Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (Software Engineering) Degree Apprenticeship BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: Four years
- Study Mode(s): Block release
- Campus: Clifton Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
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
Meet our apprentices
How you’re taught
You will be taught in 6 blocks per year, where apprentices attend 5 days or 30 hours per block.
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 moreJoshua 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 moreHow you’re assessed
At NTU the Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship will be an integrated degree, as the end-point assessment is part of the degree assessment programme.
Apprentices will also 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
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.
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)
EU students are eligible, please contact the apprenticeship team for eligibility information.
Unfortunately this course is not available for international students.
Fees and funding
For Apprenticeship fees, funding and guidance information, please see our Apprenticeships pages.
Unfortunately this course is not available for EU or 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.