Digital and Technology Solutions (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)

A Specialised Subject Skills & Knowledge

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:

Meet the specialist learning outcomes for your occupational specialism as defined in Apprenticeship Standard (Digital And Technology Solutions Professional), Skills Funding Agency, 10 September 2015 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-standard-digital-technology-solutions-professional) .

The occupational specialisms are:

1. Software Engineer
2. Data Analyst
3. Business Analyst
4. IT Consultant
5. Cyber Security Consultant

In addition, all apprentices must meet the core (non-specialist) learning outcomes defined in the Apprenticeship Standard, which are reproduced in Section B and C below.

Learning & Teaching Activities

Competences and knowledge are developed through a mixture of lectures, seminars, practical work, case studies, team and individual project work, tutorials and directed private study. These are delivered by a variety of means including e-learning, face-to-face teaching and guided coursework as appropriate. Full details of teaching and learning methods in each of the constituent modules of the programme are given in the associated module descriptors (see http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/computerscience/).  Your employer will collaborate with the University on modules containing work-based learning (reflective practice and final project modules) to define the content of the work to be achieved and the learning outcomes to be addressed in each piece of work. Teaching and learning will be enhanced through the University’s involvement with employers and bodies such as the Tech Partnership to provide (for example) expert practitioner lectures delivered by video.

Assessment Methods

Competences and knowledge are assessed through a mixture of formal written examinations and individual or group coursework assignments which may include: tests, problem sheets, practical assignments, essays, project reports and/or oral presentation where appropriate. Your employer will collaborate with the University on assessment of work-based learning modules (reflective practice and final project modules) to agreed target learning outcomes checking that they have been achieved. Some modules may be entirely coursework based, whilst others will involve formal written examinations as well as coursework elements. Modules throughout the programme use a mix of both formative and summative assessment. Some modules may use elements of peer and self assessment where appropriate. Full details of assessment methods in each of the constituent modules of the programme and their link to the associated learning outcomes are given in the associated module descriptors (see http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/computerscience/).

B Academic Discipline Core Skills & Knowledge

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to meet the core skills and core technical knowledge learning outcomes defined in the Apprenticeship Standard:

1. Information Systems: is able to critically analyse a business domain in order to identify the role of information systems, highlight issues and identify opportunities for improvement through evaluating information systems in relation to their intended purpose and effectiveness.

2. Systems Development: analyses business and technical requirements to select and specify appropriate technology solutions. Designs, implements, tests, and debugs software to meet requirements using contemporary methods including agile development. Manages the development and assurance of software artefacts applying secure development practises to ensure system resilience. Configures and deploys solutions to end users.

3. Data: identifies organisational information requirements and can model data solutions using conceptual data modelling techniques. Is able to implement a database solution using an industry standard database management system (DBMS). Can perform database administration tasks and is cognisant of the key concepts of data quality and data security. Is able to manage data effectively and undertake data analysis.

4. Cyber Security: can undertake a security risk assessment for a simple IT system and propose resolution advice. Can identify, analyse and evaluate security threats and hazards to planned and installed information systems or services (e.g. Cloud services).

5. Business Organisation: can apply organisational theory, change management, marketing, strategic practice, human resource management and IT service management to technology solutions development. Develops well-reasoned investment proposals and provides business insights.

6. IT Project Management: follows a systematic methodology for initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing technology solutions projects. Applies industry standard processes, methods, techniques and tools to execute projects. Is able to manage a project (typically less than six months, no inter-dependency with other projects and no strategic impact) including identifying and resolving deviations and the management of problems and escalation processes.

7. Computer and Network Infrastructure: can plan, design and manage computer networks with an overall focus on the services and capabilities that network infrastructure solutions enable in an organisational context. Identifies network security risks and their resolution.

8. Core technical knowledge: knows and understands:

• How business exploits technology solutions for competitive advantage.
• The value of technology investments and how to formulate a business case for a new technology solution, including estimation of both costs and benefits.
• Contemporary techniques for design, developing, testing, correcting, deploying and documenting software systems from specifications, using agreed standards and tools.
• How teams work effectively to produce technology solutions.
• The role of data management systems in managing organisational data and information.
• Common vulnerabilities in computer networks including unsecure coding and unprotected networks.
• The various roles, functions and activities related to technology solutions within an organisation.
• How strategic decisions are made concerning acquiring technology solutions resources and capabilities including the ability to evaluate the different sourcing options.
• How to deliver a technology solutions project accurately consistent with business needs.
• The issues of quality, cost and time for projects, including contractual obligations and resource constraints.

Learning & Teaching Activities

See details in Section A Learning and Teaching Activities.

Assessment Methods

See details in Section A Assessment Methods.

C Personal / Transferable / Employment Skills & Knowledge

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to meet the core behavioural skills learning outcomes defined in the Apprenticeship Standard:

9. Professional, interpersonal and business skills

• Fluent in written communications and able to articulate complex issues.
• Makes concise, engaging and well-structured verbal presentations, arguments and explanations.
• Able to deal with different, competing interests within and outside the organisation with excellent negotiation skills.
• Is able to identify the preferences, motivations, strengths and limitations of other people and apply these insights to work more effectively with and to motivate others.
• Competent in active listening and in leading, influencing and persuading others.
• Able to give and receive feedback constructively and incorporate it into his/her own development and life-long learning.
• Applies analytical and critical thinking skills to Technology Solutions development and to systematically analyse and apply structured problem solving techniques to complex systems and situations.
• Able to put forward, demonstrate value and gain commitment to a moderately complex technology-oriented solution, demonstrating understanding of business need, using open questions and summarising skills and basic negotiating skills.
• Able to conduct effective research, using literature and other media, into IT and business related topics.

10. Attributes and behaviours

• Have demonstrated that they have mastered basic business disciplines, ethics and courtesies, demonstrating timeliness and focus when faced with distractions and the ability to complete tasks to a deadline with high quality.
• Flexible attitude.
• Ability to perform under pressure.
• A thorough approach to work
  .Logical thinking and creative approach to problem solving.

Learning & Teaching Activities

See details in Section A Learning and Teaching Activities.

Assessment Methods

See details in Section A Assessment Methods