Data Science (Professional) (Higher Apprenticeship)

The Non-Integrated Higher Apprenticeship PGDip Data Science (Professional) is an innovative taught programme designed and delivered with industry and targeted at professionals to study alongside employment. The programme delivers the Level 7 Research Scientist Apprenticeship Standard On successful completion of this programme, apprentices will be offered the opportunity to study the associated top-up MSc Data Science (Professional). More information about the standard can be found here (link). The programme combines the academic rigour of Exeter’s long tradition of teaching excellence with the achievement of an industry-recognised professional qualification. The programme will cover the core areas of professional practice as a data scientist (e.g., project management, mentoring and coaching) and core concepts in data science (e.g. machine learning, statistics) as well as underpinning tools (e.g., programming, mathematics), specific applications (e.g., network analysis, text analysis, machine vision) and social context (e.g., governance, ethics, business applications), subject to the optional specialised modules the apprentices choose. 

Teaching on the programme will be centred around three-day face-to-face teaching blocks delivered on campus at University of Exeter  at the start of each term. These teaching blocks will then be followed by a day per week of distance learning for the remainder of the term and  professional practice training sessions which comprise both face-to-face and online teaching throughout the programme. The weekly distance learning sessions will be comprised of live content delivered virtually alongside independent study.

Assessment where possible will be focused on your organisational context including a work-based project at the end of the programme. You must attempt the End-Point Assessment which will assess your training outcomes. Industry experts are regularly consulted on programme content and will sometimes act as guest lecturers, ensuring relevance to modern business needs. 

Data science is a growth area with excellent career development potential. You will benefit from contact with leading academics and gain a respected qualification alongside your current employment. Employers of students participating in the programme will gain valuable knowledge and improve the skills base within their organisation, without losing productivity. University of Exeter is a world-class research-active institution which regularly features in UK Top-10 and Global Top-150 rankings. The University is making significant new investment in data science.

The Non-Integrated Higher Apprenticeship PGDip Data Science (Professional) programme is a two-year programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 7. It is divided into two stages each consisting of 60 credits.
 

Mapping to the Level 7 Research Scientist standard

When used to deliver the academic content needed for this apprenticeship, the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) associated with the apprenticeship have been mapped to programme modules.

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.  Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site:

http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/studentinfo/subjects/computerscience/modules/

Award

You must attempt the End-Point Assessment (EPA) before the University of Exeter award can be conferred.

Progression

Following successful completion of the PGDip, you will be permitted to apply to the MSc Data Science (Professional) programme.

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook.

Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

In accordance with University policy a system of Academic mentors is in place for all students on this programme.  A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University’s TQA Manual.  As a student enrolled on this programme you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled tripartite meetings with your academic mentor; you may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of Academic mentor is to provide you with advice and support during the programme study. You academic mentor will work with you to address questions, explain processes, monitor progress, and sign off your end point assessment materials. They will help sign-post to module academic leads and welfare and other University services if you need. They will also conduct face-to-face tripartite meetings at your workplace sites and virtual meetings using webinars and other technology.

You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.  Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University’s campus network.

Additionally, the College has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages.  Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the College and an extensive range of web-based information (see https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/) is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook.

The Harrison Learning Resource Centre is generally open during building open hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with four separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work. Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, four meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier. Also available are core set texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years.

Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the ‘Academic Honesty and Plagiarism’ module are also available through the student portal (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk).

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Entry requirements for this programme can be found on the Postgraduate Study Page.

Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements and English Language requirements of the University of Exeter.

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The Degree Apprenticeship end point assessment will be performed by an end point assessment organisation following the assessment plan from the apprenticeship standard -st0759_research-scientist_l7_-adjustment-031121-2.pdf (instituteforapprenticeships.org)

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University’s code of practice.  See the University’s TQA Manual for details.

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).