COMPUTING FOR INDUSTRY Level 6 BSc (Hons) Degree (Top-Up) Higher Level Apprenticeship

Level 6
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Portadown Campus
The Open University

Overview

Embark on a transformative journey with our Computing for Industry BSc (Hons) Level 6 Degree (Top-Up) programme. This cutting-edge course is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world industry demands, equipping learners with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

This course is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in computing and its applications within various industries. This degree programme is specifically designed for students who have already completed a relevant/related level 5 qualification or have equivalent industry experience and wish to further enhance their computing expertise.

The course supports students to develop a range of independent thinking and planning skills with the underpinning industry relevant curriculum knowledge and support to enable them to carry out a detailed research project. It aims to produce graduates who can apply their understanding, experience and specialist skills to the modern computing industry to be economically valuable to the Northern Ireland and UK economies and beyond.

Modules are delivered by experienced lecturing staff. Students will normally have classes for 10 hours per week, comprising lectures, practical sessions and some blended learning. In addition, they will be expected to undertake independent study of approximately 12 hours per week.

Students are required to attend our Portadown Campus during term-time, one full day per week. The remaining 4 days will be based with an employer.

Please note this is exactly the same course as the part-time Computing for Industry BSc (Hons) Level 6 Degree (Top-Up), however the HLA element (1 day in College and 4 days in industry per week) ensures that no fees are applicable.

Further information on Open University regulations can be found at this link or below.

Computing for Industry Programme Specification

SRC HE Attendance Guidelines

SRC OU Admissions Guidelines

SRC OU Assessment Handbook

SRC OU Extenuating Circumstances Procedures

SRC OU RPL Guidelines

SRC Student Protection Plan

SRC Regulations for Validated Awards

SRC Level 6 Descriptors

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to the course, is evidence that the learner or apprentice is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft Teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

Applicants must have successfully completed an Open University, Ulster University or Queen's University Belfast, Foundation Degree in a related Computing subject with a pass mark of 55% or above in Level 5 modules (or other relevant Level 5 qualifications such as a Pearson's Higher National Certificate/ Diploma) in a Computing related discipline
Applicants must have attained GCSE English language and Maths at grade 4 (grade C) or above (or equivalent, for example, Essential Skills Level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications are also accepted).
For those entering a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA), employers may further enhance the entry criteria at their discretion. All applicants for HLAs will be interviewed by prospective employers to decide their suitability prior to being employed by a company. Each applicant must be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, with a Northern Ireland based company. All apprentices must work a minimum contract of 21 hours per week (which includes time for ‘off-the-job’ training) and have achieved all necessary entry qualifications determined by the relevant sector. Applicants need to meet other eligibility considerations, for example you may not be eligible if you are a non-EU national, a public sector worker or based on the qualifications you have previously been awarded. Further details can be found at NI Direct.

The College’s Admissions Policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code May 2023. Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE. The list of acceptable qualifications for equivalency to English and mathematics for Ulster University is available from the following link: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#eng. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

To find out more about the application process for Higher Level Apprenticeships please see Information on Higher Level Apprenticeships .

The entrance criteria above may change subject to awarding body regulations. The College reserves the right to enhance the entrance requirements where demand exceeds the number of available places. In addition, where places remain available the College reserves the right to offer places to candidates with a profile less than that listed above.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Procedure.

For further detail on our entry requirements please review our Admissions Policy & Criteria.

Modules of study will include:

Research Methods for Computing Professionals
Advanced Mobile and Cloud for Industry
Emerging Technologies
Programming and Web Technologies
Dissertation Project

We believe in a holistic approach to evaluation that prepares learners for real-world challenges. Therefore this programme is assessed through a variety of mediums, including coursework, practical assessments and examinations.

This Higher Level Apprenticeship is FREE and fully funded by the Department for the Economy.

The articulation route for successful graduates from this course allows for progression onto university Master's Degree courses in computing related disciplines such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity or Data Science.

After completing the Computing for Industry BSc (Hons) Level 6 Degree (Top-Up), graduates will have gained advanced knowledge and skills in computing, making them eligible for a wide range of career opportunities. Potential career paths may include: