Program Overview

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

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 provides a broad set of knowledge and skills, along with the ability to specialise in one of six areas.

About this Course

This course leads to a BSc (Hons) in Digital and Technology Solutions degree with a specialism in Software Engineering. Other courses we offer lead to a specialism in Data Analysis and Cyber Security Analysis.

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. 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. The course is designed 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 provides a broad set of knowledge and skills, along with the ability to specialise in one of six areas. The course leads to a BSc (Hons) in Digital and Technology Solutions degree with a specialism in Software Engineering. Other courses we offer lead to a specialism in Data Analysis and Cyber Security Analysis.

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 providing workplace-focused personalisation through assessments. The Department of Computer Science 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 Interdisciplinary Science Teaching and Engagement Centre (ISTEC), which features state-of-the-art laboratories;
• Access to academic programs from Microsoft and Cisco;
• Experience in delivering BCS accredited BSc courses in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Science (Games Technology), Computer Science (AI), Computing, Cyber Security and Data Science.

Level of Study

• Level of study: Undergraduate, Apprenticeship

Typical Offer

• Typical offer: 120 UCAS tariff points

Start Date

• Start date: September 2026

Duration

• Duration: Four years

Attendance

• Attendance: Part-time

Course Delivery

• Course delivery: On-campus, Blended (Clifton Campus)

Module Information

Here's a breakdown of what you'll be studying throughout the course:

Term One - Level 4

Programming Fundamentals

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
• 20 credits

Study Skills and Management

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
• 20 credits

Term Two - Level 4

Foundations of Data Analysis

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
• 20 credits

Term Three - Level 4

Cybersecurity and Networking

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
• 20 credits

Professional Development and Career Planning

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
• 20 credits

Term One - Level 4

Analysis, Design and Modelling

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
• 20 credits

Term Two - Level 5

Software Engineering Principles

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
• 20 credits

Term Three - Level 5

Digital and Technology Solutions Project Management

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
• 20 credits

Mini Project

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
• 20 credits

Term One - Level 5

Business Intelligence and Solutions

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
• 20 credits

Sustainable and Ethical Computing

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
• 20 credits

Term Two - Level 6

Web and Cloud Development

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
• 20 credits

Term Three - Level 6

Mobile Application Design and Development

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
• 20 credits

Continuous Professional Development

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
• 20 credits

Term One - Level 6

Advanced Software Engineering Principles

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
• 20 credits

Term Two - Level 6

Capstone Project

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
• 30 credits

Term Three - Level 6

End-Point Assessment

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

• 30 credits

How You're Taught

The learning and teaching philosophy emphasises the use of work-based learning; what apprentices learn in the classroom will inform their practice in the workplace and their work experiences will inform your academic learning.

Throughout the course apprentices will be given opportunities to apply the theoretical knowledge to their work organisation and use work-based skills to support their academic learning. Our approach in lectures and laboratory sessions is to use practical illustration and first-hand experience to enhance learning wherever possible.

In most modules apprentices will focus on problem solving and project work either using real industrial case studies or by working with industry-led projects on real world problems, which may be provided by their employer.

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:

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

Entry Requirements

UK Students

In order to be eligible to undertake an Apprenticeship, you must ensure the following are in place prior to the start date of the course:

• You are a UK resident or have the right to work in the UK.
• Have a job or a job offer from an employer who will support you to complete your apprenticeship.
• Will spend at least 50% of your working week in England over the duration of the apprenticeship. This also applies to remote and hybrid workers

Make sure to read the course-specific entry requirements in the additional requirements section below.

Additional requirements

Additional requirements for 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)

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.

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.

International Students

In order to be eligible to undertake an Apprenticeship, you must ensure you can fulfil the following prior to the start date of the course:

• You have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands for at least the previous 3-year period on the first day of your apprenticeship.
• Your ordinary residence in the UK and Islands has not during any part of that period been wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education.
• You have permission granted by the UK government to live in the UK and such permission is not for education purposes only.
• You must be able to complete the apprenticeship in the time you have available (e.g. your Visa must last for the duration of the apprenticeship as well as your contract of employment).

Make sure to read the course-specific entry requirements in the additional requirements section below.

Additional international requirements

Additional requirements for international 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)

Alternative relevant qualifications accepted by other employers include:

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

Fees and Funding

UK Students

• see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

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

International Students

• see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

In order to be eligible to undertake an Apprenticeship, you must ensure you can fulfil the following prior to the start date of the course:

• You have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands for at least the previous 3-year period on the first day of your apprenticeship.
• Your ordinary residence in the UK and Islands has not during any part of that period been wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education.
• You have permission granted by the UK government to live in the UK and such permission is not for education purposes only.
• You must be able to complete the apprenticeship in the time you have available (e.g. your Visa must last for the duration of the apprenticeship as well as your contract of employment).

Additional Costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and Library Books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies.

Printing and Photocopying Costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying.

Careers and Employability

This apprenticeship develops core knowledge and skills across six key areas of digital technology — Software Engineering, IT Consultancy, Business Analysis, Cyber Security Analysis, Data Analysis, and Network Engineering.

While the course leads to a specialism in Software Engineering, apprentices will also gain the broader technical and professional foundation needed to explore a wide range of digital career paths.

Because this programme has been designed in collaboration with employers, the knowledge and skills you'll gain are directly aligned with industry needs. Combining hands-on workplace experience with the academic depth of a degree means apprentices graduate well-prepared to progress into higher-level roles.

Employability Promise

Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it's all part of our Employability Promise.

Graduate Employers

Graduates from this course have successful careers in organisations such as:

• Santander
• Experian
• Sky

Our Graduates Are

Graduates from this course now work in a wide range of roles such as:

• Business Analyst
• Product Designer
• Software Developer
• Software Engineer
• Technical Lead

Campus and Facilities

You'll mainly be studying in the Mary Ann Evans Building with access to facilities including isolated networking and mobile development labs.

Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures.

Who Will Teach You

• Beverley Cook
  • Principal Lecturer
  • Beverley Cook is a Principal Lecturer in the Computer Science, with responsibility for Digital Apprenticeship courses, employability and knowledge exchange/practice.
• David Adama
  • Senior Lecturer
  • Dr David Adama is a Lecturer with the Department of Computer Science at Nottingham Trent University, where he is also a member of the Computational Intelligence and Applications (CIA) research group.
• Steven Lambert
  • Senior Lecturer
  • Steven is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science and the Course Leader for the BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (Software Engineering) Degree Apprenticeship.