Skip to content ↓

Apprenticeships

Programme Structure

Our Higher Level Apprenticeships and Degree Apprenticeships are aligned to Level 4 and Level 6 standards.

We use Foundation and BSc Degrees validated by the Open University as core learning components of all our programmes so that we over deliver against the Standards and all learners finish with a degree.  

We currently offer:

  • Foundation Degree in Digital Innovation (Level 4 Apprenticeship Software Developer) : Last Validation May 2017, Next revalidation Feb 2023
  • Foundation Degree in Data Analytics and Visualisation  (Level 4  Apprenticeship Data Analyst)  Last Validation Jan 2019, Next revalidation Jun 2023
  • BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions (Level 6 Apprenticeship Software Developer/Data Analyst/Tech Consultant)  Last Validation May 2017, Next revalidation Feb 2023

We work with employers and experts to iteratively design our curriculum so we are confident it actually meets the skills needs of industry and can adapt as fast as the tech sector itself. 

Method of Delivery

The pattern of study of the degree programmes is designed to fit around full-time employment and uses a blended learning approach, which mixes work-based study and full-time attendance at college study weeks. In total, apprentices spend 80% of their time at their workplace and 20% at Ada. All apprentices commit to an initial 6-week full-time Launchpad training that will equip them to add value to their employers from day 1 in the office. After that, apprentices follow a block release schedule consisting of 7 weeks at the employer and 1 week back at Ada, for the remainder of their apprenticeships.

Our unique Foundation Degree model means that apprentices who begin on a level 4 standard at Ada are able to top up to the level 6 standard at the end of two years with only one additional year needed to gain a full BSc degree qualification. This offers maximum flexibility for our employers and apprentices.

 

View the relevant policies here.

DIGITAL AND TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PROFESSIONAL BSc DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP

 
This is a three year programme aligned to the Level 6 DTSP Standard. We offer concentrated pathways in:
  • Tech Consultancy
  • Software Engineer Pathway
  • Data Analytics

Download the Student Handbook here.

Download the full Programme Specifications here.

 

Core Modules

  • System Development Life Cycle
  • Project Management
  • Database Systems
  • Ethics & Commercial Reasoning
  • Data Analytics & Business Insights
  • User Interface Design
  • Networking & Security 
  • Research Skills
  • Synoptic Project
  • Work-based Portfolio

Pathway modules

If there are extra certifications your business requires speak to us about how we can add them to our curriculum

Tech Consultant Pathway

  • Data Analysis Concepts
  • Testing- Integration and Automation
  • Cloud Computing
  • Computer Programming
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Business Risk Analysis
  • Distributed Systems
  • Emerging Technologies in Business
  • Technology Entrepreneurship in Practice

Software Developer Pathway

  • Computer Programming
  • Testing- Integration and Automation
  • Data Structure and Algorithms
  • Advanced Programming
  • Artificial Intelligence 
  • Distributed Systems
  • Enterprise Programming
  • Software Quality Assurance

Data Analytics Pathway

  • Python for Data Science
  • Data Analysis Concepts
  • Statistics for Data Analysis
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Visualisation
  • Python for Data Science (Year 2)
  • Big Data Analytics
  • Data Mining

FOUNDATION DEGREE IN DATA ANALYTICS & VISUALISATION APPRENTICESHIP

Our Foundation Degree in Data Analytics & Visualisation apprenticeship is a two year programme aligned to the Level 4 Data Analyst Standard.

  • Download the Student Handbook here.
  • Download the full Programme Specifications here.

Core Modules

  • Essential Statistics
  • Data Analysis Concepts
  • Data Analysis in Practice
  • Database Systems
  • Python for Data Science (Year 1)
  • Data Visualisation
  • Data Warehousing
  • Python for Data Science (Year 2)
  • Data Analytics & Business Insight
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Work Based Project

(OPTIONAL) YEAR THREE FOR DATA ANALYTICS & VISUALISATION PROGRAMME

There is an optional third year of study with Ada to top up to a full BSc Degree Apprenticeship for the Data Analytics Programme following the same block release model.

FOUNDATION DEGREE IN DIGITAL INNOVATION APPRENTICESHIP

Our Foundation Degree in Digital Innovation is a two year programme aligned to the Level 4 Software Developer Standard. With this programme students have the option to select pathway modules focusing on either Technical or Creative routes.

  • Download the Student Handbook here.
  • Download the full Programme Specifications here.

Core Modules:

  • Computer Programming
  • System Development Life Cycle
  • Testing – Integration & Automated
  • Database Systems
  • Data Structure & Algorithms
  • Ethics & Commercial Reasoning
  • Advanced Programming
  • Data Analytics & Business Insights
  • Interactive User Interface Design
  • Work-based Project
  • Distributed Systems and Artificial Intelligence

Pathway modules can be agreed in consultation with cohorts of employers.

(OPTIONAL) YEAR THREE FOR DIGITAL INNOVATION PROGRAMME

There is an optional third year of study with Ada to top up to a full BSc Degree Apprenticeship for the Digital Innovation Programme following the same block release model.

All of Ada's Apprenticeship courses are validated by the Open University.

Download The OU Students Guide here.

Download our Student Protection Plan here.

 

  • “Understand well as I may, my comprehension can only be an infinitesimal fraction of all I want to understand.”

     ~ Ada Lovelace

  • “We believe the provision of high-quality teaching, practical experience and careers advice are all vital to student success. As a founding partner, we are excited to involve our staff in supporting students, providing them with industry know-how, experience and advice to help them achieve their ambitious goals. ”

     ~ Kevin Walsh Global Managing Partner, Technology Consulting, Deloitte

  • “Technology innovation is key to driving transformation within business, but the need for technical talent is not yet met by the number of qualified people entering the workforce. We are therefore very proud to be a founding supporter of Ada College. ”

     ~ Andrew Butcher EMEA Head of Technology and Operations, Bank of America