Skip to content

Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (Software Engineering) Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship BSc (Hons)

Start date

  • Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: Four years
  • Study Mode(s): Block release
  • Campus: Clifton Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
Information for 2024

Introduction:

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

Meet our apprentices

Joshua, Isaac, Arron and Connell work at E.ON. In this video they share their apprenticeship experiences.
Video Icon
 

Staff Profiles

Steven Lambert - Senior Lecturer

Computer Science

Find out more about Steven Lambert, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at Nottingham Trent University

Peter FitzGerald - PL - Student and Academic Experience Manager

Computer Science

Find out more about Peter FitzGerald, Principal Lecturer and Student and Academic Experience Manager, in the Department of Computer Science at NTU.

Alicia Falcon Caro - Academic Associate

Computer Science

Find out more about Alicia Falcon Caro, Academic Associate in the Department of Computer Science at Nottingham Trent University.

Dr Isibor Kennedy Ihianle - Senior Lecturer

Computer Science

Dr Isibor Kennedy Ihianle is a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at Nottingham Trent University,.

Case Studies

Bethany Pass

Bethany Pass, a 23 year old apprentice, works for Ideagen while completing the Level 6 Digital & Technology Solutions Professional degree apprenticeship. Bethany expresses that “an apprenticeship was the perfect way to get the best of both worlds” in terms of gaining experience and a highly regarded qualification. Feeling more confident than ever, Bethany continues to navigate the digital sector and develop professionally whilst on her apprenticeship.

Read more

Joshua Georgiou

Joshua Georgiou, 18, is a first year apprentice who works for E.ON. As an apprentice, Joshua’s favourite thing is “constantly learning new things at university and in the work place”. Knowing he wanted to work in the Technology field, the apprenticeship route was ideal for him. Joshua chose NTU because of the “resources and everything you can get at NTU” – read more to find out about Joshua’s experience and thoughts on the Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional apprenticeship.

Read more

How you’re assessed

Apprentices will maintain a digital portfolio of their completed work, to demonstrate their achievements and capabilities. This will include the practical outputs of the assessments, including software, plans, reports etc. submitted for module assessments.

Assessment methods include:

  • examinations
  • academic reports or essays
  • technical reports
  • reflective work
  • practical exercises
  • presentations or portfolios

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 

The end-point assessment will be based on a work-based project module of 60 credit points.  This will consist of a substantial piece of project work and a presentation that test and cover the skills, knowledge and behaviour defined in the degree apprenticeship standard.

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
  1. Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio

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

ISTeC

The Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching and Engagement Centre (ISTEC) Building is the result of a £5 million investment from the government and NTU in recognition of the importance of STEM teaching.

The building contains state-of-the-art laboratories for teaching, and this is where engineering practical and workshop sessions will initially be held.

“This investment will mean world-class teaching facilities to build tomorrow's skilled workforce.”
Vince Cable, former Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

Entry requirements

  • Three A-Levels including either Maths, Science or IT totalling 120 UCAS points
  • GCSE Maths and English (ESFA requirement)

Alternative relevant qualifications accepted by other employers include:

  • BTEC IT or relevant industry experience/accreditation: Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) Accredited Prior Learning (APL)

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

EU students are eligible, please contact the apprenticeship team for eligibility information.

Unfortunately this course is not available for international students.

Fees and funding

To undertake an apprenticeship you must be employed - as such, your employer will pay your tuition fees.

If you or your employer have any questions regarding the fees and funding available for this apprenticeship, please see our Apprenticeships pages, contact our Apprenticeships team at apprenticeships@ntu.ac.uk, or call +44 (0)115 848 2589.

EU students are eligible, please contact the apprenticeship team for eligibility information.

Unfortunately this course is not available for international students.

How to apply

How to apply

Applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal.

Candidates are not required to attend an interview for this course.

Application deadline

Applications for the part-time course can be submitted up until the start of the course in September. Places are subject to availability, therefore we would advise early application.

Information for your employer

We have lots of useful advice and guidance on our website to help you discuss your options with your employer.

Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

Unfortunately this course is not available for EU or international students.