MSc Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Apprenticeship (Integrated Degree) - Level 7

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 Technical Specialist, Data Analytics Specialist, Network Engineer Specialist, Software Engineering Specialist

Modules

• Technology Research, Data and Business Intelligence
  The content of the module includes: a critical appreciation of both quantitative and qualitative research, evaluating sources of data, appraising research designs, considering researchers philosophies, statistical data analysis covering tests of differences and relationships, interpretation of research findings, and the presentation of research results.A variety of approaches to qualitative research will be critically appraised (e.g., thematic analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis) and applied to the datasets.The theoretical rationale for, and execution of, a range of inferential statistical techniques will also be covered.
  
  
• Technology Strategy
  In this module you will examine technology strategies of organisations (focussing on your own) and consider developments that could be made to maintain competitive advantage.   You will then present a justified technology strategy proposal to support the development of a business, a product or process.
  
  
• Leading Digital Transformation
  Rethinking business models, extracting value from data and addressing IT infrastructure are all elements of business transformation but without leadership and management the business transformation that could be possible will not be achieved.  This module will consider the building blocks of digital transformation alongside models and approaches to management and leadership of the people required to ensure that digital and technology transformation is possible.
  
  
• 1 x Principles and Practices as per the specialism of the apprentice
  There are 4 pathways within the apprenticeship standard:
   - Software Engineering Principles and Practices
  - Network Engineering Principles and Practices
  - Data Analytics Principles and Practices
  - Cyber Security Principles and Practices 
  
  You would agree your chosen pathway with your employer and your university representativeOther Principles and Practices module relating to the specialisms within the standard could be developed based on demand.
  
  
• Negotiated Studies in Digital and Technology Solutions
  This negotiated module provides you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in a topic area of your choice within your specialism of the Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist standard.  The area chosen will to be pertinent to your personal development or the needs of your employer.  You will develop, with your tutors and employer, an individual learning contract that will define not only the content and appropriate learning materials but your own Learning Outcomes and Assessment methods as appropriate to the subject area and for the level of study. The agreed learning may be drawn from a range of academic, industry and vendor specific materials to further develop your knowledge, skills and understanding of the chosen topic area.
  
  
• Developing Strategic Digital and Technology Solutions
  This module requires you as an apprentice to contextualise the theories and approaches covered in the Technology Strategy, and Leading Digital Transformation modules, to further enhance your specialism knowledge and skills developed in the Principles and Practices and Negotiated Studies modules by working on a strategically important Digital and Technology Solution in the workplace.
  
  
• Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Dissertation Project
  The final element of your Masters degree is your dissertation which provides an exciting opportunity to apply your skills and understanding in your DTS specialism to the development of a substantial and distinctive piece of written work. The emphasis is on student-led learning, but you will also be offered excellent support from an experienced supervisor. The dissertation enables you to apply the breadth of research skills necessary for the delivery of a successful project
  
  
• Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist End Point Assessment
  The End Point Assessment of the Digital and Technology Solutions Integrated Masters Degree Apprenticeship and it apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate that they have attained the skills, knowledge and behaviours set out on the standard.

Applicants must be employed in a role that meets the requirements of the Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Apprenticeship Standard.

An undergraduate honours degree (grade 2:1 or above). Applicants with appropriate experience will also be considered provided you satisfy the University that you can respond to the challenge of postgraduate study.

Regardless of meeting the general requirements the following are non-negotiable:

• Level 2 maths and English (GCSE, functional skills or equivalent)

Delivery

The course is delivered in a Blended Learning mode as a Distance Learning course with Face-to-Face classes at the beginning of each teaching block. The Learning content is modular structured, delivered in five main teaching blocks plus the Initial Learning Plan Proposal, Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist End Point Assessment and EPA blocks.

The main teaching blocks start with an on campus launch week followed by a number of online sessions and additional 1:1 and small group activities as required, culminating in assessment submission. Each teaching block is delivered over an extended duration of 22 weeks to facilitate both the deeper learning potential and allow for the impact of work place responsibilities that DTSS apprentices have.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used throughout the course:

• Assignments/Reflection: these are usually in essay format of varying length. Assignments must be presented in an appropriate scholarly format which develops academic writing skills.
• Seminar/Presentation: the research, planning and presentation of findings to an audience.
• Examinations: either multiple-choice or oral (viva voce) examinations.
• As part of the apprenticeship and once you have completed your academic qualification, you will undertake an end point assessment (EPA). This will include professional discussions with an external assessor and must be completed within 3 months of completing your academic studies.

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.

Cyber Security Technical Specialist, Vulnerability Tester, Network Specialist, Software Experience Lead, Senior Software Developer