Final award:
- Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship
- BSc Digital and Technology Solutions
| Duration | 3 years + EPA |
|---|---|
| Entry point(s) | September |
| Application deadline | Dependent on employer, see How to apply |
| Campus | Streatham Campus, Exeter |
|---|---|
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
Overview
- Designed for aspiring technology solutions professionals looking to develop and improve products, services, and productivity through the implementation of technology solutions.
- Apprentices will engage with one of 5 specialisms, from Business Analysis, IT Consulting, Cyber Security, Software Engineering or Data Analysis.
- Apprentices join us from a range of organisations from SMEs to large multinational organisations from a variety of sectors.
- The programme uses a blended approach to teaching with on campus teaching blocks at our Streatham Campus and online study to allow apprentices to fully immerse themselves in learning and allows them to benefit from the university lifestyle when on campus.
- Apprentices will work in a full-time job with one day a week (6 hours minimum) of their contracted hours being devoted to their studying, both for a degree and gaining off-the-job learning.
Top 20 in the UK for Computer Science
18th in the Complete University Guide 2026
Excellent facilities spanning a wide range of machine types and software ecosystems, alongside a £3.2 million SWIOT building
Apprentices earn a salary and pay zero tuition fees, meaning they’ll graduate debt-free and enhance their career
Top 20 in the UK for Computer Science
18th in the Complete University Guide 2026
Excellent facilities spanning a wide range of machine types and software ecosystems, alongside a £3.2 million SWIOT building
Apprentices earn a salary and pay zero tuition fees, meaning they’ll graduate debt-free and enhance their career
Entry requirements
- Applicants must have a minimum of two years' experience in the design and implementation of IT systems, data analysis, or system security and support.
- Alternatively, applicants must have BBB at A-Level or equivalent (see below table for equivalences)
- Applicants with a relevant Level 4 apprenticeship will be reviewed on an individual basis.
- Applicants will be in a role that supports the gathering of evidence required for the Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Apprenticeship ‘standard
| Qualification | Typical offer |
|---|---|
| A Level | BBB |
| BTEC | DDM |
| T Level | Merit |
| IB | 30/555 |
| Contextual offers | BCC Find out more about contextual offers |
| Equivalences | View other grade equivalences |
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Other qualifications of a similar level can be considered. We would encourage applicants with non-standard qualifications to contact us to discuss their eligibility. Where a candidate has already gained a good undergraduate degree, this may be offered to meet entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements
As an apprenticeship funding requirement, all apprentices aged 16-18 studying for a Level 3 apprenticeship or higher are required to evidence achievement at Level 2 in Mathematics and English before their Gateway to End Point Assessment.
If the apprentice is aged 19+ when they begin their apprenticeship training, and they do not already hold a suitable equivalent qualification, English and / or Maths is an optional part of the programme under the funding rules. However, Level 2 English remains a standard entry requirement for University of Exeter programmes.
Find out more about how we support Functional Skills.
Applicants must also have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship – please see the Department for Education website for further information.
How to apply
The Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship does not follow the standard UCAS application process. Applicants can apply to this programme in addition to making applications to any institution through UCAS. To gain a place on an apprenticeship, applicants must have either:
- Already have a position or job offer from an organisation willing to support their application.
- Apply directly for a Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (integrated degree) apprenticeship vacancy with a relevant employer. Details of apprenticeship vacancies are available on the GOV.UK website. Some of our partner employers may choose to advertise vacancies through us directly, more information can be found on our current vacancies page. Applicants are welcome to apply for more than one vacancy through any company offering apprenticeship opportunities.
Please get in touch with us via the contact methods listed above to discuss progressing with an application.
Funding
Full programme cost: £27,000
This apprenticeship is entirely funded through an Employers’ Apprenticeship Levy. Your employer fully covers the cost of the apprenticeship; apprentices do not pay for any of the eligible training costs. As an apprentice you will be an employee of your organisation, gaining a University of Exeter award alongside working and earning a salary.
Employers who pay the Apprenticeship Levy will pay for the apprenticeship fees directly through that contribution. See further information on the Apprenticeship Levy funding.
Employers who do not pay the Levy will be able to claim 95 per cent of the cost of the apprenticeship from the Government. Up to 100 per cent Government contribution may be available if the employer has fewer than 50 employees and:
- Recruits an apprentice aged 16-18
- OR an apprentice aged 19-24 who has previously been in care or who has a local authority education, health and care plan
Employers must pay their apprentices a salary at least consistent with national legislation.
Funding eligibility criteria
To be eligible for funding the apprentice must meet the criteria listed in the Department for Education guidance.
The apprentice must have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship.
Course content
BSc Digital and Technology Solutions is a full University of Exeter degree aligned to the Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (integrated degree) Apprenticeship. The programme combines the academic rigour of Exeter’s long tradition of teaching excellence with the achievement of an industry-recognised professional qualification.
All apprentices will study the same core modules in their first two and a half years on the programme. In the third year the apprentice will begin work on their chosen specialism. The five specialist pathways are:
- Software Engineering
- Data Analysis
- Business Analysis
- IT Consulting
- Cyber Security
Learning
One day a week of an apprentice's working time will be given over to study. Our model is designed to be flexible around the needs of apprentices and workloads. No weekly day-release is required, mitigating disruption of their daily role and ensuring maximum flexibility.
All modules are delivered in a blended learning format with work-based learning elements embedded throughout each stage of the programme:
- Around 22 days of on campus teaching across the whole programme.
- A day a week distance learning during term time (6 hours minimum)
- Online workshops / classes
- Guided self-study
- Assessed work-based learning intended to allow apprentices to practice and improve their skills
E-Learning
E-learning elements of the course, including lectures, seminars and online collaborative work, are undertaken through the University’s electronic learning environment and web conferencing platforms. This will supplement the learning started during residentials, as well as providing academic support for ongoing projects in the workplace.
On-campus teaching blocks
Around 22 days of on-campus teaching across the whole programme, held at the University’s Streatham Campus in Exeter, bring apprentices together from across the country. During the on-campus teaching blocks they will meet with fellow apprentices, wider members of the computer science department and spend time with their academic mentor.
Work-based projects
Degree apprenticeship projects are developed with a strong emphasis on the close relationship between the employer and University. The academic curriculum follows real delivery in the workplace with the day-to-day challenges faced in a work environment informing coursework. The varied academic content will provide employers with an opportunity to explore areas of the business that may not fall immediately within the apprentice’s role.
Our dedicated partnerships team liaise closely with employers throughout the programme; the apprentice will have dedicated mentors to assist and guide them and the employer throughout the whole course of the apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship Standard
Alongside studying for their Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship certificate, gained after completing the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours of the apprenticeship standard, apprentices will work towards a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions.
Careers
Highly employable
Solid industry experience is what employers look for when recruiting. As a graduate of a degree apprenticeship programme, apprentices will be working in an exciting and relevant job from day one of their studies, meaning when they graduate, they’ll have the both the professional and academic experience sought after by employers to drive impact within their organisation.
Employer information
This programme gives you the opportunity to shape the development of your next-generation employees. To meet specific employers’ needs, pathways relating to specific role areas are available across five IT specialisms. Your staff will benefit from gaining extensive professional experience throughout their degree, graduating free of tuition debt into employment.
Our programme is distinctive in the way it minimises disruption to an apprentice’s work and the day-to-day job they hold with your organisation. They will implement the skills and knowledge they acquire directly into their position from day one, to not on provide new and innovative tech solutions, but increase productivity and efficiency.
