Future healthcare students at Oxford Brookes University will benefit from a £3.381 million investment.

The funding, awarded by the Office for Students (OfS), is part of a collaborative bid by seven universities, including Oxford Brookes.

The money will be used to expand access to Level 6 degree apprenticeships.

The seven universities will form the Healthcare Education Consortium, which aims to support the NHS's long-term staff recruitment plans by expanding access to degree apprenticeships.

Quintijn Vermeulen, head of UK partnerships and apprenticeships at Oxford Brookes University, said: "This funding will greatly enhance the opportunities for future students to pursue careers in healthcare, while also supporting the long-term plans of the NHS.

"By expanding access to Level 6 degree apprenticeships, we are empowering future healthcare professionals with the skills and experience they need to succeed.

"We are proud to form a part of the Healthcare Education Consortium with our partners, so that we can contribute to building a stronger healthcare workforce for the future."

A Level 6 apprenticeship allows students to achieve a university degree by combining real-life work experience with studying.

John Blake, director for fair access and participation at OfS, said: "Degree apprenticeships are an essential way into higher education for students who may not have followed a traditional route and are also of huge benefit to local and regional communities and economies."