Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship

The Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship at De Montfort University (DMU) provides the key skills and technical knowledge to ensure learners become competent and independent IT professionals who can deliver appropriate and efficient digital solutions. Integrating on-the-job practical training with academic learning also means that apprentices have an increased understanding of their organisation’s unique business needs.

This programme is aligned to the Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (Integrated Degree) apprenticeship standard which provides apprentices with a core set of skills while also offering the opportunity to focus on one of four specialisms, enabling tailored learning to specific business needs.

This standard is allocated a Funding Band of £25,000 by the Education and Skills Funding Agency. Please contact us directly for the price of this apprenticeship.

Download our Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship guide.

Who the apprenticeship is for?

This degree apprenticeship is designed for those looking to be progress into roles such as: Software Developers and Testers, Business Analysts, IT Project Managers, Network Engineer, Database Specialist or Systems Designer.

Typical job roles may include: Business Analysts, Cyber Security Analysts, Data Analysts, IT Project Managers, Network Engineers, Software Developers, Software Testers and System Designers.

Entry requirements

All applicants need to be employed by an organisation in a role that provides them with the experience and exposure to a range of relevant business areas. This will ensure that apprentices can complete all elements as required.

Applicants must have five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Mathematics or equivalent, as well as 112 UCAS points from at least two A-Levels or equivalent. If you do not hold A-levels other equivalent qualifications may also be considered.

For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Each applicant will be individually assessed on their eligibility, qualifications and work experience.

Delivery model

This blended work-based programme is delivered over 42 months, (36 months on-programme, plus 6 months to finish the EPA) and includes modules taught at DMU and by distance learning, as well as a final year work-based project.

Learners will be taught in blocks of one week at a time, each comprising four days of teaching followed by one day of revision. There will also be pre and post block support.

Block mode teaching allows the potential for greater use of new pedagogic practices and presents the opportunity to truly immerse the apprentices within a scenario.

Final degree award

The final degree award will be a BSc (Hons) in Digital and Technology Solutions followed by the title of the specialism the apprentice has chosen.

Core skills

Technical knowledge: fundamentals of computing technologies and how they relate to business needs, information and data management and systems development.
Occupational competencies: project management, problem solving, teamwork, building business relationships and leadership.

Tailored specialisms

The four different specialisms offer unique options in years two and three in addition to the core content:

Data Analyst: Collect, organise and study data in order to make recommendations to improve business performance.

Year 2 Modules (Core)	Year 3 Modules (Core)
Data Analytics	Advanced Database Management
Advanced Databases and Big Data	Information Security Management & Governance
Data Visualisation	Data Mining
Data Analytics in Python	Data Science with Python

Network Engineer: Design, install, maintain and support communication networks within and between organisations.

Year 2 Modules (Core)	Year 3 Modules (Core)
Enterprise Networks	Multi-Service Networks
Concurrent and Parallel Algorithms	Network Monitoring and Simulation
Wireless Technologies and Network Programming	Multimedia Networking
Data Structures and Algorithms

Software Engineer: Design, build and test high-quality software solutions to meet business needs

Year 2 Modules (Core)	Year 3 Modules (Core)
Advanced Databases and Big Data	Rigorous Systems
Object Oriented Development	Functional Software Development
Mobile Application Design and Development	Advanced Database Management
Data Structures and Algorithms	Information Security Management & Governance

Business Analyst: Assess the business impact of change and analyse systems in order to make recommendations for improvements

Year 2 Modules (Core)	Year 3 Modules (Core)
Data Analytics	Data Mining
Advanced Databases and Big Data	Business Intelligence
Data Visualisation	Internet Psychology and Pervasive Technology
Business Management	Advanced Database Management

Indicative Content

The programme has been designed to provide learners with the proficiency to become efficient and competent digital solutions professionals. In the first year, modules that provide solid grounding in foundational computing topics are studied by all apprentices on the programme.

The six different specialisms offer unique options in years two and three in addition to the core content. Examples of these options include; Data Structures & Algorithms, Concurrent & Parallel Algorithms, Penetration Testing, Agile Methods & Development, Multi-tier Networks, Advanced Statistics for Business, Data Management, Rigorous Systems, etc.

Year 1 Modules (Core)	Year 2 Modules (Core)	Year 3 Modules (core)
Requirements Engineering	Agile Project Management	Final Year Project
Computer Programming	Software and Security Management
The IT Professional	Work Based Learning I
Devices and Networks
Database Design
Work Based Learning I

Assessment

The apprentice will undertake a range of assessments at the end of their academic modules. Apprentices must also create a portfoliowhich will capture the knowledge and skills developed throughout the programme and in the workplace.

Apprentices will complete a work-based project in their final year which will bring together their accumulated knowledge. The final synoptic project is a substantial piece of work, typically taking around 6 months to undertake alongside the apprentices normal duties to their employer. The End Point Assessment (EPA) integrates the project outcomes and presentation into the overall synoptic project assessment. It is this EPA which will be judged against the standard, and test the skills, knowledge and behaviours together as applied through the project.

For more information, contact us by completing our online enquiry form.