STUDY

Computing Fundamentals & Operating Systems

This module will provide apprentices with a knowledge and understanding of the principles of computer systems, hardware components, the essence of operating systems, and relevant computing-related mathematics. On successful completion, apprentices will be able to progress deeper into the disciplines of computing and networking and will gain the confidence that they can communicate with technical specialists. 

Project Management & Professional Development

This module introduces the essential project delivery and professional skills that support the successful implementation of technical work. Apprentices learn to scope small analytics projects, gather requirements, choose an appropriate delivery approach (Waterfall, Scrum or hybrid), estimate effort, map risks, set measurable success criteria, communicate with stakeholders and reflect on their professional growth. The module also provides an opportunity to do group work on a real-world project. By the end of the module, apprentices will be ready to manage a compact computing project from idea to impact, and to articulate how it contributed to organisational goals.

Introduction to Programming

Programming is an essential skill for anyone entering the digital and technology sector. By covering both structured and object-oriented programming from the beginning, students gain a strong foundation for solving real-world problems through software. This module provides apprentices with practical experience in designing, writing, testing, and improving Python programs. Each session includes activities that connect to a small mini-project, helping students build confidence through continuous practice. 

Foundations of Cyber Security & Networking

This module introduces students to the core principles of networking alongside basic cyber security concepts, allowing them to develop the skills necessary to configure, manage, and secure networks. In an increasingly digital world, networking and cyber security are critical foundations for information technology systems. Students will engage with hands-on learning tools such as Packet Tracer and other network simulators to build and protect simple networks, preparing them for further study and careers in IT and security. 

Computing Fundamentals & Operating Systems

This module will provide apprentices with a knowledge and understanding of the principles of computer systems, hardware components, the essence of operating systems, and relevant computing-related mathematics. On successful completion, apprentices will be able to progress deeper into the disciplines of computing and networking and will gain the confidence that they can communicate with technical specialists. 

Project Management & Professional Development

This module introduces the essential project delivery and professional skills that support the successful implementation of technical work. Apprentices learn to scope small analytics projects, gather requirements, choose an appropriate delivery approach (Waterfall, Scrum or hybrid), estimate effort, map risks, set measurable success criteria, communicate with stakeholders and reflect on their professional growth. The module also provides an opportunity to do group work on a real-world project. By the end of the module, apprentices will be ready to manage a compact computing project from idea to impact, and to articulate how it contributed to organisational goals.

Introduction to Networking

Networking and data communications is a very large subject area. The purpose of this module is to provide apprentices with an overview of this broad topic and, therefore, to lay the foundations of knowledge and skills necessary for the study of more specific modules to be delivered later in the course. The module begins by briefly outlining what data communications and networking is and will explore some of the benefits that networking provides, before moving on to more technical topics such as the OSI reference Model and TCP/IP.

Foundations of Programming & Cyber Security

This module provides a foundational bridge between programming competencies and applied cyber‑security knowledge, specifically contextualised for networked environments. Apprentices will acquire the ability to script safe and repeatable tasks using widely adopted automation tools and programming constructs. In parallel the module introduces the essential principles of cyber security, how to recognise vulnerabilities, understand attacker motivations, and analyse the threat surface of networked systems. Upon successful completion, apprentices will be able to think programmatically, act securely, and operate effectively within environments where automation, connectivity and cyber‑security are inseparably linked. 

Computing Fundamentals & Operating Systems

This module will provide apprentices with a knowledge and understanding of the principles of computer systems, hardware components, the essence of operating systems, and relevant computing-related mathematics. On successful completion, apprentices will be able to progress deeper into the disciplines of computing and networking and will gain the confidence that they can communicate with technical specialists. 

Project Management & Professional Development

This module introduces the essential project delivery and professional skills that support the successful implementation of technical work. Apprentices learn to scope small analytics projects, gather requirements, choose an appropriate delivery approach (Waterfall, Scrum or hybrid), estimate effort, map risks, set measurable success criteria, communicate with stakeholders and reflect on their professional growth. The module also provides an opportunity to do group work on a real-world project. By the end of the module, apprentices will be ready to manage a compact computing project from idea to impact, and to articulate how it contributed to organisational goals. 

Introduction to Cyber Security

Our society is wholly dependent on computing and communications technology and it has never been more at risk from hackers and cyber criminals of every kind. This module provides an understanding of why cyber security matters to business, to society and to individuals, coupled with knowledge of basic concepts, attack techniques, attacker types, and the core elements of cyber assurance. Elements of human behaviour, and how social engineering and open-source intelligence may be used in both attack and defence of systems, are also covered.

Foundations of Programming & Networking

Modern computing relies on both the ability to write effective software and the ability to understand how digital systems communicate. This module introduces apprentices to the fundamental principles of programming alongside the core concepts of computer networking, providing a holistic foundation for further study in computing. Apprentices will be introduced to programming concepts, structured and object‑oriented development, and modern software production practices. In parallel, they will gain understanding of how networks operate, from basic data communication principles through to the OSI and TCP/IP reference models, network architectures, addressing, and physical connectivity. 

Databases

Database systems play a significant role in the world of Information Technology, and an understanding of databases is of fundamental importance for the development of information systems. This module will provide apprentices with essential knowledge and appreciation of the role of database systems, including basic principles and practice of design, implementation and development for both system designers and software engineers. Both relational and the more recent non-relational database technologies will be introduced through a critical treatment of each, and upon completion of the module apprentices will have the confidence and ability to design and build modern databases, with particular emphasis given to Structured Query Language (SQL).

Software Engineering & Web Applications

Modern organisations rely on robust, secure, and well-designed web applications to deliver services, support customers, and manage operations. This requires professionals who understand software design, implementation, testing, and documentation alongside practical knowledge of web technologies and secure coding practices.  This module brings together software engineering principles with web development and multimedia content delivery, and also addresses the challenges of security threats, usability, responsive design, and industry-standard processes such as Agile, version control, and design patterns. Upon successful completion, apprentices will have the skills and knowledge to work through the full software development lifecycle, from requirements and UML modelling to design, implementation, testing and documentation, while producing a secure web application that meets a given specification. 

DevOps: Secure Development and Testing

Most organisations aim to deliver value quickly, securely and reliably to their customers. DevOps, which is an evolution of agile development approaches, has become the key industrial practice to achieving these goals and combines Development and Operations to achieve a fast flow of planned work into production, combined with easier maintenance. This module teaches how to operate in, implement and lead the DevOps environments of today and the future by providing apprentices with a comprehensive and in-depth view of DevOps thinking and techniques, and opportunities to master the relevant software tools.

Adv Programming Concepts & Data Structures

This module will develop the apprentice’s knowledge, understanding and programming abilities regarding data structures and algorithms, which are fundamental to building software. Apprentices will also learn and program in other programming paradigms, and upon completion of the module apprentices will have a strong foundation of practical problem-solving skills built upon core software engineering theory and practice.

Databases

Database systems play a significant role in the world of Information Technology, and an understanding of databases is of fundamental importance for the development of information systems. This moduloe will provide apprentices with essential knowledge and appreciation of the role of database systems, including basic principles and practice of design, implementation and development for both system designers and software engineers. Both relational and the more recent non-relational database technologies will be introduced through a critical treatment of each, and upon completion of the module apprentices will have the confidence and ability to design and build modern databases, with particular emphasis given to Structured Query Language (SQL).

Software Engineering & Web Applications

Modern organisations rely on robust, secure, and well-designed web applications to deliver services, support customers, and manage operations. This requires professionals who understand software design, implementation, testing, and documentation alongside practical knowledge of web technologies and secure coding practices.  This module brings together software engineering principles with web development and multimedia content delivery, and also addresses the challenges of security threats, usability, responsive design, and industry-standard processes such as Agile, version control, and design patterns. Upon successful completion, apprentices will have the skills and knowledge to work through the full software development lifecycle, from requirements and UML modelling to design, implementation, testing and documentation, while producing a secure web application that meets a given specification. 

DevOps: Secure Development and Testing

Most organisations aim to deliver value quickly, securely and reliably to their customers. DevOps, which is an evolution of agile development approaches, has become the key industrial practice to achieving these goals and combines Development and Operations to achieve a fast flow of planned work into production, combined with easier maintenance. This module teaches how to operate in, implement and lead the DevOps environments of today and the future by providing apprentices with a comprehensive and in-depth view of DevOps thinking and techniques, and opportunities to master the relevant software tools.

Routing Technologies for Network Security

In this module, apprentices will discover how data is routed through a network using hubs, switches and routers and the OSI layers at which each of these devices operate. Similarities and differences between each type of device will be demonstrated and guidance will be provided on how an informed choice of one device over another can be made to fulfil the requirements of a particular networking system. Although switching technologies such as Frame Relay will be explored, the focus of the module will be on routing protocols such as RIP, OSPF, MPLS and BGP.

Databases

Database systems play a significant role in the world of Information Technology, and an understanding of databases is of fundamental importance for the development of information systems. This module will provide apprentices with essential knowledge and appreciation of the role of database systems, including basic principles and practice of design, implementation and development for both system designers and software engineers. Both relational and the more recent non-relational database technologies will be introduced through a critical treatment of each, and upon completion of the module apprentices will have the confidence and ability to design and build modern databases, with particular emphasis given to Structured Query Language (SQL).

Software Engineering & Web Applications

Modern organisations rely on robust, secure, and well-designed web applications to deliver services, support customers, and manage operations. This requires professionals who understand software design, implementation, testing, and documentation alongside practical knowledge of web technologies and secure coding practices.  This module brings together software engineering principles with web development and multimedia content delivery, and also addresses the challenges of security threats, usability, responsive design, and industry-standard processes such as Agile, version control, and design patterns. Upon successful completion, apprentices will have the skills and knowledge to work through the full software development lifecycle, from requirements and UML modelling to design, implementation, testing and documentation, while producing a secure web application that meets a given specification. 

DevOps: Secure Development and Testing

Most organisations aim to deliver value quickly, securely and reliably to their customers. DevOps, which is an evolution of agile development approaches, has become the key industrial practice to achieving these goals and combines Development and Operations to achieve a fast flow of planned work into production, combined with easier maintenance. This module teaches how to operate in, implement and lead the DevOps environments of today and the future by providing apprentices with a comprehensive and in-depth view of DevOps thinking and techniques, and opportunities to master the relevant software tools.

Advanced Cyber Security Practices

Along with the wider picture of cyber security within business and societal contexts, various tools and techniques can be employed by both malicious actors and those engaged in defence of valuable assets. These tools and techniques are often the same, what differs is the intentions of the user. This module will provide an overview of the fundamental technical building blocks needed to understand the technical cyber security landscape, in preparation for more detailed treatment at higher levels of study.

Innovation, Research & Future Technologies

This module will develop the apprentice’s knowledge and understanding of innovation, research and future technologies in computing. Research skills are an essential set of capabilities in the toolkit of a computing professional. Many problems require the practitioner to develop a hypothesis, conduct literature and Internet searches, decide upon a particular research approach, and select and apply data collection techniques before finally conducting a critical evaluation of the work. Beyond the wider practice of research, these skills are required for the final-year BSc projects, postgraduate research by MPhil and PhD, and research in academia and industry. This module also provides apprentices with exposure to the latest advances at the frontiers of computing, in a more flexible fashion than can be achieved through the more prescribed modules. The content of this module will vary from year to year with topics and guest lecturers being chosen in the semester preceding its delivery. 

Cyber Defence and Ethical Hacking

With the growth of the Internet and the development of commercial technologies, there has been an explosion in criminal activity targeting those technologies. However, nefarious activity on the Internet is not only targeted at monetary gain. Prefixed by ‘cyber’ in the popular mind are cybercrime, cyber-espionage, cyber-terrorism, cyber-bullying, etc., and the parallel term of hacktivism. Following the ancient military maxim of ‘know your enemy’, to understand how best to protect online assets, the security professional must be conversant with the threats posed to those assets and the mindset of their assailant. At the same time, it is a central cause of concern for any entity that wishes to establish a secure and trustworthy Internet presence to understand its principles and how to effect it. This module covers both attack and defence elements, leading to a comprehensive and practical understanding of cyber-security. 

Synoptic Project

The Synoptic Project (all pathways) module is a major feature of the BSc (Hons) Digital & Technology Solutions degree and of the overarching apprenticeship. The project and its associated dissertation are intended to be demanding, to test apprentice skills to the utmost and to give apprentice the opportunity to prove they are of Honours standard and to have demonstrated the necessary capabilities and competencies for successful completion of their apprenticeship. As part of this module, apprentices will also complete a Professional Discussion with the independent assessor, providing apprentices with an opportunity to demonstrate how they have met the required knowledge, skills and behaviours as outlined in the Apprenticeship Standard. The project will provide a mechanism for apprentices to develop their autonomy and self-direction, whilst undertaking a problem-solving approach to their chosen topic. The dissertation component will provide the means by which apprentices can demonstrate their ability to communicate coherently and concisely the development and outcomes of their technical work.  

Distributed Intelligence and Cloud Engineering

As the Internet continues to expand, computing devices are increasingly interconnected. These devices range from traditional desktop computers to modern kitchen appliances, all the way to Internet of Things (IoT) devices processing information at the edge and ‘smart’ wearables. Regardless of their pathway, apprentices will have explored various topics such as software design and security, networking, multimedia, cloud, and Internet technologies. This module serves as the integrative element that connects these related devices and technologies and can be taken by all apprentices regardless of their pathway choice. The module provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills to design, implement, and manage complex distributed systems in various application areas. 

Innovation, Research & Future Technologies

This module will develop the apprentice’s knowledge and understanding of innovation, research and future technologies in computing. Research skills are an essential set of capabilities in the toolkit of a computing professional. Many problems require the practitioner to develop a hypothesis, conduct literature and Internet searches, decide upon a particular research approach, and select and apply data collection techniques before finally conducting a critical evaluation of the work. Beyond the wider practice of research, these skills are required for the final-year BSc projects, postgraduate research by MPhil and PhD, and research in academia and industry. This module also provides apprentices with exposure to the latest advances at the frontiers of computing, in a more flexible fashion than can be achieved through the more prescribed modules. The content of this module will vary from year to year with topics and guest lecturers being chosen in the semester preceding its delivery. 

Cyber Defence and Ethical Hacking

With the growth of the Internet and the development of commercial technologies, there has been an explosion in criminal activity targeting those technologies. However, nefarious activity on the Internet is not only targeted at monetary gain. Prefixed by ‘cyber’ in the popular mind are cybercrime, cyber-espionage, cyber-terrorism, cyber-bullying, etc., and the parallel term of hacktivism. Following the ancient military maxim of ‘know your enemy’, to understand how best to protect online assets, the security professional must be conversant with the threats posed to those assets and the mindset of their assailant. At the same time, it is a central cause of concern for any entity that wishes to establish a secure and trustworthy Internet presence to understand its principles and how to effect it. This module covers both attack and defence elements, leading to a comprehensive and practical understanding of cyber-security. 

Synoptic Project

The Synoptic Project (all pathways) module is a major feature of the BSc (Hons) Digital & Technology Solutions degree and of the overarching apprenticeship. The project and its associated dissertation are intended to be demanding, to test apprentice skills to the utmost and to give apprentice the opportunity to prove they are of Honours standard and to have demonstrated the necessary capabilities and competencies for successful completion of their apprenticeship. As part of this module, apprentices will also complete a Professional Discussion with the independent assessor, providing apprentices with an opportunity to demonstrate how they have met the required knowledge, skills and behaviours as outlined in the Apprenticeship Standard. The project will provide a mechanism for apprentices to develop their autonomy and self-direction, whilst undertaking a problem-solving approach to their chosen topic. The dissertation component will provide the means by which apprentices can demonstrate their ability to communicate coherently and concisely the development and outcomes of their technical work.  

Advanced Mobile and Internet Technologies

The Internet has grown into a core part of global infrastructure, supporting how we communicate, trade, work, and organise society. As it continues to expand and adapt, so too do the technologies that shape it—particularly in the areas of mobile networks and distributed systems. This module offers Level 6 apprentices an in‑depth exploration of advanced Internet and mobile networking technologies, extending their learning well beyond foundational concepts. Apprentices will look at how Internet architecture has developed over time and examine the pressures driving its ongoing transformation and deepens understanding of advanced routing and traffic‑engineering approaches. The module also examines advanced mobile‑network technologies and how they intersect with wider Internet services. Upon completion, apprentices will have the knowledge, confidence and analytical skills needed to understand, design, and evaluate advanced Internet and mobile networking systems.

Innovation, Research & Future Technologies

This module will develop the apprentice’s knowledge and understanding of innovation, research and future technologies in computing. Research skills are an essential set of capabilities in the toolkit of a computing professional. Many problems require the practitioner to develop a hypothesis, conduct literature and Internet searches, decide upon a particular research approach, and select and apply data collection techniques before finally conducting a critical evaluation of the work. Beyond the wider practice of research, these skills are required for the final-year BSc projects, postgraduate research by MPhil and PhD, and research in academia and industry. This module also provides apprentices with exposure to the latest advances at the frontiers of computing, in a more flexible fashion than can be achieved through the more prescribed modules. The content of this module will vary from year to year with topics and guest lecturers being chosen in the semester preceding its delivery. 

Cyber Defence and Ethical Hacking

With the growth of the Internet and the development of commercial technologies, there has been an explosion in criminal activity targeting those technologies. However, nefarious activity on the Internet is not only targeted at monetary gain. Prefixed by ‘cyber’ in the popular mind are cybercrime, cyber-espionage, cyber-terrorism, cyber-bullying, etc., and the parallel term of hacktivism. Following the ancient military maxim of ‘know your enemy’, to understand how best to protect online assets, the security professional must be conversant with the threats posed to those assets and the mindset of their assailant. At the same time, it is a central cause of concern for any entity that wishes to establish a secure and trustworthy Internet presence to understand its principles and how to effect it. This module covers both attack and defence elements, leading to a comprehensive and practical understanding of cyber-security. 

Synoptic Project

The Synoptic Project (all pathways) module is a major feature of the BSc (Hons) Digital & Technology Solutions degree and of the overarching apprenticeship. The project and its associated dissertation are intended to be demanding, to test apprentice skills to the utmost and to give apprentice the opportunity to prove they are of Honours standard and to have demonstrated the necessary capabilities and competencies for successful completion of their apprenticeship. As part of this module, apprentices will also complete a Professional Discussion with the independent assessor, providing apprentices with an opportunity to demonstrate how they have met the required knowledge, skills and behaviours as outlined in the Apprenticeship Standard. The project will provide a mechanism for apprentices to develop their autonomy and self-direction, whilst undertaking a problem-solving approach to their chosen topic. The dissertation component will provide the means by which apprentices can demonstrate their ability to communicate coherently and concisely the development and outcomes of their technical work. 

Applied Practices and Enterprise Strategy

Cyber security is now an executive-level concern in most organisations. Cyber security specialists will be required to deliver strategic value to their organisations by ensuring security is intrinsic to system architectures by design and by default, This module provides apprentices with the knowledge and understanding to apply critically the appropriate standards in risk analysis, systems modelling and policy design, and to develop a proactive strategic security mindset. The threat potential from business supply chains is also explored, and upon completion of this module apprentices will be well-versed in the related threats and be able to develop and apply potential mitigations presented by those wider security considerations.