This TechSkills accredited degree apprenticeship has been developed with leading Cambridge tech employers. It prepares apprentices for roles in software development or network engineering.
The work-based course lets apprentices apply learning on the job, gain professional certifications like CCNA, and develop skills to deliver digital projects. They'll also be ready to stay ahead as technologies evolve.
Employers benefit from a workforce trained in practical, up-to-date digital expertise, ready to contribute immediately and adapt to future industry needs. Delivered fully online, this apprenticeship offers flexible learning that fits around work while minimising time away from the workplace.
Why apprenticeships at ARU?
We’ll help you reap the benefits of talent acquisition through apprenticeships.
Train specialists in software or networks
Embed your company’s culture from day one
Learn alongside industry experts
Online learning means minimal disruption
Cost-effective development via Levy funding or Government support
Work-based approach means impact as your apprentice learns
Employer partners Joe, Dan, Emma and Tim explain why ARU apprenticeships work so well for their organisations, and highlight the benefits for SMEs and larger businesses.
We’ll help you develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to thrive in the tech industry.
Earn a full honours degree while working, no tuition fees
Let our amazing apprentices inspire you! Kerry, Grace, Izabela, Ben, Rachel and Fleur explain what they love about doing an apprenticeship with ARU.
Talent development
Developed with leading tech employers, this apprenticeship will develop your apprentices' skills, knowledge and behaviours to work on digital projects and keep up with fast-changing technology.
By the end of the apprenticeship, they will gain strong analytical and independent thinking skills, alongside the core technical capabilities valued by employers across the IT sector, experiencing multidisciplinary team-working that reflects real industry practice.
Apprenticeships are extremely beneficial to our business as we have access to good quality, in-depth training that is targeted to our staff’s development and our business needs.
Tim, IT Director, Minerva Analytics Ltd
This apprenticeship will develop talent for in-demand roles such as software engineer, network engineer, software developer or software tester.
It's ideal for new recruits or existing staff who want to use technology-enabled solutions to deliver maximum impact for your business.
As the course progresses, apprentices will be able to specialise in software engineering or network engineering. This means you can recruit to whichever specialism meets the needs of your business.
The programme has been designed for employers who have a mentor to support and guide the apprentice.
Recruitment support for employers
Our dedicated apprenticeship team is on hand to help you attract the best candidates for your organisation. We can help with:
crafting job advertisements
promoting your vacancy to our quality candidate mailing lists
adding your vacancy to the National Apprenticeship Service
sharing opportunities across our social media channels.
Our consultants can also help you to assess candidates' suitability.
See how we helped Cambridge University Press recruit for their brand new degree apprenticeship.
Gain the technical and professional skills you need for a career in the digital technology sector, whether you're looking for your first job or have previous experience.
My degree apprenticeship will set me up with skills for life. My day-to-day job is supplemented by the theory I'm learning on my course. I’ve really noticed how far I've come.
Kerry, ARU degree apprentice
This degree apprenticeship is perfect preparation for in-demand roles and a springboard into one of the UK's fastest-growing sectors.
The four-year course combines core and optional modules which are all work-based, so you'll be able to apply what you've learnt in your job. Some modules cover material for professional certification, such as CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate.
You’ll develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours to contribute to a range of digital projects in your organisation and stay at the forefront as technologies advance.
Depending on the specialism you choose while studying, and the experience you gain in your job, you could work as a:
Software Developer
Software Engineer
Software Tester
Network Engineer
Programme content
Accredited by TechSkills
Tech Industry Gold is the industry accreditation for digital and tech degrees and degree apprenticeships. Designed to meet standards that are defined by employers, Tech Industry Gold programmes integrate industry-relevant academic learning with the technical, business and interpersonal skills new recruits need to excel in digital careers.
The course is delivered over four years via online learning from sector specialists and practitioners.
All apprenticeships have been assigned a minimum requirement of off-the-job-training (OTJT) hours to comply with the Funding Rules. Your account manager will advise you on how these OTJT hours are planned. This means that your apprentice will be learning during normal working hours either in their place of work or outside – but not part of their normal working duties.
The off-the-job learning is delivered through a variety of online learning activities, including self-paced study materials, recorded lectures, live virtual tutorials, discussion forums, and exercises/mini projects in a digital environment.
Core modules
Into ARU
Programming Fundamentals
Computer Systems and Networking Fundamentals
Workplace Skills and Learning
Relational Database Developmental Fundamentals
Internet Programming Design and Development
Digital Forensics and the Digital Footprint
Digital Technologies Design Project
Becoming an IT professional
Future Tech and Development
Computer Research Methods
Machine Learning and AI Fundamentals
Final Year Project
Computer Apprenticeship Portfolio
Software Developer only modules
Object Oriented Programming, Design and Development
Algorithms, Data Structure and Advanced Programming
Apprentices are assessed at the end of each module (on-programme assessments) and this contributes towards their final award. They will also need to produce an apprenticeship e-portfolio and undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA) to complete the apprenticeship. This is integrated into the final on-programme assessments. Therefore, on successful completion of their degree, your apprentice will also complete the apprenticeship.
Accredited by TechSkills
Tech Industry Gold is the industry accreditation for digital and tech degrees and degree apprenticeships. Designed to meet standards that are defined by employers, Tech Industry Gold programmes integrate industry-relevant academic learning with the technical, business and interpersonal skills new recruits need to excel in digital careers.
An apprenticeship is a job with training, combining practical experience with academic learning.
All apprenticeships have been assigned a minimum requirement of off-the-job-training (OTJT) hours to comply with the Funding Rules. We will advise you and your employer on how these OTJT hours are planned. This time will be dedicated to developing the knowledge and skills needed to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship and therefore are not part of your usual work duties.
The off-the-job learning will be delivered fully online through a variety of learning activities, including self-paced study materials, recorded lectures, live virtual tutorials, discussion forums, and exercises/mini projects in a digital environment. You’ll also gain practical learning experiences in your usual work setting.
This course includes both core and specialist modules. Specialist modules are marked with a *.
Modules
Into ARU
Programming Fundamentals
Computer Systems and Networking Fundamentals
Workplace Skills and Learning
Relational Database Development
Internet Programming Design and Development
Digital Forensics and the Digital Footprint
Digital Technologies Design Project
Becoming an IT professional
Future Tech and Development
Computer Research Methods
Machine Learning and AI Fundamentals
Final Year Project
Computer Apprenticeship Portfolio
Object Oriented Programming, Design and Development *
Algorithms, Data Structure and Advanced Programming *
Apprentices are assessed at the end of each module (on-programme assessments) and this contributes towards their final award. They will also need to produce an apprenticeship e-portfolio and undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA) to complete the apprenticeship. This is integrated into the final on-programme assessments. Therefore, on successful completion of their degree, your apprentice will also complete the apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
Employers set out the person specifications for the role, but apprentices will need to meet our entry requirements to be accepted onto this course.
A completed Skills Scan and Initial Assessment discussion.
Five Level 2 passes at grade 4/C or above including Level 2 English and Maths or equivalent qualification and age-related English and Maths requirements as outlined by the DfE.*
Applicants will normally hold evidence of Level 3 study or equivalent, with three A-Levels at grade C with at least one STEM subject.**
There is an expectation that applicants will be working in a company in an apprentice type of post which is fully supported by an employer engaged with the modern apprentice scheme appropriate to studying on the course. Qualifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis where appropriate.
*All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules applicable at the start of the course. If you have any questions about these entry requirements, please contact [email protected].
**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.
Fees and funding
Degree apprenticeships are a smart investment. You can reinvest Levy funds to cover the cost of an apprenticeship or receive funding support from the Government.
If you operate in England and your annual payroll is over £3m, you pay a levy of 0.5% of your payroll into a levy account.
The Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship programme costs £27,000 for levy-paying employers. This can be covered by funds in your levy account.
If you exhaust the funds in your levy account, you will pay only 5% of the cost of the outstanding fees. The Government pays the remaining 95%.
The Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship programme costs £1,250 for non-levy-paying employers.
You will only pay 5% of the costs of the apprenticeship programme. The Government pays the remaining 95%.
Apprenticeships are paid for by your employer. You won’t pay any tuition fees on this course.
Take the next step
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Our team of experts is here to help form your organisation’s apprenticeship offering and guide you through the process.