Digital & Technology Solutions Specialist Degree Apprenticeship

Course overview

This master’s level course will transform you into a digital solutions leader. You’ll build core leadership and technology management skills before honing your expertise in one of the 4 specialisms: software engineer, data analyst, IT project manager, or IT strategy.

This course is suitable for graduates with a background in computer science looking to advance their careers in the tech and digital sector by studying for a master’s degree. It also provides junior data analysts and software engineers a pathway for career development by honing their technical skills into specialisms.

Why explore a Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Degree Apprenticeship at Aston University?

Why choose Aston University?

Gold standard teaching

Aston University was awarded Triple Gold - the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Flexible IT specialisms according to your ambitions

Explore a dynamic learning experience that in various IT domains, aligning seamlessly with your career goals

Mastering leadership excellence

Develop leadership and management skills in a technical context

Course description

Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Degree Apprenticeship MSc

This Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship will help transform you from a technical professional into a leader in your specialism.

What will we provide
We will provide you with mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals and lecturers, sharing theory and practical knowledge.

You will be awarded with:
• an MSc in Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist
• an apprenticeship certificate

What will you provide
As an apprentice, you will be required to balance academic work, full-time employment, and on-the-job training. You will be expected to engage with teaching materials, online lectures, and in-person sessions. You will need to submit coursework and other assessments in a timely manner.

What skills will we teach
Learn theory and key skills and apply them straight into practice whilst you are employed as an apprentice. You will gain a wide variety of skills, including risk management, problem solving, team working, analytical and innovation.

Career prospects
This master’s level course will transform you into a digital and solutions technology leader. You’ll build core leadership and technology management skills before honing your expertise in either software engineer, data analyst, IT project manager, or IT strategy specialist.

How you will learn

Apprenticeships are structured differently to a traditional degree. You'll spend the majority of your time in the workplace doing a real full-time job as well as studying for your qualification part-time.Study time is structured to fit around your job. Your apprenticeship is designed in partnership with your employer, so you don't need to worry about your work and study commitments clashing. They work hand in hand.

This programme is taught predominantly through online distance learning using our Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard. You’ll log in to this platform to watch live and recorded lecture content, take part in activities and access a wealth of online academic resources to support your learning.Each core module takes six months to complete, and you’ll be expected to attend two one-week face-to-face teaching blocks on campus per module. Typically, this would be one session in the middle of the module and one towards the end of the module. These sessions will give you the opportunity to work with our academic experts in person, take part in discussions and joint work with the cohort of apprentices on this programme. This time will also be used to work on your assignments giving you some dedicated time for study away from the office.The Professional Practice module is taught through work-based learning. You will be assigned a professional supervisor who will visit your workplace and support your professional and personal development in the context of your business.

What you will learn

In the Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist MSc Degree Apprenticeship at Aston University, you will acquire advanced knowledge in digital technologies, cybersecurity, and data analysis. You’ll develop expertise in solving complex technology challenges, making data-driven decisions, and implementing digital solutions, preparing you for leadership roles in the tech industry.

Facilities

At Aston University, apprentices enjoy full access to all the facilities available to regular students. This inclusive approach ensures that apprentices can take advantage of the university's library, labs, study spaces, cafes and more. By providing equal access to these facilities, Aston University supports apprentices in their educational journey, enabling them to thrive in both academic and practical aspects of their chosen fields.

Course objectives

Develop professionals prepared to respond to the computing challenges of the business world.
Give students the knowledge and skills necessary to work at the forefront in professional practice in a chosen area of specialism.
Prepare students with a technical computing background to take on management and leadership responsibilities.
Enable students to effectively take responsibility for their own continuing professional development.

Modules and learning outcomes

The programme is split into four specialist streams:

1.The Data Analyst route focuses on the investigative and interrogative skills required to work with big data.
2.The IT Project Manager route focuses on successful project delivery of software development solutions that meet expectations.
3.The IT Strategy Specialist route concentrates on providing convincing advice and guidance on transformative technology-based change initiatives, driving IT strategy.
4.The Software Engineer route has a technical focus on the development, implementation and evaluation of complex software solutions.

Stage 1
Stage 2

Stage 1 modules

In stage one apprentices will study three core modules alongside a personal and professional development programme.

Module title	Credits
Technology management	30
Leadership and change	30

Select one module :

Module title	Credits
Data analysis	30
IT strategy	30
IT project management	30
Software engineering	30

The Professional Practice module runs throughout the duration of stage one. Beginning with a skills audit, a development coach will support you in your workplace to identify skills gaps and create a plan to advance your personal and professional competencies and evidence them in a skills portfolio.

Stage 1 outcomes

Systematically understand and display critical awareness of current practices and challenges in the digital industry.
Plan and manage digital technology projects to accomplish organisational goals and to meet operational requirements.
Demonstrate effective technology, leadership, and change management skills for managing technology driven change and continuous improvement.
Operate at the forefront of professional practice in a specialist area aligned with the apprentice’s working role.
Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level.
Continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.

Stage 2 module

The final stage of this Degree Apprenticeship is an extended project. This project module is designed to help you deliver real business value for your employer while demonstrating the skills and knowledge you have learned through the core taught modules on the programme. You will be supported by an academic tutor throughout the project.

Entry requirements

You will need to apply for a Degree Apprenticeship role or already be employed in a job in England with responsibilities aligned with the degree content.

Entry requirements are set by the hiring business and not Aston University so they vary between organisations. Apprentices are selected based on their applications, an interview and an assessment process which is tailored to your apprenticeship position.

Indicative entry requirements are given below, but please note that each employer may set their own criteria.

You will need:

An honours degree in a related subject (or equivalent qualification)
At least Grade 4 or C GCSE Maths and English

Candidates without a background in computing may also be suitable for the programme but would need to complete additional training agreed with Aston University and their employer prior to beginning this Degree Apprenticeship.

*Please note:
Employers may specify their own entry criteria that can exceed this.

You will also need to meet the government's eligibility criteria:

Have been a UK/EU/EAA resident for the past three years or more prior to starting the course
Have left full time education when the apprenticeship you are applying for is due to start
Be aged at least 16 years old to meet government funding criteria.

If you are already employed in this industry, you should discuss with your manager if your organisation is working in partnership with Aston University. If they are, you will make an application through your employer.

If your employer is not yet an Aston partner, they can get in touch with our Apprenticeships Team to find out more information about working with us.

Course fees

You will not have to pay tuition fees as a degree apprentice as the costs are met by the UK government and your employer*. In addition to your fees being paid, you will also earn a salary while you study, so there is no need to apply for Student Finance.

The funding band for this degree apprenticeship is £21,000. This is the full cost of your apprenticeship which will be paid for using your employer's apprenticeship levy.

*Employers may require students to pay the fees for resits.

Assessment

By successfully completing this programme, you will be awarded an MSc in Digital and Technology Specialist Solutions. You will also achieve an apprenticeship certificate that is graded at pass, merit or distinction.

There are no examinations for this Degree Apprenticeship and you will be graded solely on your assignments and final project. All assignments have a practical focus to help you translate the knowledge you have learned into practical applications that will help you advance your career. Typically assignments would relate to your own business setting or make use of industry case studies.

End point assessment

As part of the apprenticeship, you will undergo an End Point Assessment to achieve the government approved standard for the Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Degree Apprenticeship.

Career prospects

This master’s level course will transform you into a digital and technology solutions leader. You’ll build core leadership and technology management skills before honing your expertise in either software engineer, data analyst, IT project manager, or IT strategy.

Frequently asked questions

Why study a digital and technical solutions specialist Degree Apprenticeship at Aston University?

Aston Universirty's great links with industry and experienced teaching staff will help you to develop your specialist pathway on this course and really help you to progress your career from technical professional to leader within the sector. Graduate with experience, a master’s level degree qualification and no-debt, whilst propelling your future career.

Why Aston University for an apprenticeship?

Aston University has a history of providing our students with skills that help them to excel in their chosen careers, as well as really value our network of employer links which inform and shape our courses and teaching.

At Aston University we work really closely with our employer network, not only to ensure courses fit around the roles that apprentices have, but also to ensure the skills and knowledge they develop fit the needs of their organisation and add value to their business.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please email apprenticeships@aston.ac.uk. Be sure to include your name, your employer, and the programme you are inquiring about.