YCUC - Degree Apprenticeship: BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions

Degree Apprenticeship:
BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions

Course summary:

The Digital and Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship has been specifically designed by employers working in close collaboration with higher education providers. The course provides a uniquely flexible alternative to traditional university study because you will be earning a wage while studying for a full honours degree. The course also offers you the opportunity to secure your future career and increase your earnings potential by delivering all of the practical skills you will need to become a highly competent expert in the digital technology field.

How to apply: Currently employed

If you are employed and have discussed the possibility of starting a Degree Apprenticeship with your employer, contact Enterprise Solutions at Plymouth University on enterprisesolutions@plymouth.ac.uk or +44 800 052 5600, to be put in touch with the relevant Degree Apprenticeship Account Manager.

Seeking a new position

If you are currently not working, are a school leaver or are looking to change your job in order to start an Apprenticeship, you will need to apply for an Apprenticeship vacancy. You can find out about vacancies in a number of ways; the government offers an Apprenticeship vacancy search at: www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch or you can contact us and we will direct you to a partner in your area who can support you with this process.
Fees and Funding: Fees and funding

Apprentices do not pay any course fees. By studying a Degree Apprenticeship, students will obtain a full honours degree, and not incur any costs. Fees are paid for by the employer.

Funding models

There are currently two funding models;

Co – funded: Non levy organisations and Levy who have exceeded their Levy contribution.
Fully funded: Levy paying organisations

Course cost

New students post May 2017 Sept 2018
Total course cost £27,000

Example of costs per funding model;

Co-funded

If you are a non-levy paying organisation or you are a Levy organisation who has exceeded their pot the government will financial co-support your Apprenticeship training – they will contribute 90 per cent of the costs and as the employer you will contribute 10 per cent.
Government contribution £24,300
Employer contribution £2,700
Apprentice contribution £0

Fully funded

If the annual pay bill of your organisation exceeds £3m you will pay for your apprenticeship training through your levy account. If you have exceeded your levy contribution you will fund apprenticeship training through the co-funded model – to better understand how this will work please make contact with us.

Employer contribution £27,000
Entry Requirements: GCSEs: GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and English at grade C or above.
UCAS tariff: 120 points from a minimum of two A levels (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking or Citizenship) or one vocational A level. International Baccalaureate: 30 points.

BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: 18 units. Acceptable subjects include; IT, engineering, software development, IT practitioners, computing, and science. For art, sports, business or humanities related subjects please enquire for information. You will be interviewed before an offer is made.

Other combinations and non-A level qualifications also considered. Please contact us for details.
Information for employers: Information for employers

The Digital and Technology Solutions work-based degree has been specifically designed by employers to equip businesses with new and/or existing staff with the specialist skills required to become highly competent experts in the digital technology sector.

This course provides a uniquely flexible alternative to traditional university study, giving your employees the opportunity to gain a BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions with a major in one of our four specialist routes: Cyber Security, IT Consultancy, Networking or Software, whilst still in employment.

Find out more

For further information contact Enterprise Solutions at the University of Plymouth on enterprisesolutions@plymouth.ac.uk or +44 800 052 5600, to be put in touch with the relevant Degree Apprenticeship Account Manager.

Core modules

Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming

A comprehensive introduction to Software Engineering (SE) beginning with the core building blocks prior to covering more advanced skills including object-oriented programming. Frontend software development is tackled using interface components with the final part of the module integrating all aspects of SE practice into an individually programmed, moderately sized application.

Databases: Analysis, Design and Development

An introduction to the analysis, design and implementation of a database system, exploring specific requirements, data modelling, relational modelling and SQL. Fundamentals of Computer Networking

This module will introduce the fundamental technology of networks and the underlying concepts and protocols through a mix of theory and practice. Concepts discussed in the lectures are matched by scenarios to design, implement, and troubleshoot in the lab sessions.

Work-Based Learning: IT in the Business

This module provides you with the opportunity to understand and analyse the core functions/business units within your organisation. A particular focus will be given to the application of IT solutions to meet core business objectives.

Analysis and Design

Introduces the fundamental concepts essential for developing software systems, enabling you to acquire, develop and apply Unified Modelling Language (UML).

Work-based Learning: Integrated Project

This module consolidates the knowledge obtained in Year 1 of the course enabling you to design, develop and evaluate a software application for use within your organisation.

Business Organisation

This module examines the concepts around business organisation with respect to technology solutions development. It will introduce organisational theory, change management, marketing, strategic practice, human resource management and IT service management.

Secure Systems Architectures and Mechanisms

System security addresses protection mechanisms appropriate to various IT systems and architectures, focusing upon technologies that are appropriate regardless of whether a system is implemented as part of a network. These mechanisms and cryptographic protocols help to provide confidentiality, and integrity of data as well as authentication and authorisation.

Work-Based Learning: Operational IT

This module provides the opportunity to apply knowledge of computing, networking and security in an operational context within an organisation. It will enable you to appreciate the technical, operational and financial barriers to successfully operate and manage IT infrastructure.

Project Management

This module helps you acquire a critical understanding of the management and methodological issues associated with software development. Work-based Learning: Synoptic Project

The work-based synoptic project provides an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained through your studies to a real-world problem in your chosen specialism within your organisation.

How will you be assessed?

You will be assessed using a wide variety of approaches, and be expected to submit one or more pieces of work following each module known as ‘summative assessments’. These could be in the form of a report, essay or a reflective portfolio. You will receive feedback from your academic tutor leading up to the deadline which will guide you and help shape your assessments. The work-based learning modules will require more interaction with the workplace and feedback from your workplace tutor supervising you. The work-based synoptic project requires you to undertake a comprehensive piece of work that reflects the learning aims of the specialist course to which you are enrolled. Upon successful completion of the summative assessment related to all your modules, you will be awarded the BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions (specialism) – where specialism is replaced with the appropriate programme of study. Your synoptic project along with your portfolio of evidence will be submitted to an independent assessment panel for the award of the Degree Apprenticeship, marking the end point assessment of your studies.

Deliver

For the first three years, study is based at one of our four regional partner colleges: Bridgwater & Taunton College, Petroc (Barnstaple), South Devon College or City College Plymouth. You may have heard this referred to as ‘day release’. You have a timetable of classes to attend that, where possible, take place on the same day each week to help you manage your workload. Your final year is delivered at Plymouth University. The number of taught hours is lower in this year as you will work on your final year project. However, as a registered student at the University, you will have full access to all of our facilities, i.e. library, study space and all e-text books.

Study commitment

You will spend roughly 20 per cent of your working week (that’s one day per week if you work full time) studying. This is the amount of in-work time your employer will be expected to allow you to study. You may also want, or be required, to allocate some of your own time for additional study. Your employer will be expected to support your study by providing company, workplace tutors, and facilitating meetings and assessments, and they may also allow you to allocate some of your usual work time to study. The amount of time you can spend studying while at work will be down to negotiation, and this is something that can be discussed with your employer and University Account Manager before your course begins.