Degree apprenticeship

The BSc in Applied Software Engineering is an innovative three-year programme that allows individuals to gain a degree while in employment.

The degree apprenticeship is open only to employees of companies and organisations working in Wales.

Course structure

The programme structure of the BSc Applied Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship mirrors our existing BSc Applied Software Engineering (ASE) degree. The ASE degree has been designed in close collaboration with industry to ensure it meets the needs of employers. The apprenticeship has been mapped to the Digital Degree Apprenticeship Framework for Wales.

Autumn semester

Year 1	Year 2	Year 3
Computational thinking	Commercial applications with Java	Commercial frameworks, languages and tools
Introduction to web development	Security	Emerging technologies
Software development skills 1	Agile project management	Adopting technology

Spring semester

Year 1	Year 2	Year 3
Fundamentals of computing with Java	DevOps	Managing change
Database systems	Mobile development with Android	Software engineering project
Software development skills 2	Performance and scalability	Software engineering project

Teaching

Each semester is split into a teaching phase and a work-based learning phase.

The teaching phase runs for 6-7 weeks with emphasis on academic and theoretical skills practiced in the classroom environment. Apprentices will be expected to attend three days per week at the National Software Academy (NSA) and two days per week in their workplace.

The work-based learning phase runs for 7-8 weeks with these skills applied in the workplace where apprentices will spend most of their time. However, there will be some sessions delivered at the NSA which apprentices are welcome to attend.

During University recess the apprentice would be based at their place of work full-time. There may also be some compulsory attendance at the University for class tests, examinations and presentations.

The University will nominate a tutor to visit apprentices in the workplace, to monitor progress in work-based learning and liaise with employers.

Assessment

Almost two-thirds of the programme is assessed using work-based. Each semester, NSA staff will work closely with each employer to ensure that every apprentice has a suitable work-based project to meet the appropriate learning outcomes and to meet the business needs of their employer.

Course fees

Course fees are paid for by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) on behalf of Welsh Government. All apprentices must be working for an organisation with an office in Wales and must spend at least 51% of their working hours working in Wales. Employers will be expected to cover all salary and associated costs for apprentices.

How to apply

If you are a company or organisation and would like more information, or to discuss the eligibility of employees for the degree apprenticeship programme, please contact us. Please note, to be eligible for this programme you must be an employee of a partner organisation.