Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship

Program Overview

This Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship from UCLan equips aspiring professionals with the skills and knowledge to become confident and capable Technology Solutions professionals. Delivered through a blended learning approach, the three-year program offers six specialist career routes and integrated Cisco and Microsoft vendor qualifications. Employers can address skills gaps and retain staff through this nationally recognized qualification, using Apprenticeship Levy funds to cover tuition costs.

Program Outline

Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship - UCLan

Degree Overview:

This program is designed for aspiring Digital and Technology Solutions professionals. It aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to become confident, competent, and capable independent Technology Solutions Professionals, able to operate in a range of related roles. The program focuses on providing technology-enabled solutions to clients or customers in areas such as software, business and systems analysis, cyber security, data analysis, and network infrastructure.

Outline:

The program is delivered at the Burnley Campus in Pennine Lancashire and utilizes a blended learning approach. It is structured over three years and follows a day release model during the Autumn and Spring semesters. Practical work-based project modules are carried out during the Summer.

Modules:

Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Structured Programming using C++:
This module teaches students how to design computer software and write programs in the C++ language. It focuses on analyzing problems and designing logical solutions to a professional standard. Students develop practical skills in setting up and configuring a computer network.
• Systems Analysis and Database Design: Students work in teams to discuss and explore various systems, developing an in-depth understanding of database design and implementation.
• Project Skills: This module equips students with the ability to define project concepts in relation to contemporary organizational contexts.
It introduces the needs, tools, and success/failure indicators involved in project management.
• Portfolio: Students explore their apprenticeship experience and develop independence, creativity, initiative, and other key skills.
They focus on managing career development and the importance of lifelong learning.
• Project Skills and Project: This module aims to equip students with the capability to define project concepts in relation to contemporary organizational contexts.
It introduces the needs, tools, and success/failure indicators for managing projects.
• Web Development: Students develop a foundation in web development methods, covering interactive website design, development, and testing.

Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
Students develop skills for employment, including project planning, investigation skills, and teamwork.
• Information Systems Management: Students learn about the key elements of the business and management sector, analyzing the organizational environment within various businesses.
They also develop an understanding of the importance of technology within organizations.
• Database Systems: This module explores relational database concepts and outlines the benefits of relational theory.
Students study data definition and manipulation through a relational query language and gain experience using a 4GL database environment.
• Technology and Change in the Workplace: Students conduct research on a topic relevant to their specialism, engaging in critical reading, examination, and practice in their Digital and Technology Solutions specialism.
They prepare for research in employment and explore their apprenticeship experiences through reflection and interaction.
• Operations Project: Students undertake an investigation into a live issue or problem being experienced by their employer.
They identify, design, and present a chosen project outline with explicit terms of reference, structure, and an action plan.

Year 3:

• Computers, Society and Law: Students study intellectual property rights and ethical issues relevant to computer professionals.
They develop skills in research, analysis, presentation, and debate. The module covers topics such as system security, crime investigation, professional negligence, and liability for defective software.
• E-Business: This module studies the use of the internet to conduct business electronically.
Students gain knowledge on how commercial application of networks has grown rapidly and how technology remains dynamic. They adopt a critical, strategic approach to business and how to use the internet within that environment.
• Professional Development: This module aims to use learning in practice as an aid to professional development.
Students develop an understanding of the personal and professional attributes required for a Digital and Technology Solutions professional.
• User Experience Design (UXD): This module explains the importance of user experience in the design and use of products and services.
Students explore methods used to improve the user experience of multi-platform interactive media and place user experience at the forefront of their thinking.

Assessment:

Assessment is through a blend of practical and theoretical project work, with in-class tests, written assignments, reports, interviews, presentations, and some formal examinations.

Teaching:

The program is delivered in a computer lab equipped with high-end PCs, allowing students to create custom virtual environments to suit their individual needs. The course also integrates Cisco training and provides apprentices access to undertake Microsoft Vendor Qualifications.

Careers:

The Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship offers six specialist career routes: Software Engineer, Network Engineer, Cyber Security Analyst, Data Analyst, Business Analyst, or IT Consultant. Your employer will select one specialism, specific to the role you’ll be performing. Potential future 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

Other:

• The program is based in the School of Engineering and Computing.
• Students can remotely link to the university’s network account, the library's electronic resources, and some core software applications.
• The program is a Cisco Network Academy and has integrated Cisco training into the course offer.
• Apprentices sit an independent end-point assessment (EPA), assessing all the knowledge, skills, and behaviors learned throughout their apprenticeship.
• Tuition Fees are paid by funding through the Employer and/or Government via the Apprenticeship Levy, meaning that the learner does not pay the standard tuition fee rates.
• The program meets Apprenticeship Standards and apprentices will gain a nationally-recognised qualification at the end of their apprenticeship.
• The program is a great way for employers to address skills and knowledge gaps in their workforce, retain and attract staff who want opportunities for professional development through a high-quality degree.
• Employers who pay the Apprenticeship Levy can use digital funds towards an individual apprenticeship, with funding bands ranging from £1,500 to £27,000.