About this programme

Developed in collaboration with leading employers, this Tech Industry Gold accredited, and award‑winning programme, integrates the best of an academic IT education with practical work-based learning. 

The programme’s broad purpose is to develop apprentices to evaluate, initiate, create and support business solutions using digital technology. Apprentices learn a broad set of skills and knowledge across the main areas of the digital and technology landscape enabling them to understand the complexity of information systems, systems development, data, cyber security, business organisation, IT project management and computer and network infrastructures. They view all of this with a rigorous approach to commerciality and budget to deliver quality solutions before specialising in their chosen pathway.

A strong emphasis is placed on developing reflective practitioners – professionals who can plan and manage their own future progression.

To find out more about how you can partner with us to offer degree apprenticeships within your organisation, fill out our contact form. You can also get in touch by phone on 0161 247 3720 (9:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday) or by email at apprenticeships-employer@mmu.ac.uk

Tech Industry Gold Programme
Tech Industry Gold accredited programme
Developed with leading national employers, our Digital and Technology Solutions and Digital UX Professional Degree Apprenticeships are proud recipients of the Tech Industry Gold accreditation.
AAC Awards Winner 2023 Digital Apprenticeship Provider of the Year
FE Week AAC Awards
Winner - Digital Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 2023
  • Programme content

    Taught units are supported by work-based projects that, where possible, will focus on live business scenarios and real-world problem-solving.

    Core units

    Apprentices will develop the fundamental skills and competencies for a career in IT. The core units comprise 60% of the programme and include: 

    • Database Fundamentals
    • Digital Technology in Organisations and Society
    • Introduction to Business Systems
    • Introduction to Programming
    • IT Project Management
    • Computer Networks and Security
    • Reflective Practice for Digital and Technology Solutions Professionals
    • Synoptic Project

    Pathway units and negotiated business projects allow apprentices to study a specialist route, listed below.

    Specialisms

    IT Consultant

    An IT Consultant bridges the gap between users and technology, using their consulting skills to get to the root of a problem and advising clients, both externally and internally, on how to best utilise technology to meet their business objectives, overcome problems and increase productivity.

    Specialist units covered are:

    • Business Analytics
    • Customer Life-cycle Management
    • Emerging Technologies
    • Information Technology Consultancy
    • Operations Management
    • Strategic Information Systems
    • Technology Ethics and Regulations
    Data Analyst

    The primary role of a Data Analyst is to collect, organise and study data to provide new business insight to a range of stakeholders.

    Specialist units covered are:

    • Advanced Relational Databases
    • Data Science Ethics
    • Data Visualisation and Dashboard Design
    • Machine Learning
    • Mathematics for Data Science
    • Python for Data Science
    • Unstructured Data
    Cyber Security Analyst

    A Cyber Security Analyst leads in the work to define, implement and maintain security products and systems within an organisation’s policies and service level agreements.

    Specialist units are:

    • Advanced Networks
    • Applied Cryptography and Information Security
    • Emerging Issues in Security, Privacy and Forensics
    • Incident Response
    • Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Management
    • Security Fundamentals
    • Security Governance, Policy and Auditing 
    Software Engineer

    A Software Engineer undertakes all requirements during the solution development life-cycle from gathering requirements to analysis, design, code, build, test, implementation and support.

    Specialist units covered are:

    • Advanced Programming
    • Enterprise Programming
    • Full Stack Web Development
    • Introduction to Web Development
    • Operating Systems
    • Software Design and Architecture
    • Software Testing and Quality Assurance
    Software Engineer (mainframe pathway)

    In recognition of a considerable skills gap in mainframe technologies, we are able to offer a pathway that focuses on the principles of computing that underpin their effective use.

    Specialist units are:

    • Enterprise Systems
    • Full Stack Web Development
    • Introduction to Mainframe Development
    • Introduction to Web Development
    • Mainframe Application Servers
    • Managing Mainframe Data
    • Operating Systems
    • Software Testing and Quality Assurance
  • Programme length and approach

    Delivery

    Over a period of four years, apprentices attend University for face-to-face delivered teaching one day a week during the academic year. Apprentices are taught by experts from our tripled accredited Business School and Department of Computing and Mathematics.

    As well as lectures on campus, students work with a skills coach and need to complete project work reflecting their current role.

    Customised delivery options

    We may be able to offer a customised programme to meet employer requirements, dependent on enrolling minimum numbers. Please contact us to discuss requirements. 

  • Qualification awarded

    Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will achieve a BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions degree by Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as a Level 6 degree apprenticeship qualification.

    The qualification will formally recognise the apprentice’s specialist area of study:

    • IT Consultant
    • Software Engineer
    • Software Engineer Mainframe
    • Cyber Security Analyst
    • Data Analyst
  • Entry requirements

    This programme is designed with professionals in mind, and this is reflected in our entry requirements. All applicants need to be employed with a supporting organisation in order to be eligible.

    They must:

    • Be 18 or older
    • Have the right of abode and right to work in the UK to qualify for funding
    • Meet programme entry requirements

    Applicants should have a minimum of 104 points at A2 (grades BCC) or an equivalent, e.g. BTEC DMM.

    They also need GCSE Mathematics and English Language (grade A*-C / 9-4) or equivalent – or must complete Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications alongside the apprenticeship. There are no additional costs for these qualifications.

    We will evaluate any applicants who do not have these qualifications, but have relevant workplace experience.

  • Funding

    Degree apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.

    Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.

    Any business with a payroll below £3 million is eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship course.

    Additional incentives are also available to employers who recruit new apprentices into their business.

    Find out more about funding.

  • Next steps

    If you are an employer

    If you would like to discuss how this programme could work for your organisation, or if you have any further questions, please contact our dedicated Apprenticeships Team.

    To find out more about how you can partner with us to offer degree apprenticeships within your organisation, fill out our contact form. You can also get in touch by phone on 0161 247 3720 (9:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday) or by email at apprenticeships-employer@mmu.ac.uk

    If you are an employee

    If you are already employed, encourage your employer to contact us to discuss offering an apprenticeship.

    If you are a student

    Sign up to our Degree Apprenticeship mailing list to get alerts about vacancies and events.

    For more information and advice on applying for an apprenticeship, visit our guide.

Current vacancies

Apprentice Data Processing Analyst Adelphi Real World, Macclesfield

Closing date: 31 March 2024

Cyber Security Degree Aprentice DCC, Manchester

Closing date: TBC

Data Analyst Degree Apprentice DCC, Manchester

Closing date: TBC

Enterprise IT Degree Apprentice DCC, Manchester

Closing date: TBC

IT Architecture and Design Degree Apprentice DCC, Manchester

Closing date: TBC

Digital Skills Apprentice CDL, North West

Closing date: 31 March 2024

Digital Technology Solutions Apprentice Salix, Manchester

Closing date: 8 April 2024

Technical Support Engineer Apprentice M.A.C Solutions, Chesterfield

Closing date: 30 April 2024

I have been able to get involved in some brilliant things during my apprenticeship, from making meaningful technical contributions to projects, positively impacting the business through my work as the Early Careers Group Apprentice Lead, and sharing my passion for STEM and apprenticeships through outreach in schools.
Hannah Rose Mehr
Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship, Arup
I have been able to get involved in some brilliant things during my apprenticeship, from making meaningful technical contributions to projects, positively impacting the business through my work as the Early Careers Group Apprentice Lead, and sharing my passion for STEM and apprenticeships through outreach in schools.
Hannah Rose Mehr
Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship, Arup

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