and guidance to practical support and post-assessment insights. This includes:
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Onboarding sessions covering timelines and best practice
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Standard-specific Guidance Handbooks
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Information, Advice and Guidance video with practical tips for success
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Post-assessment review meetings with training providers, offering data-driven insights to strengthen teaching, demonstrate apprentice readiness, and provide evidence for Ofsted
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Access to our articles, ‘Elevate Perspectives’, sharing insights, tips, and thought leadership on apprenticeships and EPA
Transparent pricing
Our prices are clear, competitive and compliant – always below the maximum 20% cap of the overall apprenticeship cost.
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The full fee for the Level 7 Academic Professional Assessment is £1750 and is charged upon Gateway entry
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We accommodate all group sizes, with tailored options for larger cohorts
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We’re happy to discuss flexible pricing if needed
What your investment includes
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A flexible, responsive assessment service
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Structured support for apprentices, employers, and training providers, including onboarding sessions, standard-specific handbooks, guidance videos, post-assessment review meetings, and access to our articles
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Assessment outcomes within 25 working days, with full certification management