Digital & Technology Solutions Professional Apprenticeship (Integrated Degree) - Level 6

This occupation is found in organisations where digital technologies can be used to solve problems that exist across a range of functions.

Whether looking for ways to reduce waste, increase productivity, ensure resilient and responsive customer service, or create a secure transactional environment, organisations turn to digital and technological solutions to achieve these aims. Wherever these activities take place Digital and Technology Solutions Professionals (DTSPs) are influencing outcomes and making things happen.

DTSPs are found in small, medium and large organisations across all industries such as banking and finance, digital and technology, communications, construction, education, utilities, engineering, law, manufacturing, health, government and public services pharmaceutical, retail and transport.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to evaluate, initiate, create and support business solutions using digital technology. DTSPs use data to evaluate the commercial and security risks and benefits of potential digital and technology solutions before making recommendations for strategies that may have far reaching consequences.

DTSPs are influencers in their organisations with a clear focus on delivering business improvements through digital and technological solutions. They have a passion for digital technology; keeping in touch with emerging trends and developments.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will achieve:

BSc (Hons) Digital & Technology Solutions
Digital & Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship Certificate

Location: Stoke-on-Trent campus
Duration: 3.5 years
Start date(s): September/October

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Course content

The programme is made up as follows:

Core Modules – which are taken by apprentices on all routes
Route Modules – which must be taken by apprentices on a particular specialism route. The route options are determined by your career plan and desired role. We cater for Cyber Security Analyst, Business Analyst, Data Analyst, IT Consultant, Network Engineer and Software Engineer.

Modules

Year 1:

Core modules

Data and Business Analysis
Networks and Hardware
Software Fundamentals
Cyber Fundamentals
Introduction to AI & ML
Mathematics, Statistics and Collaborative Research

Year 2:

Core modules

Cloud Architecture
Low Code Software Development
Work Based Project and Professional Development

Route modules

Software Engineering Route

Object Oriented Programming
Agile Software Development

Business Analyst and IT Consultant

Business System Design
Requirements Elicitation for Business Improvement

Data Analyst

Business System Design
Principles of Data Analytics

Cyber Security Analyst

Computer Security Analysis
Network Security Analysis

Network Engineer

Network Design and Routing
Local Area Network Switching and Wireless Networks

Year 3:

Core modules

Digital and Technology Solutions Specialism Learning by Negotiation
Technology Strategy, Management & Leadership
Project Proposal

Route modules

Software Engineer

Creating Mobile Applications
Enterprise Application Development

Business Analyst

Business Improvement and Change Management

IT Consultant

IT Consultancy for Innovation

Data Analyst

Programming for Data Analytics

Cyber Security Analyst

Ethical Hacking
Malware Analysis

Network Engineer

Enterprise Network Concepts and Automation
Network Security Emerging Network Technologies

Year 3+:

Digital and Technology Solutions Honours Project
End-point Assessment will follow the completion of the Digital and Technology & Solutions Honours Project.

Entry requirements

Level 2 maths and English (GCSE, functional skills or equivalent) OR be demonstrating you are functional at Level 2 in both maths and English, this would be determined by initial assessments conducted by University of Staffordshire.
Level 3 or above qualification equivalent to 112 UCAS Tariff points (eg. 3 A Levels grades BBC).

Where an organisation has prospective apprentices with workplace experience who do not meet the above qualifications, these will be considered on a case by case basis.

Fees

For levy-paying organisations the cost is paid from their digital account at a rate of £27,000 per apprentice.

For non-levy paying organisations there may be a financial contribution on 5% which equates to £1,350 per apprentice.

Delivery and assessment

Delivery

Apprentices will attend a one-day induction at the beginning of the apprenticeship before the launch of the first module. There is a four-day module launch for each learning block in October, February and May. The module launch is designed to provide apprentices with an overview of the module and its assessment. There will be a number of presentations, activities and the opportunity to get to know your tutors and other apprentices as well as a tour of the library and other university facilities.

Assessment

The delivery of the apprenticeship by the university provides an integrated approach to developing and assessing skills and knowledge across the range of modules in the degree programme. Individual modules will contribute formative assessment to the skills, knowledge and behaviour outcomes en-route to the final year project and presentation. The final year synoptic project is a substantial piece of work, typically taking a total of 24 weeks alongside the apprentices’ normal duties to their employer. The end point assessment integrates the project outcomes and presentation into the overall synoptic project assessment. It is this end point assessment which will be judged against the standard, and test the skills, knowledge and behaviours together as applied through the project.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

Our AccessAbility Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties. You will also have full access to our support services such as Student Guidance.

Feedback

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Responsibilities

The employer must not ask the apprentice to contribute financially to the direct cost of learning
Ensure apprentices are given a minimum of 6 hours per week in off-the-job training
Enter into a contract with University of Staffordshire
Participate in reviews with the apprentice and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets the needs of the apprentice
Provide apprentices with a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning
Provide the apprentice with paid time to attend off-the-job training, including additional support for English and Maths, or support accessed for learning difficulties and/or disabilities
Recognise that the apprentice must complete the apprenticeship within their working hours
Support the apprentice to gain new skills

A citizen of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) or have the right of abode in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the EEA for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning
Able to complete the apprenticeship in contracted working hours
Be an employee (have a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship) on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning
Be in a new job role (nine months or less), or in an existing job role, where significant new knowledge and skills are needed - employer statement of justification needed (relevant to the apprenticeship)
Be in full-time employment for at least 30 hours a week (37.5 for nursing apprenticeships)
Has the right to work in England
Maintain a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets your needs
Not be enrolled on another apprenticeship at the same time
Participate in reviews with the employer and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones

Administer the funding and running of the apprenticeship standard to an acceptable standard of quality and in compliance with the ESFAs requirements
Agree jointly between the University, the employer and apprentice, an individual learning plan (ILP) ensuring that satisfactory progress is achieved and to ensure that the contents of the ILP fulfil the requirements of the apprenticeship standard
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive learning environment, which meets the needs of the apprentice
Provide off-the-job learning and assessment and oversee the on-the-job skills development as detailed in the ILP
Provide support on the selection of the endpoint assessor, if applicable. The endpoint assessment will be completed by the learning provider for all integrated degrees

Careers

You will have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team who support you with professional branding, career mapping and realising your potential.

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To join a higher degree apprenticeship programme or recruit an apprentice for your business, enquire with us today.

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