Degree Apprenticeship in Digital and Technology Solutions (Software Engineer)


Institution code	H36
School of study	School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science
Course length	Part Time, 3 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Entry requirements

UCAS A Level BTEC
120 - 128 BBB - ABB DDM - DDD

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/C in Mathematics.
Applications are welcomed from those with qualifications equivalent to the above, for instance from Access Certificate courses. The ESFA require 12 credits each of English and maths at level 2.
All students originally from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency. We will need to check with ECCTIS (Naric) that they are acceptable.
It is not necessary to have A-level or equivalent in Maths, Computer Science or ICT.

UCAS	A Level	BTEC
120 - 128	BBB - ABB	DDM - DDD

About the course

Apprenticeship Standard: Digital & Technology Solutions Professional

Final Award: BSc (Hons) Digital & Technology Solutions (Software Engineer)

The Degree Apprenticeship programme in Digital and Technology Solutions at the University of Hertfordshire leads to a BSc (Honours) in Digital and Technology Solutions. The programme is designed upon the Apprenticeship Standard of reference and is constantly reviewed in consultation with local employers and endorsed by TechSkills so as to meet the Standard and Assessment Plan.

Built with an intent to provide learners with the best of both worlds of rigorous academic studies and sound work-based training proper of industry, the programme consists of “core” content taken by all apprentices, which amounts to approximately 70% of the total, and “specialist” content that amounts to the remaining 30%.

Teaching is delivered by means of dedicated modules and sessions, designed and managed to exploit facilities and opportunities available on campus, online and at learners’ place of work.

As a degree apprenticeship, learners are constantly facilitated and encouraged to successfully obtain the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) as identified by the standard, to keep a record of their achievements (by means of an e-portfolio and other resources) and to exploit these along the learning journey of studying for an academic award and towards the occupational competency as expected by the Standard, their employer and the market.

In addition to academic development, the programme also recognises the importance of developing students’ professional and civic character, as articulated through the University’s Graduate Attributes and in reference to British Values.

Each learner is enrolled on a course learning to one of three specialist awards. Each of the specialisms is also introduced as part of the core and, if this is considered, the split is nearer to 60% “core” and 40% “specialism”

Software Engineer

The software engineer role is broader and with higher levels of responsibility than a software developer as they need to apply engineering principles to all stages of the software development process, from requirements, analysis and design, to development and data requirements while ensuring security robustness is built in. They typically work as part of a larger collaborative team and have responsibility for significant elements of software projects.

Other specialisms available are:

Cyber Security Analyst

Why choose this course?

The degree apprenticeship programme has been developed to cover topics that aim to not only meet but also exceed the learning outcomes as stated by the Standard and is continuously reviewed with local employers leading its innovation agenda. This is to ensure learners are equipped suitably for exploiting the new opportunities the Digital industry is providing business and society almost daily.
After five years of offering this programme, the extent learners are expected to engage with their learning journey has been fine-tuned, without overburdening them and ensuring it remains challenging all at the same time. The programme is highly demanding but is exceptionally rewarding for both learners and employers.
This programme comprises a coherent blend of modules specially designed to meet the Apprenticeship Standard. The new digital technology-specific modules have been adapted from existing tried-and-tested degree programmes, and the specialist modules are co-taught with other students. This academically rigorous programme also supports learners and expects them to fully develop both expertise and proficiency, and the Graduate Attributes.
This programme delivers a mix of day and block release with work-based learning, designed specifically to meet the needs of apprentices and their employers.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Data Modelling and Analysis	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims at equipping learners with the knowledge and skills needed to exploit data management, by means of several techniques and technologies available as industry-standard, within organisational settings. Students will explore key concepts such as data object and relational data model and will gain confidence in using database systems for implementing and exploiting data models for increasingly challenging tasks, until they achieve a level of proficiency enough to develop data modelling solutions potentially of value for real-world organisations and business domains. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions, students will develop their ability to master data modelling and management, and to gain some knowledge of more advanced topics and issues related to databases within business and organisational domains, such as no-SQL, data mining and data warehousing. This module will explicitly address, cover and assess Duty 3 from the Digital & Technology Solutions Professional (Level 6) standard of reference. Learners are invited to reflect on their personal learning experiences and outcomes and to identify areas for further improvement and development.
Fundamentals of Business Analysis and Digital Transformation	30 Credits	Compulsory
This engaging and comprehensive module equips students with the knowledge and skills to critically analyse business domains, identify opportunities for improvement, and effectively communicate with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Students will explore key concepts of project management, leadership, and change management within the digital and technology solutions industry. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions, students will develop their ability to devise and engage in continuous professional development. Emphasis is placed on the application of theories and techniques in real-world scenarios, fostering the development of well-rounded professionals capable of addressing complex business problems and driving organisational success. This module will explicitly address, cover and assess Duties 1 , 8 and 9 from the Digital & Technology Solutions Professional (Level 6) standard of reference. Learners are invited to reflect on their personal learning experiences and outcomes and to identify areas for further improvement and development.
Problem-solving and programming	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims at providing learners with a strong foundation in programming and software development, essential for creating effective digital and technology solutions, whilst maintaining a focus on business-oriented perspective. Learners will learn fundamental programming concepts, languages, data structures, and algorithms, by engaging in hands-on exercises to design, implement, test, and debug high-quality software components. The module emphasises practical problem-solving skills, by enabling learners to analyse complex business challenges and develop innovative software solutions using various programming techniques, tools, and methodologies. The module content would also delve into best practices in software development, including industry-standard processes and methodologies, so to ensure that learners are well-equipped to tackle real-world software development projects. Through a combination of lectures, coding and modelling exercises, and practical case studies, learners will gain the essential programming and development skills required to excel in the computer science field and contribute meaningfully to their organizations and the wider community. This module will explicitly address, cover and assess Duty 11 from the Digital & Technology Solutions Professional (Level 6) standard of reference. Learners are invited to reflect on their personal learning experiences and outcomes and to identify areas for further improvement and development.
System, Platform and Digital Solutions Management	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides learners with the knowledge and skills needed to analyse, design, and manage digital and technology solutions across various systems and platforms, in the relationship between hardware and software and according to, for example, the principles of compilation and interpretation. Learners will learn about engineering trade-offs between hardware and software, strategic decision-making processes, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies while emphasizing (whenever possible) data-driven decision-making, teamwork, and leadership in project management. The course also addresses ethical, legal, and social considerations in developing sustainable and inclusive digital solutions. Throughout a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, learners will be prepared to tackle the challenges and opportunities associated with digital transformation and technology integration in a wide range of industries and contexts. This module will explicitly address, cover and assess Duty 6 and 2 from the Digital & Technology Solutions Professional (Level 6) standard of reference. Learners are invited to reflect on their personal learning experiences and outcomes and to identify areas for further improvement and development.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Digital Solutions for the Enterprise	30 Credits	Compulsory
In this module, learners will engage in an active exploration of available, innovative digital solutions in several organisational domains (e.g., organisational theory, change management, marketing, strategic practice, human resources management and IT service management) and across a variety of technical perspectives (e.g., from system development to cyber security, from AI to infrastructures), so to understand how these solutions can and do support business and professional organisations, as well as individuals, in pursuing effective decision making and sustainable, profitable operations. Working individually and in teams, learners would then be required to focus on one organisational aspect as previously explored, and to design, generate at prototype level and discuss a specific, innovative digital solution to support a fictional organisation. This module will explicitly address, cover and assess Duties 5, 13 and 15 from the Digital & Technology Solutions Professional (Level 6) standard of reference. Learners are invited to reflect on their personal learning experiences and outcomes and to identify areas for further improvement and development.
Full-Stack Development and Configuration	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module identifies in the set of competences needed for full-stack development an opportunity for learners to gain a full appreciation and a significant set of knowledge and skills as expected to support, at all stages, the development of a software solution as identified within a business context and/or organisation. Learners will be exposed to the principles and some examples of end-to-end application development, and how this could entail development of bespoke code, implementation of COTS (Commercial-off-the-shelf) package, or tailoring of package, or any combination of these. By means of both theoretical and practical sessions, and within a project-based assessment strategy, learners will navigate, individually and as part of a team, throughout aspects of full-stack development as applied to specific parts of software development life-cycle, from analysis and design to implementation, from building management to configuration and deployment, against one or more business-oriented case-studies. This module will explicitly address, cover and assess Duties 17, 18, 19 and 21 from the Digital & Technology Solutions Professional (Level 6) standard of reference. Learners are invited to reflect on their personal learning experiences and outcomes and to identify areas for further improvement and development.
Networks, Operating Systems and Protocols	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides a comprehensive exploration of computer networks, operating systems, and network protocols, emphasizing their role in organizational settings. Learners will develop skills in network planning, design, and management, as well as the importance of network security and the role of operating systems in managing networking aspects. Key topics include network types, topologies, architectures, common operating systems, network protocols and standards, network security risks and best practices, and relevant legal, ethical, and professional considerations. Sustainable development approaches, such as green computing, are also explored. Through a combination of lectures, practical labs, and assessments, learners will develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to effectively plan, design, and manage network infrastructures, while ensuring data security and compliance with industry standards. This module prepares learners for careers in network administration, IT management, and related fields.
Software Engineering	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module integrates the development of technical understanding (e.g. advanced programming concepts) with practical skills (e.g. writing code subject to configuration control), with software project management awareness, and with the soft skills required to work effectively as part of a team.From a technical perspective, the module encourages learners to think about and model real-world problems, and to gain experience in translating such models into executable systems. It explores the contribution that object-oriented thinking can make to the improvement of software quality and how typical uses of these concepts can be captured and reused. Learners will gain practical experience of a range of modelling techniques, together with the opportunity to use a variety of industry-standard tools for software development. This technical perspective is integrated into a broader team-based, data-driven and project-oriented appreciation of software development. This module will explicitly address, cover and assess Duty 12 from the Digital & Technology Solutions Professional (Level 6) standard of reference. Learners are invited to reflect on their personal learning experiences and outcomes and to identify areas for further improvement and development.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Development and Management of Large-Scale Software Systems	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will provide an opportunity for learners to familiarise themselves with the complexity and challenges related to the development and management of a large-scale software system in the context of real-world constraints (such as achieving real business value), and the current approaches, techniques, models and tools adopted by practitioners and as reported by relevant literature. Such opportunity will be developed and exploited by requiring and facilitating the learners to pursue four specialist Duties of the Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (Level 6) standard, namely Duties: 16, 20, 22 and 23. Whilst the actual development of a large-scale software system might not be feasible, case-studies, project-games , analysis of documented real-world projects and opportunities offered by employers could provide a valuable alternative opportunity. Learners are invited to reflect on their personal learning experiences and outcomes and to identify areas for further improvement and development.
Final Project for EPA (Software Engineer)	30 Credits	Compulsory
The final year synoptic project acts as part of the end-point assessment for the degree apprenticeship. It is a substantial piece of work conducted as part of your normal employment, and which puts into practice the application of a full range of the skills, knowledge and behaviours for the specialism developed during the taught part of the programme, as expected, and better defined by the standard. It integrates applied practical work with the rigours of academic discipline. In conjunction with your employer, you will be required to identify a real-world problem for which a software-based solution may be appropriate. You are expected to demonstrate in your project the awareness of the full software lifecycle, from early requirements gathering through to software deployment, and to post-deployment evaluation and support.You are also expected to demonstrate an awareness of how to manage such projects and an appreciation of the wider business context within which they would take place. You will be expected to use industry-standard tools and processes.Due to the constraints of final year projects and the additional constraint that it should part of or based a project in the organisation you are working for, it may not be appropriate for your project to implement all aspects of the full lifecycle, or to manage all aspects. However, you will be expected to demonstrate convincingly your ability to design, implement, test, and deploy a software system, as well as managing those activities.
Information Operations and Security	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will provide an introduction to the concepts and principles of information security management, including its organisational aspects such as security governance, policy procedures and security standards and the cyber-security culture in an organisation. It will cover the relevant methods associated with risk assessment and management. Various issues associated with information assurance, incident management and government legislation on data protection will be presented. This module introduces security controls that are used to protect information and underlying IT systems and infrastructure. Disaster recovery and business continuity management, which are important aspects of information security management, will also be discussed in this module. Eventually, learners will be able to perform a proper risk assessment exercise within a certain case-study, identify and discuss hazards and threats affecting IT systems and/or services (e.g., Cloud services), and provide recommendations. This module will explicitly address, cover and assess Duty 4 from the Digital & Technology Solutions Professional (Level 6) standard of reference. Learners are invited to reflect on their personal learning experiences and outcomes and to identify areas for further improvement and development.
Research and Team Project	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module equips students with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to conduct effective research and collaborate within a team in the context of digital technology solutions. The module covers research methodologies, ethical considerations, and communication strategies, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaborative problem-solving. Students will explore project management principles, risk mitigation strategies, and industry-standard practices while working on practical team projects. Through hands-on experience, they will develop skills in data analysis, implementation of data products, and evaluation of digital solutions. Additionally, the module emphasizes the promotion of sustainable development and green computing practices in digital technology projects. By the end of this module, students will be prepared to work effectively in a team and develop innovative, ethically responsible digital solutions within the industry. This module will explicitly address, cover and assess Duties 10 and 14 from the Digital & Technology Solutions Professional (Level 6) standard of reference. Learners are invited to reflect on their personal learning experiences and outcomes and to identify areas for further improvement and development.

Professional Accreditations

UCAS points: 104

A Level: BCC

BTECDMM

All candidates must be employed in a role related to the subject matter of the Degree Apprenticeship and be sponsored by their employer. Applications can only be made through the sponsoring employer. The university will consider all such applications and will have the final decision whether to accept the candidate for entry to the programme.

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/C in Mathematics.

Applications are welcomed from those with qualifications equivalent to the above, for instance from Access Certificate courses.

All students originally from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency. The following qualifications and grades will be considered:

- GCSE English language grade A-C
- IELTS 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any band)

It is not necessary to have A-level or equivalent in Maths, Computer Science or ICT.

Direct Entry at Levels 5 and 6

For direct entry to Level 5, candidates must be able to demonstrate that they have met all the Learning Outcomes of the Apprenticeship Standard that are covered in the programme at Level 4. They must also have been employed at an appropriate professional level and in an appropriate role for at least 12 months and hence have similar experience of work to apprentices who have completed level 4 of the programme.

For direct entry to Level 6, candidates must be able to demonstrate that they have met all the Learning Outcomes of the Apprenticeship Standard that are covered in the programme at Levels 4 and 5. They must also have been employed at an appropriate professional level and in an appropriate role for at least 24 months and hence have similar experience of work to apprentices who have completed level 5 of the programme.

Account will be taken of APCL and APEL as described in the previous section.

The programme is subject to the University's Principles, Policies and Regulations for the Admission of Students to Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes (in UPR SA03), along with associated procedures. These will take account of University policy and guidelines for assessing accredited prior certificated learning (APCL) and accredited prior experiential learning (APEL).

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions (Software Engineer)	Download
BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions (Software Engineer)	Download

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions (Software Engineer)	Download
BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions (Software Engineer)	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	No

Find out more

Become an apprentice Employ an apprentice