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Apprenticeships

Programme Structure

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

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

We currently offer:

  • Foundation Degree in Digital Innovation (Level 4 Apprenticeship Software Developer) Last Validation May 2023, Next revalidation May 2028
  • Foundation Degree in Data Analytics and Visualisation (Level 4 Apprenticeship Data Analyst) Last Validation June 2023, Next revalidation June 2028
  • B.Sc. (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions (Level 6 Apprenticeship Cyber Security/ Data Analyst/ Software Developer/ Tech Consultant) Last Validation May 2023, Next revalidation May 2028

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 5-week full-time Launchpad training that will equip them to add value to their employers from day 1 in the workplace. After that, apprentices follow a block release schedule consisting of 4-8 weeks with their employer in the workplace and 1 week back at Ada, for the remainder of their apprenticeships.

At Ada, our Level 4 programs span two years. Upon graduation, apprentices have the option to enrol in our top-up program, where they can pursue a full B.Sc. degree with approximately 14–16 months of additional study. 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:
  • Cyber Security
  • Data Analyst
  • Software Engineer 
  • Tech Consultant

Download the Student Handbook here.

Download the full Programme Specifications here.

 

Core Modules

  • System Development Life Cycle and Project Management
  • Computer Programming
  • Database Systems
  • Introduction to Cloud Computing
  • Experience Design
  • Digital Technology Project
  • Digital Leadership
  • Work-based Portfolio
  • Project and Dissertation

Pathway modules

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

Cyber Security Pathway

  • Cyber Security in Society
  • Cyber Security Analytics
  • Cyber Security Management
  • Cyber Penetration Testing

Data Analyst Pathway

  • Data Analytics with Python
  • Data Visualisation and Statistics
  • Machine Learning
  • Big Data Analytics

Software Engineer Pathway

  • Advanced Programming and Algorithmic Design
  • Applied Artificial Intelligence
  • Enterprise Software Engineering
  • Software Quality Assurance

Tech Consultant Pathway

  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Business Risk Analysis
  • Emerging Technologies in Business
  • Technology Entrepreneurship in Practice

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

  • Data Analysis Concepts & Project Management
  • Programming for Data Analysis
  • Database Systems
  • Cloud Computing
  • Statistics for Data Analysis
  • Advanced Programming for Data Analysis
  • Applied Artificial Intelligence
  • Work-Based Project

(OPTIONAL) YEAR THREE FOR DATA ANALYTICS & VISUALISATION PROGRAMME

Option to enrol in our top-up program, where they can pursue a full B.Sc. degree with approximately 14–16 months of additional study. The programme follows 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:

  • System Development Life Cycle & Project Management
  • Computer Programming
  • Database Systems
  • Cloud Computing
  • Advanced Programming and Algorithmic Design
  • Mobile App Design
  • Work-Based Project

Optional Module:

  • Applied Artificial Intelligence
  • Distributed Systems
  • Web Design and Authoring

(OPTIONAL) YEAR THREE OF DIGITAL INNOVATION PROGRAMME

Option to enrol in our top-up program, where they can pursue a full B.Sc. degree with approximately 14–16 months of additional study. The programme follows 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