MSc Applied AI and Data Science
Immerse yourself in the in-demand fields of AI and data science. Using problem-based approaches, your studies will equip you with the knowledge and skills to open doors to a wide range of careers.
ApprenticeshipDigital and Technology Solutions Professional (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship
Starting in:Â 2025
Course overview
As a Digital Technology Solutions apprentice you will be guided by a curriculum that has been developed in association with BT, HP, IBM and GSM to develop the skills relevant to your job role. You will have the opportunity to learn valuable industry knowledge which will prepare you for accreditations from CISCO, the EC-Council and Oracle.
Throughout the apprenticeship, you'll gain core technical knowledge that encompasses project management, business strategy, developing and delivering technology and software solutions, computer networking, and data management.
The apprenticeship focuses on the software engineer pathway. A software engineer needs to be able to design, develop, build and test high-quality software solutions. This role requires apprentices to apply engineering principles at all levels of the software development process. This includes requirement gathering, analysis and design, development and data requirements, while ensuring security robustness is built in. Software engineers typically work as part of a larger collaborative team and will have responsibility for significant elements of software projects.
We currently offer the digital and technology solutions professional pathway aligned to the Institute for Apprenticeships standard.
This course is part of the South Coast Institute of Technology, a collaboration of further education colleges and universities offering courses that can lead to a wide range of exciting and dynamic career pathways, boosting employability, filling skills gaps, and supporting the economic growth of the South Coast.
Hear from our students
Read about current student, Ryan Gaudion's experience on this apprenticeship.
Any questions?
Contact the apprenticeships team
Email:Â apprenticeships@solent.ac.uk
For employers
Apprenticeships can add value at all levels of your business:
- Upskill your staff with industry relevant qualifications.
- Drive an increase in productivity.
- Promote long-term loyalty and reduce staff turnover.
- Reduce the cost of qualifications and training.
- Develop staff with a minimum of interruption to day-to-day operations.
- Offer genuine opportunities for personal development.
For apprentices
Here's what a higher or degree apprenticeship can offer you:
- A combination of on-the-job and academic study which is relevant and applied.
- A continued wage and contract of employment which includes all the same benefits as any employee.
- A higher or degree qualification which is recognised, transferrable and the same level as if achieved through traditional study routes.
- A debt free future with zero tuition fees. (Please note, as apprenticeships are funded by employers, apprentices are not eligible to apply for Student Loans Company loans)
- An opportunity to develop new skills and progress within your industry.
What does this course lead to?
Graduates will leave the apprenticeship programme with two industry-recognised qualifications: a BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions degree and a degree apprenticeship qualification. This will put you in an excellent position to progress within your current organisation or pursue master’s level study.
Typical job titles:
- Software developer
- Software engineer
- Software tester
- Application specialist
- Business analyst
- IT project manager
- IT consultant
Who is this course for?
This degree apprenticeship gives you (or your staff) the opportunity to earn a recognised university qualification while making an essential contribution within the workplace. Apprentices are full-time employees at their sponsoring organisation and spend one day each week completing assignments or attending lectures. A full-time degree apprenticeship lasts just over three years.
Facilities
As an apprenticeship student here at Solent, you’ll have access to our full range of technology labs and software packages. These include our CISCO certified networking and security labs, the E-C Council lab, media technology labs, development centres and usability testing environments.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces.
Come to an open day
Fancy a sneak peek? Take a look around!
Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
What you'll study
Core modules
Problem Solving Through Programming
This module introduces you to software implementation through the process of understanding how to solve problems using programming.
Introduction to Networks and Security
This module develops the skills necessary to plan and implement small networks across a range of applications. It considers the basic design of a network infrastructure and addresses issues arising from the pre-installation and implementation stages of its development.
Introduction to Databases
In this module you are introduced to the skills and concepts required for developing a basic relational, SQL-based database application solution and will apply them by using web-based, enterprise-level database software tools.
Systems Analysis and Design Work-based Project
Systems analysis is a project-driven process that ensures that information systems are designed, developed and maintained in ways that provide optimum value to companies and clients.
Data Structures, Algorithms and Mathematics
Through this module you will gain hands on experience applying a range of algorithms and data structures to problems. As well as creating your own algorithms, you will also be made aware of existing algorithms that are at your disposal and understand how they work.
Software Testing and Reliability Engineering
You will learn about the testing process and the different types of tests that are commonly used, these will include component/module testing, usability testing and user acceptance testing.
Successful apprentices will graduate with a:BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions
How you'll study
You will learn through a combination of directed learning, collaborative learning and guided learning. You will also make use of the University's online learning platform Solent Online Learning (SOL).You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Coursework
- Practical activities
- Reports
- Individual presentations
- Group presentations
- Timed exercises
- Portfolios
- End-point assessment
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
What our apprentices say
"Completing the apprenticeship programme has not only progressed my career but also developed my knowledge and skills. I now have a much more holistic understanding of not only my job role but the roles and teams that I interact with day to day. "
Ryan Gaudion, Software Developer, Lockheed Martin
Read Ryan's storyFees and finance
Businesses with an annual payroll above £3million will be classed as a levy paying employer and will be able to use funds accrued in their digital apprenticeship service (DAS) account for payment of the training. Please contact us for guidance on fees if you are a non-levy employer which will cover at least 95% of the costs.
- The maximum funding drawdown for this course is: £27,000
Apprentices pay nothing towards their course fees
The course fees will be covered by your employer.
Optional Costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Earn while you learn
As an apprentice you'll earn while working and studying towards your degree.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Entry Requirements
To study for an apprenticeship, you must be employed and have a contract that will cover the duration of your apprenticeship.
All apprentice applications need to go through apprenticeships@solent.ac.uk in the first instance. Applicants will be expected to provide the following documents during the onboarding process:
- CV
- Job description
- Maths and English certificates - GCSE/GCE/Functional Skills
- Completed skills assessment (template provided by Solent's apprenticeships team)
- Passport/visa (showing access to public funds if non UK passport), or birth certificate
- Share code to show immigration status if applicable
Please note: if any certificates are from outside of the UK, you will need to have a Naric Equivalency Statement alongside the certificates.
Ready to apply?
If you are an employer or a potential apprentice and would like to have an in-depth conversation with us about potential opportunities, please email apprenticeships@solent.ac.uk.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship offers a unique blend of work experience and academic study. Candidates on an apprenticeship will work a paid job while simultaneously working towards a relevant qualification in their chosen field.
Apprentices are employees with a contract of employment that must cover the duration of the programme being studied. Apprentices have guaranteed time from their employer to complete their studies, at a minimum of six hours a week, known as off-the-job training hours. The University will provide each apprentice with a tracker to ensure these off the job hours are logged to demonstrate compliance with this funding rule.
Higher apprenticeships
Solent offers a diverse range of higher and degree apprenticeships, some of which will include an additional qualification that will be studied within the Apprenticeship Standard, eg: HNC, BA or BSc.
Our apprenticeships give employees the opportunity to upskill in their chosen field or retrain for a new career while working.
Employers will see an increase in knowledge and skills, improved productivity, and a boost in the expertise of the workforce.
Find out moreThinking of applying?
Visit us on campus and explore Solent University by registering for one of our apprenticeship events.
Come to an open daySupport at Solent
All students at Solent University have access to a range of specialist support services. Whether you are having financial difficulty, need additional help with academic skills or want advice on setting up your own business you'll find that help is always on hand.
Most of our specialist support services are based around the Student Hub, a central space where you can access all the information and support you may need during your time at University. The Student Hub is the first point of contact if you have any queries relating to your course, including questions about your timetable, options, and assessments and extenuating circumstances.
We work in partnership with the University to build a sense of pride and confidence in your Union, University and student experience.
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