The Software Engineer Degree Apprenticeship combines academic studies with hands-on professional experience. Apprentices can earn a BSc (Hons) degree from the University of West London while employed in the digital technology sector, gaining the skills to create secure software solutions and leverage technology for business advantage.

Degree Overview:

The Software Engineer Degree Apprenticeship at the University of West London will give you the knowledge and skills you need to provide technology-enabled solutions to internal and/or external customers. With this apprenticeship, you can gain a valuable university degree while continuing to earn as you work in a relevant field, all without having to pay tuition fees. The primary role of a software engineer is to design, build and test high-quality software solutions. The software engineer role is broader than that of a software developer and involves more responsibility. As a software engineer, you will need to apply engineering principles to all stages of the software development process, including:

• Requirements analysis
• Design
• Development
• Data requirements.
You will also need to ensure security robustness is built in. In this role, you will typically be working as part of a larger collaborative team and will have responsibility for significant elements of software projects.

Outline:

Year 1

• Compulsory modules:
• Mathematics for Computing:
This module will introduce students to the main concepts and techniques of discrete structures and their applications in computer science. Main areas covered by the course include logic, set theory, relations and functions and combinatorics.
• Programming: The module provides a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of Java programming language and object programming concepts.
It will focus on the design and build of Java desktop applications using the Java Development Kit and popular Integrated Development Environments, following established industry standard methodologies. The module will have a strong emphasis on using OO modelling techniques to interpret and implement business-related applications. The module will also examine the principles and techniques involved in implementing relational databases. It will cover database environments, database analysis, database design and will also give an introduction to database security and transaction management. Oracle will be used to explore the capabilities of SQL and to construct a small relational database.
• Algorithms and Data Types: This module will help you to gain the knowledge and competence to deal with basic data structures and algorithms.
You will learn how to specify collections using abstract data types (ADTs) and to implement them using a variety of techniques such as linked lists and trees. You'll also use a range of algorithms, including searching and sorting.
• Fundamentals of Network and Security: The module provides a business-focused view of networks and security.
The role of the network is fundamental to most organisations and the key focus of this module is on understanding some of the key technologies and services offered; how they fit within an organisation with emphasis on security issues and the role of the professionals that plan, deploy and manage the networks.
• Work-Based Studies in Digital and Technology Sector: This module gives academic credit for learning that occurs in the workplace.
Current knowledge will be identified and evidenced. New learning relevant to the needs of you as the apprentice and your employer will be identified along with learning opportunities and resources. The learning outcomes will be unique to you and your employer. They will be defined in an individual learning agreement, which will include details of how the outcomes are to be achieved. You will identify a work-related issue or challenge which requires investigation, leading to the identification of a suitable topic, which must present you with sufficient intellectual challenge. You will develop and demonstrate that you have applied study skills effectively, such as exploring complex concepts and theories, and making informed judgments.

Year 2

• Compulsory modules:
• Mobile Web App Development:
This module will allow you to gain experience in developing mobile web applications, and have an introduction to the tools, languages and design techniques required for building functional applications. During the module, you will gain exposure to a programming language that can support native mobile application development, and you will be introduced to the Model-View-Controller (MVC) software design pattern.
• Theory of Computation: You will gain the knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts of computational theory and computational complexity.
You will learn how to examine whether a given problem can be solved computationally.
• Group Research Project: This module is designed to bring together the tools and techniques covered in earlier modules dealing with industrially recognised development frameworks that incorporate prototyping.
It looks at the methods of analysing a business problem and subsequently highlights the process of utilising the different software development process models, which can be applied in the realisation of a software solution. In particular, it addresses the issues raised through following iterative and incremental development approaches. In addition, the module is designed to allow students to learn to carry out research activities in a systematic and organised way and to critically evaluate and review their work and the work of others. The skills learnt within this module will prepare students to research and explore project ideas that they may work on during their final year.
• Functional Programming: This module provides you with the chance to gain further experience with another programming paradigm.
You will learn how to write programs using a functional programming language, Haskell. Functional programming is a programming paradigm that treats computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions and avoids changing-state and mutable data. For example, building an application with Functional Programming following the model Function as a Service (FAAS) is one way of achieving a "serverless" architecture and is used when building microservices applications of cloud computing.
• Systems Analysis and Design: This module will allow the student to practice systems analysis and design techniques in order to provide a design solution to a specific problem.
The content of the module will include:
• Elicitation methods
• Task and data analysis
• Establishment and management of requirements
• Analysis and design documentation, e.g.
use cases, sequence diagrams, conceptual models
• Change management
• Risk management
• Marketing and Organisation Management:
The aim of the module is to enable the students to gain an overall understanding of marketing and organisation management. It allows the students to fully understand the day-to-day operations, including the various functions within organisations. Students will also learn how HRM can play a significant role in organisations in the long term through learning and development. Furthermore, the module will introduce the principles, methods and tools of marketing.

Year 3

• Compulsory modules:
• Machine Learning:
Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence that provides systems with the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. This module familiarises you with some basic machine learning algorithms and techniques and their applications, as well as general questions related to analysing and handling large data sets. Several software libraries and data sets publicly available will be used to illustrate the application of these algorithms. The emphasis will be thus on machine learning algorithms and applications, with some broad explanation of the underlying principles.
• Applied Software Engineering: This module aims to develop an understanding of the important issues relating to the development of large software projects with application of design patterns and component-based architectures.
The structure is based on the theme of a lifecycle model with the attainment of quality as an underlying theme. It is expected that an on-going case-study will be used to underpin the theoretical concepts and practical issues.
• Enterprise Security Management: This module emphasises on the security requirements for enterprises in the digital world.
It will take an explicit approach towards identifying the security risks for organizations in the current era and delve into a holistic approach to address/mitigate against these risks. The content of the module will include:
• Introduction to a digital enterprise
• Threats to enterprise infrastructure
• Authentication and Authorization for enterprise networks
• Risk Assessment
• Intrusion Detection and Response
• Security Auditing
• Backup and Disaster recovery
• Emerging trends for enterprise security.
• Distributed Systems: You will cover the fundamental concepts and models, algorithmic and architectural techniques, developmental principles and approaches of modern distributed systems.
You will enhance your critical analysis, problem-solving and technical skills in distributed systems software design and implementation.
• Synoptic Project: The synoptic project is a work-based project that broadly represents the skills, knowledge and behaviours in the standard.
The project will provide substantive evidence from a business-related project to demonstrate the application of skills and knowledge. The end-point assessment integrates the project outcomes and presentation into the overall synoptic project assessment. It will take place over a period of around 6 months, in the final year of the programme. It is designed to assess apprentices in a consistent way, irrespective of their particular workplace. Because of the significance of the project, the employer and university should work together with the apprentice to agree a project that is achievable within the employer’s business constraints and that meets the requirements of the standard. The project should be conducted as part of the apprentice’s normal work. Employers should make suitable allowance for the project to be undertaken, both in terms of time and resources. However, there are some elements such as the writing of the report, particularly in its reflective aspects, that may be undertaken outside of normal work. This should be agreed between apprentice, employer and university such that apprentices are not disadvantaged in any way from performing their job and meeting the requirements of the project. Any issues with confidentiality and/or security will also be addressed between the university, employer and apprentice, allowing for projects of business value to be undertaken using real data. The project should relate to one of the specialisms in the standard.

Assessment:

• Modules are assessed predominantly by coursework assignments reflecting a work-based orientation of the course.
• Although not all assessment can be based on work undertaken in the workplace, where possible this will be the preferred mode of assessment.
• At all levels, the assessment of modules includes a mix of summative and formative elements.
• A key goal is to ensure that assessments are supporting the learning experience.
• The driving force of the assessment strategy is the course learning outcomes.

Teaching:

• The learning and teaching approach to the course draws on the experience of the academic staff in delivering part-time and work-based provision, combined with their expertise in the digital and technology field.
• Their approach promotes the principles of scholarship, employability and active learning.
• Combining theory with professional practice will be key to your learning.
• You will be introduced to the key theories and concepts and will be able to explore these in relation to examples and real-world case studies.
• These can be drawn from your own professional practice as well as those provided by the academic staff team.
• The teaching and learning strategy includes the provision of blended modes of delivery to enhance active engagement of all students in the learning process.
• Technology expertise is a core element of this course of study and thus it will also be incorporated within the learning and teaching approach.
• You will have access to a wide variety of technologies such as Oracle, R, JAVA, HADOOP and Eclipse.
• Staff will routinely draw on a range of technological resources, which include:
• Videos
• Wikis
• Webinars
• Screen capture technologies.
• Their virtual learning environment (Blackboard) will support you as a student, both on and off campus.
• Electronic submission and feedback is utilised where appropriate and a range of technology solutions are also used to support communication between staff and students.
• They will encourage you to develop critical scholarship and independent learning, and be actively engaged as you progress through your studies.
• The culmination of this is the synoptic project, which is a major piece of work-based and scholarly activity that combines your academic studies with professional practice.

Careers:

As an apprentice on the Software Engineer Degree Apprenticeship, you will be able to apply the knowledge you gain from your studies to your professional practice. You will benefit from:

• a BSc (Hons) degree from the University of West London without having to pay tuition fees
• the opportunity to work in a professional area and be paid a salary
• being able to study partly by work-based learning, which can be more immediately and clearly relevant.
More specifically, the BSc (Hons) Digital & Technology Solutions (Software Engineer) Degree Apprenticeship will help you gain the capacity to:
• Create effective and secure software solutions using contemporary software development languages
• Perform code reviews, debugging and refactoring to improve code quality and efficiency

Other:

• The course has been designed to offer a strong combination of academic study with vocational application, developing expertise and skills for a professional career in the digital and technology field.
• Opportunities to apply your learning in the workplace and reinforce university-based studies will be provided throughout the course.
• Study mode: As an apprentice, you will spend 20% of your working time 'off-the-job', studying at the University.
Study is part-time, on weekdays, in a combination of single days and blocks of days:
• Day release: One day per week in the autumn (September - January) and Spring (February - May) semesters.
Hours of study are six hours a day for 16 weeks in Year 1 and eight hours a day for 14 weeks in Years 2 & 3.
• Block release: 10 days over 4 weeks in the summer (June to August) semester.

Teaching Staff:

• Dr Malte Ressin: Course Leader
• Dr Anastasia Sofroniou
• Dr Ikram Ur Rehman
• Dr Sama Aleshaiker
• Dr Maria Winnett

University of West London

Overview:

University of West London (UWL) is a modern university located in West London, known for its focus on career-oriented education. It boasts strong rankings in student experience and teaching quality, placing it among the top 30% of universities in the UK.

Services Offered:

UWL offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Programs:

Undergraduate, postgraduate, degree apprenticeships, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses, Foundation Year, and research degrees.

Student Life:

Accommodation, sports and recreation, faith support, student stories, and a Students' Union.

Campus and Sites:

Multiple campuses in Berkshire, Brentford, and Ealing, with a shuttle bus service connecting them.

International Support:

Services for international students, including visa and immigration assistance, English language requirements, and scholarships.

Business Services:

Careers events, FlightPad, Fresh Minds for Business, Knowledge Exchange, recruitment opportunities, degree apprenticeships, venue hire, professional development courses, and the Westmont Enterprise Hub.

Research:

The Graduate School, Research Centres and Groups, Early Career Researcher Network, research impact, and research degrees.

Support for Students:

New student support, returning student support, general student support, semester and term dates, policies and regulations, online learning tools, feedback mechanisms, studying off campus, library services, results and graduation, Student Portal, and student handbook.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWL provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. They can participate in a variety of student events, join societies and clubs, and access a range of sports facilities. The university also offers partnerships with local accommodation providers, ensuring safe and affordable housing options for students.

Key Reasons to Study There:

Career Focus:

UWL emphasizes career-oriented education, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers.

High Rankings:

The university consistently ranks highly in student experience and teaching quality, reflecting its commitment to providing a positive and effective learning environment.

Diverse Programs:

UWL offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, catering to diverse interests and career aspirations.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a dynamic campus experience with numerous events, societies, clubs, and sports facilities.

Strong Support System:

UWL provides comprehensive support services for students, including academic guidance, career counseling, and personal well-being resources.

Academic Programs:

UWL offers a diverse range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

Degrees in STEM, healthcare, business, hospitality, social sciences, law, policing, and the arts.

Postgraduate:

Master's degrees and research-led teaching in various fields.

Research Degrees:

PhD and Professional Doctorate opportunities.

Other:

UWL is committed to sustainability and has achieved the EcoCampus Platinum award for its environmental management system. The university also holds a Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Silver award and an Athena Swan Bronze award, demonstrating its commitment to excellence in teaching and gender equality.