Program Overview

Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship

The Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship is a work-based learning program designed to launch careers in the IT sector. This apprenticeship offers five specialist pathways: Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Cyber Security, Networking Engineer, and Software Engineering.

Course Overview

Our Digital and Technology Solutions is the most established Degree Apprenticeship at Aston University and was the first Degree Apprenticeship offered in the UK. Youll be trained in a wide range of programming tools, methods, and techniques, allowing you to add value to your organisation directly.

Course Description

The course will help you develop the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you need for a career in the IT sector. By successfully completing this programme, you will be awarded a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions and an apprenticeship certificate. Our Computer Science degrees are accredited for Chartered IT Professional (CITP), the British Computer Society's (BCS) Chartered qualification.

What We Will Provide

You will receive mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals, enhancing your practical knowledge.

What You Will Provide

As an apprentice, you will be required to balance academic work, full-time employment, and on-the-job training. You will be expected to engage with teaching materials, online lectures, and in-person sessions. You will need to submit coursework and other assessments in a timely manner.

What Skills Will We Teach

You will learn theory and key skills and apply them straight into practice whilst you are employed as an apprentice. You will gain a wide variety of skills, including analytical, risk management, problem-solving, team working, analytical, and innovation.

Career Prospects

If you're a prospective IT enthusiast aiming to acquire fresh skills and an official degree, this apprenticeship programme is tailored to your needs. Its purpose is to cultivate individuals who are imaginative, forward-thinking, and aspire to emerge as upcoming pioneers in both technical and business domains.

How You Will Learn

This apprenticeship is delivered through blended work-based learning. You'll begin your apprenticeship with a seven-week technical training block on campus, known as the ALE-Advanced Learning Environment, where you'll develop the core computing and business skills needed to become an effective team member in the workplace.

Facilities

At Aston University, apprentices enjoy full access to all the facilities available to regular students. This inclusive approach ensures that apprentices can take advantage of the university's library, labs, study spaces, cafes, and more.

Course Objectives

The course objectives include:

• Produce graduate IT professionals, specifically prepared to respond to the computing challenges of the business world.
• Provide graduates with the theoretical underpinning needed to support sound analysis, design, and delivery of technology solutions.
• Develop practical software and information systems engineering capability based on well-founded principles.
• Provide a wide perspective on IT and business through the Schools links with professional and public sector organisations.
• Enhance the ability of students to apply their knowledge and understanding in the work environment.
• Provide graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to transfer knowledge to others in the business uses of IT.
• Produce socially responsible and sustainability-literate graduates.
• Develop in graduates the ability to understand and communicate both in a business context and in an IT context.
• Embed graduate-level transferable skills and learning approaches needed for continuing professional development.

Modules and Learning Outcomes

The apprenticeship is taught at Level 6, which is an undergraduate level of study, and begins with a 9-week study period. The modules include:

Stage 1 Modules

• Foundations of Technology Solutions
• Professional Practice
• Internet Applications and Networks
• Introduction to Cyber Security
• Mathematics for Computing Professionals
• Introduction to Business Organisations

Stage 2 Modules

• Systems Development and Team Project
• Introduction to AI with Python
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Software Architecture
• Requirement Analysis and Stakeholder Management
• Human Computer Interaction with Ethics

Stage 3 Modules

• Individual Project
• Data Minding
• IT Project Management
• Business Analytics
• Data Analytics in Practice
• Select 30 credits from the following options:
  • Business Analytics
  • Strategic Management
  • Data Analytics in Practice
  • Network Defence
  • Cyber Threat Management
  • Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
  • Routing and Switching in Networks
  • Advanced Networking
  • Effective Management Consultancy
  • Managing People and Leading Teams

Entry Requirements

Apprentices are selected based on their applications, an interview, and an assessment process which is tailored to your apprenticeship position. Indicative entry requirements include:

• Three A Levels at CCC or above including a Mathematics-based subject and a STEM subject, or equivalent BTEC.
• A minimum of five GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including Mathematics, English, and a science, technology, or engineering-related subject.

Course Fees

You will not have to pay tuition fees as a Degree Apprentice, as the costs are met by the UK government and your employer. The funding band for this degree apprenticeship is Ł27,000.

Assessment

By successfully completing this programme, you will be awarded a BSc in Digital Technology Solutions. You will also achieve an apprenticeship certificate that is graded at pass, merit, or distinction. Each six-month block of modules requires up to two days for examinations. Your employer will know about these days well in advance and will give you study leave so you can prepare. You will also be assessed through coursework, project reports, group projects, and presentations. As part of the apprenticeship, you will undergo an end-point assessment to achieve the government-approved Standard for a Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship.