Program Overview

Program Overview

The BSc Hons IT: Software Development (Graduate Apprenticeship) is a work-based learning program that combines academic theory with professional practice. The program is designed for individuals who are employed in an IT-related role in Scotland and want to develop their skills and knowledge in software development.

Key Facts

• Accreditation: BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
• Study mode and duration: Work-based learning with online and on-campus study; 48 months part-time
• Scholarships: 30 fully funded places available
• Graduate Apprenticeship: Applicants must be employed in Scotland in an IT-related role

Why this Course?

The program allows students to choose their employer, build their degree, and select from a wide range of modules. The course content is designed to provide students with a solid grounding in software development, as well as the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the industry.

Course Content

The program covers a range of topics, including:

• Programming 1: Object-Oriented Programming
• Introduction to Software Engineering: Software engineering lifecycle, software development processes, and testing principles
• Information and Data 1: Web systems, languages, and tools
• Problem Solving: Decomposing problems and abstracting solutions
• Business and Management Fundamentals: Leadership, management, and personal and professional growth
• Work-based Integrated Project 1: Applying academic knowledge to work-based projects

Year 1-4 Course Content

• Year 1: Programming 1, Introduction to Software Engineering, Information and Data 1, Problem Solving, Business and Management Fundamentals, Work-based Integrated Project 1
• Year 2: Programming 2, Software Engineering 2, Information and Data 2, Memory and Structure, Professional Issues, Work-based Integrated Project 2
• Year 3: Programming 3, Fundamentals of Data Analytics, Computer Networks, User-Centred Design, Software Engineering 3, Group Project, Work-based Integrated Project 3
• Year 4: Work-based Project, Optional Classes (e.g., advanced software development, cybersecurity, data science)

Learning and Teaching

The program combines online and on-campus learning, with students spending approximately 80% of their time in their job and 20% developing expert knowledge and skills. Students will attend 10 on-campus days annually and undertake around 12 hours of flexible learning per week.

Assessment

Each module involves a range of formative and summative assessments, including online discussion contributions, online quizzes, practical laboratory exercises, and individual and group assignments.

Entry Requirements

• Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis
• Typically, applicants will have at least four Highers at grade B, including either Mathematics, Computing Science, or Physics, and preferably National 5 English at grade C or above
• Applicants must be employed in a role with an aspect of IT, for a minimum of 21 hours a week, and live and work in Scotland for the duration of the program
• Successful candidates will be required to sign a tripartite agreement prior to registering for the BSc

Support from the University

• Students will have access to the same facilities, support services, and learning resources as full-time on-campus students
• Students will be given a laptop preloaded with the software required for the program, which will be refreshed annually
• Students will receive one-to-one support from a Learning Adviser, who will meet with them regularly in their workplace to discuss their e-portfolio of work-based learning activities

Fees and Funding

• The program is fully funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and tuition fees are paid by the Students' Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to candidates who meet the eligibility criteria
• Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy, and students on programs of study of more than one year should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually.