This TechSkills accredited degree apprenticeship has been developed with leading Cambridge tech employers. It prepares apprentices for roles in software, cyber security, or network engineering.
The work-based course lets apprentices apply learning on the job, gain professional certifications like CCNA, and develop skills to deliver digital projects. They'll also be ready to stay ahead as technologies evolve.
Employers benefit from a workforce trained in practical, up-to-date digital expertise, ready to contribute immediately and adapt to future industry needs. The blended learning format combines campus teaching with online resources for flexibility.
Please note this apprenticeship is currently under review and is subject to change.
Why apprenticeships at ARU?
We’ll help you reap the benefits of talent acquisition through apprenticeships.
Train specialists in software, cyber security, or networks
Embed your company’s culture from day one
Learn alongside industry experts
Flexible blended learning with minimal disruption
Cost-effective development via Levy funding or Government support
Work-based approach means impact as your apprentice learns
Employer partners Joe, Dan, Emma and Tim explain why ARU apprenticeships work so well for their organisations, and highlight the benefits for SMEs and larger businesses.
We’ll help you develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to thrive in the tech industry.
Earn a full honours degree while working, no tuition fees
Gain experience in a paid role
Specialise in software, networks or cyber security
Let our amazing apprentices inspire you! Kerry, Grace, Izabela, Ben, Rachel and Fleur explain what they love about doing an apprenticeship with ARU.
Talent development
The Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship combines classroom learning with real workplace experience.
Developed with leading tech employers, it gives apprentices the skills, knowledge and behaviours to work on digital projects and keep up with fast-changing technology.
Apprenticeships are extremely beneficial to our business as we have access to good quality, in-depth training that is targeted to our staff’s development and our business needs.
Tim, IT Director, Minerva Analytics Ltd
This apprenticeship will develop talent for the roles of software engineer, cyber security analyst or network engineer.
It's ideal for new recruits or existing staff who want to use technology-enabled solutions to deliver maximum impact for your business.
As the course progresses, apprentices will be able to specialise as a software engineer, cyber security analyst or network engineer. This means you can recruit to whichever specialism meets the needs of your business.
The programme has been designed for employers who have a mentor to support and guide the apprentice.
Recruitment support for employers
Our dedicated apprenticeship team is on hand to help you attract the best candidates for your organisation. We can help with:
crafting job advertisements
promoting your vacancy to our quality candidate mailing lists
adding your vacancy to the National Apprenticeship Service
sharing opportunities across our social media channels.
Our consultants can also help you to assess candidates' suitability.
See how we helped Cambridge University Press recruit for their brand new degree apprenticeship.
Gain the technical and professional skills you need for a career in the digital technology sector, whether you're looking for your first job or have previous experience.
My degree apprenticeship will set me up with skills for life. My day-to-day job is supplemented by the theory I'm learning on my course. I’ve really noticed how far I've come.
Kerry, ARU degree apprentice
This degree apprenticeship is perfect preparation for in-demand roles and a springboard into one of the UK's fastest-growing sectors.
The four-year course combines core and optional modules which are all work-based, so you'll be able to apply what you've learnt in your job. Some modules cover material for professional certification, such as CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate.
You’ll develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours to contribute to a range of digital projects in your organisation and stay at the forefront as technologies advance.
Depending on the specialism you choose while studying, and the experience you gain in your job, you could work as a:
Software Developer
Software Engineer
Software Tester
Network Engineer
Cyber Security Analyst.
Programme content
Accredited by TechSkills
Tech Industry Gold is the industry accreditation for digital and tech degrees and degree apprenticeships. Designed to meet standards that are defined by employers, Tech Industry Gold programmes integrate industry-relevant academic learning with the technical, business and interpersonal skills new recruits need to excel in digital careers.
The course is delivered over four years and combines online learning from sector specialists and practitioners with teaching workshops from our academic team.
All apprenticeships have been assigned a minimum requirement of off-the-job-training (OTJT) hours to comply with the Funding Rules. Your account manager will advise you on how these OTJT hours are planned. This means that your apprentice will be learning during normal working hours either in their place of work or outside – but not part of their normal working duties.
The off-the-job learning is delivered in a blended format combining teaching weeks on our Peterborough campus, together with online resources.
Core modules
Fundamentals of Software Development
Computer and Network Technologies
Workplace Skills and Learning
Fundamentals of Web Development
Enterprise Analytics
Digital Technology Solutions Design Project
Digital Security, Forensics and Malware Investigation
Professional Issues and Entrepreneurship in IT
Apprenticeship Final Project
Specialist modules
Object Oriented Data Design
Network Switching and Routing
Object Oriented Data Programming (Specialist)
Cloud Based Application Development and Security
Information Security Management and Governance
Data Application Programming
Ethical Computing for Cyber Security Professionals
Apprentices are assessed at the end of each module (on-programme assessments) and this contributes towards their final award. They will also undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA) to complete the apprenticeship. This is integrated into the final on-programme assessments. Therefore, on successful completion of their degree, your apprentice will also complete the apprenticeship.
Accredited by TechSkills
Tech Industry Gold is the industry accreditation for digital and tech degrees and degree apprenticeships. Designed to meet standards that are defined by employers, Tech Industry Gold programmes integrate industry-relevant academic learning with the technical, business and interpersonal skills new recruits need to excel in digital careers.
An apprenticeship is a job with training, combining practical experience with academic learning.
All apprenticeships have been assigned a minimum requirement of off-the-job-training (OTJT) hours to comply with the Funding Rules. We will advise you and your employer on how these OTJT hours are planned. This time will be dedicated to developing the knowledge and skills needed to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship and therefore are not part of your usual work duties.
The off-the-job learning will be delivered through online University-led learning sessions and activities, one-day workshops, and practical learning experiences in your usual work setting.
This apprenticeship is delivered in a blended format, combining teaching weeks on our Peterborough campus with online resources.
This course includes both core and specialist modules. Specialist modules are marked with a *.
Modules
Fundamentals of Software Development
Computer and Network Technologies
Workplace Skills and Learning
Fundamentals of Web Development
Enterprise Analytics
Digital Technology Solutions Design Project
Digital Security, Forensics and Malware Investigation
Professional Issues and Entrepreneurship in IT
Apprenticeship Final Project
Object Oriented Data Design *
Network Switching and Routing *
Object Oriented Data Programming (Specialist) *
Cloud Based Application Development and Security *
Information Security Management and Governance *
Data Application Programming *
Ethical Computing for Cyber Security Professionals *
Apprentices are assessed at the end of each module (on-programme assessments) and this contributes towards their final award. They will also undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA) to complete the apprenticeship. This is integrated into the final on-programme assessments. Therefore, on successful completion of their degree, your apprentice will also complete the apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
Employers set out the person specifications for the role, but apprentices will need to meet our entry requirements to be accepted onto this course.
A completed Skills Scan and Initial Assessment discussion.
Minimum Level 2 English or equivalent qualification and age-related English and Maths requirements as outlined by the DfE.*
Applicants will normally hold evidence of Level 3 study or equivalent, with five Level 2 passes at grade C or above including Maths and English Language.**
There is an expectation that applicants will be working in a company in an apprentice type of post which is fully supported by an employer engaged with the modern apprentice scheme appropriate to studying on the course. Qualifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis where appropriate.
*All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules applicable at the start of the course. If you have any questions about these entry requirements, please contact [email protected].
**We will also consider applicants with non-standard qualifications provided you have a significant amount of relevant experience, are well-supported by your employer, and demonstrate the ability to manage university-level study.
Fees and funding
Degree apprenticeships are a smart investment. You can reinvest Levy funds to cover the cost of an apprenticeship or receive funding support from the Government.
If you operate in England and your annual payroll is over £3m, you pay a levy of 0.5% of your payroll into a levy account.
The Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship programme costs £27,000 for levy-paying employers. This can be covered by funds in your levy account.
If you exhaust the funds in your levy account, you will pay only 5% of the cost of the outstanding fees. The Government pays the remaining 95%.
The Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship programme costs £1,250 for non-levy-paying employers.
You will only pay 5% of the costs of the apprenticeship programme. The Government pays the remaining 95%.
Apprenticeships are paid for by your employer. You won’t pay any tuition fees on this course.
Take the next step
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Our team of experts is here to help form your organisation’s apprenticeship offering and guide you through the process.