Overview
Get started on your tech career with our Degree Apprenticeship in Digital and Technology Solutions. Designed with the support of Cambridge’s leading tech companies, our course lets you study for an honours degree while you work, with no tuition fees.
Find out more about teaching options and studying during COVID-19 in the Entry requirements section, below.
I’m upskilling and improving my knowledge, which is beneficial to my employers, and personally, it’s giving me an insight in to which area of tech I want to go into
Careers
Whether you're looking for your first job or you've got previous experience, this degree apprenticeship will arm you with the technical and professional skills you need for a career in the digital technology sector.
Depending on the specialism you opt for while studying, and the experience you gain in your job, you could find yourself working in the following roles:
- software developer
- software engineer
- software tester
- network engineer
- cyber security analyst.
Modules & assessment
Core modules
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Fundamentals of Software Development - 30 credits
Fundamental concepts required to understand, design, implement and test high-level programming languages. Assessment: workbook and design and implementation exercise. -
Computer and Network Technologies - 30 credits
Investigates the components and operation of modern computer systems. Assessment: written assignment and practical lab log book. -
Workplace Skills and Learning - 30 credits
Develop and underpins level four study skills initially, then moves towards individual formative support. Assessment: coursework, apprentice portfolio and work-based project. -
Fundamentals of Web Development - 15 credits
Provides knowledge required to build a standards compliant website and understand the website architectures within an enterprise web server environment. Assessment: web artefact. -
Enterprise Analytics - 15 credits
Critical analysis of the business domain. Assessment: in-class test and portfolio including case studies. -
Digital Technology Solutions Design Project - 30 credits
Mini project where students undertake to design some artefacts, eg software, multimedia production, website. Assessment: presentation and report. -
Digital Security, Forensics and Malware Investigation - 30 credits
Covers computer security principles, introduction to cryptography and secure programming techniques. Assessment: multi-component case study, multiple choice exam, lab log book. -
Professional Issues and Entrepreneurship in IT - 30 credits
This module aims to provide an understanding of the issues, opportunities and problems that have arisen as a result of the computerisation of wide areas of human activity. Assessment: student video with seminar presentation and report. -
Apprenticeship Final Project - 60 credits
Engage in a substantial piece of product development resulting in the creation of a software artefact; this will involve individual research and bring together what you have learned earlier in the course, focused on a topic relevant to your specific discipline. Assessment: presentation and main synoptic project.
Specialist modules
-
Object Oriented Data Design - 30 credits
Analysis and design of computer software using object-oriented methodology. Ability and skills in applying object modelling methods to carry out practical system analysis and design tasks based on a given case study, with considerations of secure system design principles. Assessment: coursework to include model and design descriptions. -
Network Switching and Routing - 30 credits
Includes data communications across networks, the routing protocols that underpin this communication and the security aspects of the system. Assessment: exam and scenario-based assignment. -
Object Oriented Data Programming (Specialist) - 30 credits
Gives students real-world experience in designing, implementing and testing a software application. Assessment: coursework. -
Cloud Based Application Development and Security - 15 credits
Facilitates the learning of server administration with a particular bias to the Apache web server (running on Windows or Linux) in a cloud-computing environment. Assessment: coursework including scenario-based assignment. -
Information Security Management and Governance - 15 credits
Explores the issues surrounding the management and governance of information security within an organisational context. Assessment: coursework report covering security management and legal aspects. -
Database Application Programming - 30 credits
Gives students the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills to design and program data-driven applications. Assessment: coursework/report. -
Ethical Computing for Cyber Security Professionals - 30 credits
A rounded introduction to the principles of ethical hacking, network security and incident response from theoretical and technical perspectives; provides a contextual setting for ethical hacking and incident management. Assessment: lab book portfolio and case study. -
Network and IT Infrastructures - 30 credits
Focuses on LAN switching and WAN technologies. Assessment: exam, log book record, case study-based assignment.
Assessment
The assessment comprises of three areas:
- Successful completion of summative assessments for academic modules, which may take the form of; essays, exams, project work, practical activities and poster displays.
- Maintenance and completion of an ‘e-portfolio’ through which you gather and present a range of materials used to evidence that you have the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the Apprenticeship Standard.
- Finally the End Point Assessment.
End Point Assessment (EPA)
This apprenticeship features an ‘integrated’ End Point Assessment. It gives you the opportunity to demonstrate that you have attained the skills, knowledge and behaviours set out on the standard.
There are two parts to the EPA:
- a work-based project
- a presentation
Where you'll study
Your faculty
The Faculty of Science & Engineering is one of the largest of the four faculties at Anglia Ruskin University. Whether you choose to study with us full-time or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.
Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.
Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science, technology and engineering fields. This is key to all of our futures.
Where can I study?
Cambridge
Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Teaching times
Blended learning, with three week-long study blocks per year in Cambridge, and online study at other times.
Fees & funding
Course fees
Degree apprenticeships are funded by your employer and the Government
£0
Entry requirements
To apply for this course you should:
- be in full-time employment in a relevant role
- have achieved GCSE* grade C or above in five subjects, including maths and English
- have 96 UCAS tariff points including at least one STEM subject at A level or equivalent
- if English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0.
We will also consider applicants with non-standard qualifications provided you have a significant amount of relevant experience, are well-supported by your employer, and demonstrate the ability to manage university-level study.
* ESFA approved Level 2 Maths and English qualifications are mandatory.
Course offers can only be made if approved Level 2 certificates are provided prior to the start of the course.
For further details about which qualifications meet Level 2 requirements download this document from: the gov.uk website
Studying during COVID-19
Due to the national lockdown all universities in England, including ARU, are only able to provide face to face teaching on campus for a limited number of courses. Visit our restrictions page for details.
In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic the majority of our apprenticeship courses are being delivered online only using our established online learning systems. The provision offered is subject to change due to the possibility of further Government restrictions, however the University remains committed to delivering teaching and ensuring a COVID-19 secure environment for those that are on campus.
National lockdown (from 5 January 2021)
