About this course
The Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship is suitable for individuals who have an interest in creating digital and technology solutions that enable businesses to develop new products and services and increase productivity. The apprenticeship leads to a BSc (Hons) in Digital and Technology Solutions with the opportunity to specialise in Software Engineering.
Who is it for?
A degree apprenticeship enables individuals to earn whilst they learn, combining academic study at University with substantial training and development of transferable skills in the workplace. Employers have the opportunity to upskill existing employees, or recruit new talent in to a role relevant to the apprenticeship.
Why do the apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship provides individuals to apply newly learned industry-specific knowledge directly in to the workplace, whilst working towards a BSc (Hons) degree qualification.
What are the benefits?
A Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Apprenticeship will develop the technical, business, project, interpersonal and behavioural skills and knowledge to operate effectively in the digital economy. Apprenticeships are funded by employers, so apprentices pay zero tuition fees. All this whilst gaining invaluable industry experience, and earning a full time wage!
Why NTU?
NTU has a major commitment to develop degree apprenticeship courses. NTU's apprenticeships are suitable for both small and large employers, and can be tailored to meet employers' specific business needs. The Computing and Technology Department has:
- a rich mix of knowledge ranging from software development for different types of systems, Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity and IT management, through to hardware aspects such as networking;
- industrial experience built up and maintained through our industrial links and our applied research activity;
- ultra-modern facilities, equipment and software. This includes the new Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching and Engagement Centre (ISTEC), which features state-of-the-art laboratories;
- Access to academic programs from Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, SAS, and major software available across all campus computers;
- Experience in delivering BSc courses in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Science (Games Technology), Information Systems, Computing, Computer Systems (Networks), Computer Systems (Forensics & Security), Computer Systems Engineering;
- BSc courses that are accredited by the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, to Chartered Engineer (CEng) and IT Professional (CITP) status.
Learn more about the Level 6 Digital Technology Solutions Professional apprenticeship standard.
What you’ll study
All apprentices will require the core skills and knowledge to be combined with the specialist skills and knowledge to be able to operate effectively in the defined role. The core skills cover software development, business and system analysis, cyber security, data analysis and network infrastructure. The employer will select one, and only one, of the specialisms for the apprentice that is specific to the role the apprentice will be performing.
Software Engineer specialism
The primary role of a software engineer is to be able to design, build and test high-quality software solutions. The software engineer role is broader and with higher levels of responsibility than a software developer as they need to apply engineering principles to all stages of the software development process, from requirements, analysis and design, development and data requirements whilst ensuring security robustness is built in. They will typically be working as part of a larger collaborative team and will have responsibility for significant elements of software projects.
Term 1
Programming Fundamentals (20 credit points)
This module will introduce you to programming languages which are relevant to software with industrial scale, reliability and performance characteristics. You’ll cover topics such as basic program structure, standard elements of sequence, selection, iteration, functions and file handling, libraries, methodologies, maintainability and testability.
Delivery mode: In-person
Study Skills and Management (20 CP)
Develop your academic and professional skills required for your degree and the behaviours required by apprenticeship standards. Over two terms you’ll cover professional development skills such as career planning, time management, skills development, professional standards which will enhance your career progression.
Delivery mode: Online and in-person
Term 2
Foundations of Data Analysis (20 CP)
Statistical concepts, such as exploratory data analysis, probability, statistical inference, and statistical modelling will be covered in this module. You’ll be working with large volumes of data and focus on practical applications, and use modern statistical software to analyse data.
Delivery mode: In-person
Term 3
Cybersecurity and Networking (20 CP)
You’ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to build and connect a computer securely to a network. Through hands-on labs and simulation tools you’ll gain an understanding of cybersecurity principles and the technologies and procedures used to defend networks against cybercrime including security breaches and the importance of protecting networks.
Delivery mode: In-person
Professional Development and Career Planning (20 CP)
Your professional skills will be in great shape by the end of this module. You’ll cover everything from problem-solving and ethics to time management and safe use of social media. You will also create your own professional development portfolio which you can use throughout your career. This module runs in term three and continues through the summer.
Delivery mode: Online and in-person
Term 1
Analysis, Design and Modelling (20 CP)
Learn how to investigate and analyse a system using a recognised methodology, before designing and modelling a prototype software system. This module give you a real opportunity to experience key parts of the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Security issues (threats, risks and mitigations) will also be considered within the context of program design.
Delivery mode: In-person
Term 2
Software Engineering Principles (20 CP)
Understand the working practices and development technologies of a professional software engineer and get to understand the techniques and tools they use. You’ll explore tools that automate the software development process, techniques for contributing maintainable code to a codebase and software development, both within a Linux operating system, and using the C++ programming language.
Delivery mode: In-person
Term 3
Digital and Technology Solutions Project Management (20 CP)
You’ll be introduced to project management techniques and tools, such as work breakdown structures, Gantt charts, and critical path analysis, to effectively plan, execute, and control projects. Learn to recognise and address the professional issues that arise during the planning, design, and management of projects, such as ethical considerations, legal compliance, and stakeholder management.
Delivery mode: In-person
Mini Project (20 CP)
Pulling together knowledge and skills from previous modules, you’ll work on a project, over the summer, where you’ll have to consider project management processes and risk assessment methods. This project will require the exploration of your capabilities as well as developing research skills needed for your final year and beyond.
Delivery mode: Online and in-person
Term 1
Business Intelligence and Solutions (20 CP)
Learn how to deliver business value and achieve goals while accounting for costs and risks. You’ll look at key operational decisions such as improving services, optimising internal business operations, and introducing services based on insights. Building on previous modules you’ll look at data visualisation and the importance of user experience when designing interfaces.
Delivery mode: In-person
Sustainable and Ethical Computing (20 CP)
Gain an understanding of sustainable and ethical computing practices, including the environmental impact of technology, social implications of computing, and responsible design and development of technology solutions. Over two terms, you’ll look at the future of sustainable and ethical computing, emerging technologies, sustainability in the cloud, and green computing.
Delivery mode: In-person
Term 2
Web and Cloud Development (20 CP)
During this module you’ll be introduced the cloud computing paradigm as well as the concepts which it is based upon such as Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), peer-to-peer (P2P), distributed and grid computing. You’ll develop an understanding of web development and testing, including client and server-side programming, security concerns, data access, and administration of cloud platforms.
Delivery mode: In-person
Term 3
Mobile Application Design and Development (20 CP)
Focusing on how the latest mobile platform technology can be used by organisations, you’ll develop an awareness of the requirements, capabilities and constraints of a variety of mobile computing technologies and the applications that they can build. You’ll get experience of designing and developing your own mobile application.
Delivery mode: In-person
Continuous Professional Development (20 CP)
Develop the knowledge and skills to effectively lead teams and contribute to innovation and enhancement in your workplace. This module also promotes ongoing professional development and a commitment to ethical and responsible practices.
Delivery mode: Online and in-person
Term 1
Advanced Software Engineering Principles (20 CP)
During this module you’ll explore the latest software engineering tools and techniques while gaining experience and deeper understanding of the development process. Topics covered include; techniques and strategies to analyse, choose, propose, design and evaluate software elements; Analysing and predicting the computational cost of complex data structures and algorithms and developing code frameworks to confirm or refute those predictions.
Delivery mode: In-person
Term 2
Capstone Project (30 CP)
You’ll identify a computer-based problem, investigating the requirements, analysing previous research before designing, developing and evaluating a solution. A reflection of the project will also be performed including an evaluation of the project’s success, what you learnt as well as an appraisal of any professional issues related to the project.
Delivery mode: Online and in-person
Term 3
End-Point Assessment (30 CP)
The end-point assessment (EPA) is a substantial piece of work which will provide evidence of your proficiency in the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) defined in the Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (DTSP) degree apprenticeship standard. The End Point Assessment is made up of two parts – a project report with presentation, questions and answers and a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio.
Delivery mode: Online and in-person
Completing your Apprenticeship
To achieve the apprenticeship, all apprentices must complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA). The EPA is an independent assessment that ascertains whether an apprentice is competent in their occupation.
Gateway
Gateway is the period of time between the end of the off-the-job training (practical period) and the beginning of the assessment period when EPA will take place.
At Gateway, the apprentice, employer and training provider will review the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours to determine whether they are ready to take their EPA. This is normally done at a Gateway review meeting which takes place near the end of the apprenticeship. At this meeting, all three parties will check that the mandatory aspects of the apprenticeship have been completed and that the apprentice is ready to take their final assessment(s).
Apprentices must meet the Gateway requirement set out in the assessment plan before taking their EPA.
End-Point Assessment
This apprenticeship is integrated. This means that the end-point assessment is administered by Nottingham Trent University and is usually linked to the academic award that apprentices study whilst in their off-the-job training period. The assessments are conducted by Independent End-Point Assessors who have been selected to assess apprentices against industry-specific competences. Details of the assessment elements can be found in the EPA plan.
There are two elements to this end-point assessment:
1. Project report with presentation, questions and answers
2. Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Meet our apprentices
Careers and employability
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC) with access to facilities including a Games Development Lab Robotics lab and a High Performance Computing Suite.
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your course mates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Entry requirements
UK students
Standard offer: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to three qualifications including Maths, Science or IT
Other requirements: GCSE Maths and English (ESFA requirement)
Additional requirements for UK students
Alternative relevant qualifications accepted by other employers include:
- BTEC IT
- Relevant industry experience/accreditation: Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) Accredited Prior Learning (APL)
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to three different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
We will review your identity documents / immigration status to verify residency eligibility in line with the apprenticeship rules, at application stage.
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
