Program Overview

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Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Masters Degree Apprenticeship

The Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Masters Degree Apprenticeship is a postgraduate programme designed for experienced IT professionals. It blends technical specialism with digital leadership and transformation skills, preparing apprentices to take on strategic challenges as industry leaders.

Employers and Apprentices Information

Employers

• Taught by leading experts from the University’s Department of Computing and Mathematics and the internationally accredited Business School
• A postgraduate programme, designed to enhance apprentices’ understanding by teaching specialist knowledge and building the capabilities required to apply it in the dynamic digital workplace of today
• Manchester Met was named Digital Apprenticeship Provider of the Year at the AAC Apprenticeship Awards 2023

Our employers say:

“We are really impressed with how the University works in partnership to design degree apprenticeships and take an active interest in what employers need. The programmes are truly progressive, they continue to evolve and match up to what the business needs,” says Scott Young of RedEye.

Apprentices

• This masters qualification distinguishes successful graduates from their peers in a highly competitive jobs market
• A flexible curriculum lets you choose study options that closely align with your specialism – and meet your personal development needs and career plans
• You will be prepared to progress in your career and be confident to take on new challenges and responsibilities in this exciting field

Our apprentices say:

“The highlight of this apprenticeship has been the positive feedback I have received from my manager, colleagues, and friends about my ever-increasing confidence and my ability to lead which I believe, can be directly attributed to the programme,” says Emma Langton of Liverpool City Council.

About this Programme

Government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships will change in January 2026. Enquire now to join the December 2025 cohort and secure current funding.

Developed with leading national employers, the Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Masters Degree Apprenticeship is a proud recipient of the Tech Industry Gold accreditation.

The programme is ideal for experienced digital or technical professionals looking to take the next step in their career, dealing with strategic challenges as an industry leader. Apprentices take three core units and then choose a specialist area of study from: Software Engineer, IT Strategy, Cyber Security and Data Analysis.

Programme Content

Apprentices will develop the advanced technical and management skills needed to succeed as a leader in IT.

The programme has a number of specialisms, allowing apprentices to choose an option that most closely complements their role and career trajectory. All specialisms are underpinned by fundamental technical and business concepts, vital for operating in the strategic space of digital and technology management.

Core Units

• Digital Leadership and Transformation
• Information Systems
• Reflective Practice in Digital Leadership
• Professional Development
• Synoptic Project

The availability of the following specialisms will be subject to sufficient employer demand.

Specialist Units

Cyber security specialist

• Cyber Security Principles and Practices
• Advanced Network Security

Data analytics specialist

• Computational Statistics, Visualisations and Forecasting
• Data Analytics

IT strategy specialist

• Data Management
• IT Consultancy
• Managing Enterprise Systems

Software engineering specialist

• Software Engineering Principles and Practices
• Software Testing and Maintenance
• Cloud Computing
• Service Oriented Software Engineering

Programme Length and Approach

The programme is taught part-time over two years and is delivered on-site at Manchester Metropolitan University’s £75 million Business School and state-of-the-art School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology.

There will be around 33 days of classroom learning, organised into three-day blocks each month during term time, spread across two years.

As well as lectures on campus, students work with a skills coach and need to complete project work reflecting their current role.

Qualifications Awarded

All successful graduates are awarded an MSc Digital and Technology Solutions degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, in addition to a Level 7 degree apprenticeship in digital and technology solutions.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have at least a second-class degree in a relevant subject for their specialism:

• Software engineering and cyber security – a computing-related subject
• Data analytics – a science, technology, engineering, mathematics or other numerate degree
• IT project management and IT strategy – a degree in any subject

In exceptional circumstances applicants with a good sub-degree qualification and substantial work experience will be considered.

Those without a degree may be eligible for the programme if they have a minimum of three years experience in a relevant industry and the relevant prerequisite knowledge for the specialism.

Apprentices aged 16-18 who do not hold Level 2 / GCSE Maths and English Qualifications will be required to complete Functional Skills alongside the apprenticeship.

Apprentices aged 19+ who do not hold or are unable to evidence achievement of Level 2 / GCSE Maths and English Qualifications will be required to undertake an initial assessment to assess their current working level. The outcome of this will be shared with the employer to inform the decision as to whether the apprentice will study Functional Skills alongside the apprenticeship.

There are no additional costs for these qualifications.

A list of acceptable equivalent qualifications is available from the gov.uk website, as well as guidance on obtaining replacement certificates. It will not be possible for applicants to proceed with their application unless they are able to provide evidence of achievement or proof that they have applied for replacement certificates.

They must also have the right of abode and right to work in the UK to qualify for funding.

Funding

Degree apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.

Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.

Any business with a payroll below £3 million is eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship programme.

Additional incentives are also available to employers who recruit new apprentices into their business.

Next Steps

If you are an employer

We will support you every step of the way to offer apprenticeships at your organisation, whether you intend to develop current employees or attract new graduate recruits.

If you are an employee

If you are already employed, encourage your employer to contact us to discuss offering an apprenticeship.

If you are a student

Places on this programme are available to those already employed in a relevant position and where their employer will support them to take part.

Our Accolades

Tech Industry Gold accredited programme

Developed with leading national employers, our Digital and Technology Solutions and Digital UX Professional Degree Apprenticeships are proud recipients of the Tech Industry Gold accreditation.

FE Week AAC Awards

Winner - Digital Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 2023

Since starting my degree apprenticeship, I have been appointed as the Industry 4.0 lead, resulting in a promotion to a higher grade. The programme has enriched my knowledge and skills, making me more valuable in contributing to the company’s overall success.

Mark McLachlan

Digital and Technology Solutions Master Degree Apprentice, Pilkington - NSG Group

Since starting my degree apprenticeship, I have been appointed as the Industry 4.0 lead, resulting in a promotion to a higher grade. The programme has enriched my knowledge and skills, making me more valuable in contributing to the company’s overall success.

Mark McLachlan

Digital and Technology Solutions Master Degree Apprentice, Pilkington - NSG Group

Degree Apprenticeship Programme

Discover the full range of qualifications available.

View other apprenticeships

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Manchester
M15 6BX
United Kingdom

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