BSc (Hons)

Digital & Technology Solutions: Software Engineer

This course is not accepting applications for 2024.

The BSc (Hons) Digital & Technology Solutions (Software Engineer) Degree Apprenticeship covers the key concepts and competencies in digital and technology management. This programme has been designed to focus on both the practical core technology skills such as fundamentals of systems design, data fundamentals and network fundamentals.

Bunch of wires and technology

Course overview

This course is not accepting applications for 2024.

The degree encompasses priority areas of cyber security and risk management; data analytics and insight management; business transformation through cloud services; high level aspects of digital technology for business including, organisational governance and technology management; product-service development; and intellectual property management.

Honours degree apprentices gain the knowledge, skills and insights that are in demand by employers today and into the future. The apprentice is supported in contextualising this learning in the workplace by practitioners from the sector. Using industry specific technology and equipment, the apprentice also develops the technical, business, project interpersonal and behavioural knowledge and skills to operate professionally in the workplace.

Toward the end of the apprenticeship the apprentice specialises in one occupational area which is specific to the anticipated role the apprentice will be performing.

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

On campus, Winchester

Course length

3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

Apply

Typical offer

See entry details

Fees

Course features

  • Accredited by the TECH Partnership
  • Learning and teaching are centred on engaging directly with industry
  • This qualification will enable employers to up-skill those already in the workplace

Course details

Learning and teaching

This programme is designed to meet the defining characteristics of vocational degrees in that it enables students to study whilst continuing to be employed. To this end the programme of study is delivered partly through taught sessions at the University of Winchester and partly through employer supported work-based learning.

As a Degree Apprenticeship the learning and teaching are centred on engaging directly with industry, extending the learning beyond the classroom and into the workplace which will better prepare apprentices for their careers. What distinguishes this degree is the blend of employer defined skills and knowledge outcomes that are integrated and assessed as part of the degree.

The University aims to shape 'confident learners' by enabling students to develop the skills to excel in their studies here and be transferable to further studies or the employment market. Staff and students form a community of learners who, together and independently, seek to generate and exchange knowledge. Over the duration of the course, students develop independent and critical learning, building confidence and expertise progressively through independent and collaborative research, problem solving, and analysis with the support of staff. Students take responsibility for their own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.

Location

King Alfred Campus or West Downs, Winchester

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

Introduction to Software Design and Development

In this module, students will be introduced to the concept of Software Design and Development. Students will be discussing the software development lifecycles, design techniques, and learning the basics of procedural programming. Students will also be discussing the need to develop interfaces to ensure that they are accessible to a wide range of potential users, with consideration of the alignment to Sustainable Development Goal 10, which focusses on reducing inequalities.

Academic and Professional Skills

Whatever a student’s future business career, there are certain basic professional skills and expertise that are required in the workplace. This module provides opportunities to acquire and apply essential skills for academic success, while also developing ‘soft skills’ that are a prerequisite for a successful career. Students will practice, and build confidence in wide ranging skills, as part of their transition into higher education. This module will help students develop basic research skills as part of individual work on a topic of their choice. They will also enhance their communication and negotiation skills; and increase awareness of the importance of evidence-based thinking and reflective practice.

Information Systems and Organisations

The aim of the module is to introduce the application of information, information systems and information technologies within organisations and understand the impact of such systems on organisational performance. Students will develop an understanding of the project lifecycle focussing on the importance of the customer and will look at the process involved in creating information systems by learning how to investigate and define customer requirements and understand future needs. Undertaking this module gives students an introduction to information systems and organisations, giving them the skills to work effectively within an IS organisation on projects and giving them the base for understanding other IS modules within the degree programme.

Work-based Studies: Personal and Professional Development

This module is designed to allow flexibility of study, to enable employed students to gain credit for work-based activities, and to contribute to the continued development of academic and professional skills. The aim of this work-based learning module is to help students develop a deeper understanding of how their organisation operates including examining the relationships and dependencies that exist between different functions within an organisation, and to help them to recognise how their own contribution can form the foundations of a successful career within the company. To achieve this, students will reflect on themselves, their skills, and how they fit within their company.   With support from a work-based mentor, students will identify their development needs, manage their own development, and reflect critically on their learning.   This module provides the foundation for continuing personal and professional development building confidence to provide students with the potential to maximise both academic and career aspirations.

Introduction to Cyber Security and Networks

The aim of this module is to introduce concepts of IT security in order to understand the security threats to an IT system and the operational impact of these threats on an organisation. The module will explore different protection methods for data and develop knowledge of security policies and procedures, including risk assessments, and how these procedures can be implemented and maintained. This module will introduce topical case studies of attacks on organisational information systems, highlighting the business consequences.

Digital Business and Emerging Technologies

The emergence of the digital economy has unlocked fresh opportunities for businesses, whilst also creating different modes of competition in both traditional and new sectors of the economy. The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of digital business together with the practices and processes required to create effective digital strategies. In order to succeed, businesses need to identify and integrate multiple technologies and develop new digital strategies. This, however, is often a complex task. This module provides insight into the key concepts, digital technologies and strategies that can directly shape businesses and processes.

Modules

Information Management and Data Analytics

Generating the right information and insight for decision-makers is a major challenge for many organisations. The challenge lies in coping with a burgeoning amount of multifarious data, analysing data and ensuring it reaches decision-makers in a timely and meaningful manner. Information Management and Data Analytics encapsulate the challenges faced in deriving insights from data to underpin fact-based decisions. This module examines the different types of systems and data that can flow into organisations. It evaluates the characteristics and value of these different data sources. With an awareness of the nature of data, a model of how data may be creatively integrated and analysed to deliver insights will be explored. Data analytics will then be explored given the demands of decision makers to: segment and target markets, predict the development of markets, assess customer profitability and the lifetime value of customers, and understand corresponding relationships.

Work-based Studies: IT Infrastructure and Project Management

This module will explore both technical and client management. Students will explore how to plan, design and manage IT infrastructure with an overall focus on the services and capabilities that infrastructure solutions enable in an organisational context including (but not limited to): identification of network security risks and their resolution; software development tools and techniques. Students will also understand concepts of technology and client management and recognise any inter-relationships between them. The module is also aimed at helping students to develop some of the skills involved in managing and leading people and projects, thereby further cultivating the self-awareness that characterises outstanding managers and leaders.

Risk Management and Cyber Security

The aim of this module is to further develop student understanding of IS Security.  The main focus of this module will be to explore key themes, trends and issues in cyber-security, policing and governance of the internet and business vulnerabilities.  The module provides students with an opportunity to analyse risk management, information risk assessment, risk mitigation, management standards and methodologies, implementing a risk management strategy and business continuity planning.

Project Management for IT Practitioners

This module introduces key aspects involved in project management of IT projects. The range of perspectives in project management studies are analysed both in theory and in practice. Students will explore roles and responsibilities of those involved in project management and explore documentation from planning to reporting used and how to deliver a successful project. The module will look at the management of projects including lifecycles and investigate the importance of relationship management focussing on stakeholders and teams.

Software Testing

This module will build on the knowledge obtained in the Introduction to Software Design and Development module from the first year of studies. This module presents a systematic approach to software testing as an extension to Software Design and a core element of all software development methodologies.  This module will consider the Seven Principles of Software Testing and their integration with testing processes.  Students will be introduced to various methods for planning and conducting tests.  As part of this module, students will be encouraged to reflect on how the software testing techniques they encounter can support the development of resilient infrastructure and the development of systems which are safety critical.

Object Oriented Software Development

The module develops theoretical and practical skills in software engineering principles including abstraction, encapsulation, aggregation and inheritance.  Students will learn the processes from analysis to design, implementation, testing and documentation together with software quality principles. 

Human Computer Interaction

Human Computer Interaction is a key consideration when developing interfaces. In a world where people are living longer, the result is that more people are experiencing impairments which can impact their ability to interact with systems. This module will aim to consider how interfaces can be designed and developed to take this into account. With a particular focus on Universal Design, students will be designing interfaces which are both accessible and usable. In addition, students will be considering the experience provided to the users, and its impact on their acceptance of technology.

Modules

Synoptic Project

This synoptic project demonstrates the application of the core and specialism knowledge and skills to meet the outcomes in the standard.  Evidence of appropriate project planning and research methodologies will be shown together with the application of behaviours.

Insight Management

This module will provide students with an understanding of the insight management function of an organisation and will equip them with key skills in insight generation and delivery for business decision-making.  The module will develop students’ ability to critically evaluate approaches to generating ideas and insight through creative thinking techniques, within both divergent and convergent thinking processes.   It will provide them with the knowledge and skills to identify and evaluate an organisational problem, and then to effectively draw and interpret insights so that they have an impact at both managerial and board levels of organisations. The ethical implications of the use of insight management techniques will recur throughout the module.

Intellectual Properties and Information Rights

This module considers the different forms of intellectual properties created in the software development and information technology sectors, and how these might be utilised for commercial purposes.  Particular emphasis is given to the protection and utilisation of intellectual property rights in computer software programmes by copyright.  The module considers how an understanding of intellectual properties is vital to knowledge-based businesses, and needs to be incorporated into the conceptualisation, design and implementation of new information technologies.  Emerging information technologies create challenges in terms of information rights such as data protection and privacy, access to public information, and information sharing through social media.  Students will be introduced to information rights laws and the trends shaping real-time development of protections in this area.

Advanced Software Development

The overall aim of this module is to introduce students to a range of advanced, near-research level topics in contemporary software development. The module considers issues from a technology-driven perspective and a user-driven perspective. Students will develop advanced skills in modern software development languages and methodologies such as Java, Swift, C# and C++ and Agile.

Developing for the Cloud

This module aims to provide students with an overview of the cloud including: business migration to cloud based systems, cloud security, and cloud-based application design and development. Students will be encouraged to explore the transition of business systems to the cloud, using multiple case studies as exemplars. This exploration will focus the value to businesses, as well as the potential risks involved in cloud migration. In addition, students will gain experience in developing applications which are used within the cloud. This development will focus on ensuring applications are scalable, secure, usable, and maintainable. Students will also be expected to develop and conduct cloud-based application testing.

Parallel Programming

Parallel programming involves the running of computations simultaneously. During this module, students will learn how to exploit the abilities of modern computers to execute instructions in parallel. Using a variety of frameworks, students will learn how to design, develop, and test systems which utilise parallelism.

Entry requirements

See entry details

Students must be employed by a sponsoring organisation. Programme-specific entry requirements apply, as agreed with the sponsoring organisation.

Candidates for the Degree Apprenticeship should normally have a minimum of 104-112 points* at A2 (Grades BCC) or an equivalent e.g. BTEC DMM. You will also require Maths and English Language GCSE grade A*- C or 9-4. We will individually evaluate candidates who do not meet these requirements, but have workplace experience or recognised prior learning.

*Note: Different employers will identify their specific entry requirements

To secure an apprenticeship you will need to apply for a full-time position with one of our partner employers. To gain a place on this programme you will have been successful on application and interview as conducted by the sponsoring business in conjunction with the University of Winchester.

Alternatively, you may be seeking career enhancement within your current role. In this case you will need your employer to support you by offering a Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Winchester.

In the absence of formal learning qualifications applications are welcomed from persons who can demonstrate relevant work experience, including work in a voluntary capacity. The course structure actively supports claims for Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

Selection process:

Candidates are invited to attend an interview or assessment centre organised by the business in conjunction with the University of Winchester.

If English is not your first language: Year 1/Level 4: IELTS 6.0 (including 6.0 in writing) or equivalent

Course enquiries and applications

Please contact Stella McKnight:

Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 826478
Email: Stella.McKnight@winchester.ac.uk
Or Send us a message

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If English is not your first language you will need: Year 1/Level 4: IELTS 6.0 (including 6.0 in writing) or equivalent

To secure an apprenticeship you will need to apply for a full-time position with one of our partner employers. To gain a place on this programme you will have been successful on application and interview as conducted by the sponsoring business in conjunction with the University of Winchester. Alternatively, you may be seeking career enhancement within your current role. In this case you will need your employer to support you by offering a Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Winchester.

In the absence of formal learning qualifications applications are welcomed from persons who can demonstrate relevant work experience, including work in a voluntary capacity. The course structure actively supports claims for Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

2024 Course Tuition Fees 

Costs to Student/Apprentice

  • Apprentices are full-time employees and will be entitled to a wage and paid time off to study
  • There are no tuition fees

Read What our Degree Apprenticeships? for more information.

Employer Information

How much will it cost an employing business per apprentice?

The apprentice will be an employee who will work for a business throughout the programme - a market-rate salary is anticipated. The funding you are eligible for is determined by the number of people you employ, the annual payroll of your company and the age of the learner.

Read Information for employers for the latest information.

Additional tuition fee information

If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2024, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.

Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year. If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.

UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.

International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £1139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.

* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year. To find out whether this course offers a sandwich year, please contact the programme leader for further information.

**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.

Additional costs

Additional costs

As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services. 

There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:

Optional

Core text

Multiple copies of core text are held within the library and e-books are identified where possible, however due to limited availability students are recommended to purchase a copy for their own use. It is possible for students to purchase second-hand copies. Cost: £50 - £500 per year

Mandatory

Printing and binding

Students are required to pay for the costs of dissertation printing and binding (if applicable). Cost: £10