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

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 Modules:

Core Modules

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

Year 2 Modules:

Core Modules

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

Year 2 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 Modules:

Core Modules

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

Year 3 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+ Module:

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

• 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.

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.

Some example job roles include: Software Developer, Software Engineer, Software Tester, Application Specialist, Business Analyst, IT project Manager, IT Consultant, Network Engineer, Cyber Security Analyst, Database Specialist, Data Analyst, Digital Media Technology Practitioner, Systems Designer. 

Upon the completion of the DTSP Apprenticeship, depending upon your job role, you may have the opportunity to progress onto the level 7 DTSS Apprenticeship in line with your career. development.