The Open University's Digital Hub for IT and Computing
Empowering learners and employers through flexible accredited digital apprenticeships in IT and Computing
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Digital Hub
Welcome to The Open University’s Digital Hub
Your gateway to industry-leading digital apprenticeship programmes and professional growth.
Whether you’re a learner ready to develop cutting-edge skills or an organisation looking to nurture digital talent, discover how our flexible pathways, proven results, and inspiring success stories can help you shape the future of technology in your organisation.
Our IT and computing apprenticeship programmes
Level 4 Network Engineer Higher Apprenticeship
Master the fundamentals of configuring, managing, and securing networks with this practical, industry-aligned programme.
Duration: 12 month programme plus end-point assessment (3-6 months)
Available in: England
Level 4 Software Developer Higher Apprenticeship
Gain the skills to build, test and maintain software applications — from front-end interfaces to back-end logic and databases.
Duration: 12 month programme plus end-point assessment (3-6 months)
Available in: England
Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional
Our comprehensive programme is designed to develop innovative problem-solvers who can create and manage real-world digital solutions.
Duration: 3 years including end-point assessment
Available in: England
Level 6 Digital Degree Apprenticeship (in Wales)
The Open University in Wales’ Digital Degree Apprenticeship programme equips apprentices with the knowledge and skills required to be confident, capable digital professionals.
Duration: 3 years
Available in: Wales
My skills grew and grew as I went through the apprenticeship and now I’m at a place where I’m proud to say that I’ve completed the apprenticeship and I have the skills to do my role to a really high level.
Niall,
Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree apprenticeship graduate | Software Engineer at Olamalu
IT and computing apprenticeship pathways
The Open University offers two flexible pathways to support your digital career development, giving you access to established tech career routes. Start with one of our Level 4 apprenticeships and progress to a Level 6 advanced apprenticeship, or jump straight into the Level 6 programme if you’re ready to specialise.
Find the IT career pathways that fit your goals.
Step 1: Start with a Level 4 IT apprenticeship
Programmes: Software Developer or Network Engineer
Ideal for: Gaining a solid foundation and testing your interest in the digital sector
Duration: 12 months, followed by an end-point assessment (typically 3–6 months)
Learner benefits:
- Develop essential digital skills and hands-on experience
- Learn while you earn in a supportive environment
Organisation benefits:
- Low-risk way to nurture new talent
- Build confidence and capability in early-stage learners
On successful completion, apprentices can choose to finish at this stage or progress directly to the Level 6 degree apprenticeship*. Those continuing will join at Stage 2 and complete their studies in a further two years. We expect step 2 to be available from Autumn 2027.
Step 2: Progress to Stage 2 of the Level 6 Digital apprenticeship
Programme: Digital and Technology Solutions Professional
Ideal for: Learners ready to deepen their expertise and take on more responsibility
Duration: 2 years
Learner benefits:
- Gain specialist knowledge and professional behaviours for senior digital roles
- See full details in 'pathway 2'
Organisation benefits:
- Develop multi-disciplinary skills that support retention and long-term succes
- See full details in 'pathway 2'
Direct entry into the Level 6 Digital Technology apprenticeship
Programme: Digital and Technology Solutions Professional
Ideal for: Learners with existing experience seeking a faster route to senior roles
Duration: 3 years (including the end-point assessment)
Learner benefits:
- Advance to specialist or leadership positions
- Choose your specialism: Software Engineering, Data Analysis, Network Engineering or Cyber Security Analysis
Organisation benefits:
- Retain and develop skilled digital professionals
- Drive productivity, innovation, and leadership in your workforce
- Shape the digital specialists your organisation needs
Note: These apprenticeship programmes are currently available in England only. A Level 6 programme is also available specifically for employers in Wales.
Digital and computing courses outside an apprenticeship
Free digital and computing courses
Discover a range of free courses on our OpenLearn platform to help you build essential digital skills and gain an introduction to computing.
Undergraduate computing and IT courses
Whether you want to expand your expertise or take the next step in your career, these pathways provide a flexible alternative to computer science degree apprenticeships.
Postgraduate computing and IT courses
Advance your career and deepen your technical knowledge with a postgraduate certificate, diploma or master’s degree in Computing and IT.
Why choose The Open University?
Leaders in flexible learning
With over eight years of experience in digital apprenticeships, the Open University is the UK’s leader in supported, flexible online learning — helping businesses and learners thrive together.
Study that fits around you
Busy week at work? No problem. Our self-paced model lets apprentices balance deadlines and study. Missed a tutorial? Watch the recording anytime and reach out to tutors for support. Learning that adapts to your schedule — not the other way around.
Developing professional skills
We go beyond technical training. Apprentices gain communication, teamwork, and workplace awareness skills — building confidence to succeed in real business environments.
Project-based work-integrated learning
From day one, apprentices apply theory directly to real projects, creating measurable value for their organisation while accelerating their own professional growth.
TechSkills Industry Partner
Being a TechSkills industry partner gives learners access to employer-shaped, real-world tech education enriched with mentoring, projects, and career opportunities that boost their employability and confidence.
Cisco Networking Academy Partner
As part of the global Cisco Networking Academy, our apprentices gain additional free access to industry-recognised certifications and dynamic digital learning communities - all continuously updated to ensure they remain career-ready and technically proficient.
Supporting students with additional needs
At The Open University, accessibility is at the heart of what we do. We are proud to be a leading provider of higher education for students with additional needs, supporting more than 38,000 learners in 2023/24** through flexible and inclusive distance learning.
Our dedicated support services help every apprentice succeed across our apprenticeships in IT, with tailored guidance, accessible materials, and expert advice at every stage of their journey.
Proven impact of our technical apprenticeships
of digital apprentices reported improved work performance***
of apprentices said they gained new skills***
of apprentices said OU teaching staff were skilled at explaining content****
Find out more about studying with The Open University
Balancing work, study, and life is a rewarding challenge, and you do not have to face it alone. Whether you are an apprentice preparing to start or an employer supporting your team, our free OpenLearn resources offer practical insights to help you succeed.
Essential skills for OU study
Discover the academic and digital skills that help apprentices thrive, including time management, independent study, and critical thinking.
Am I ready to be an apprentice distance learner?
Reflect on your readiness for distance learning and explore what it means to study flexibly with the OU.
Succeed with learning
Discover practical insights into how people learn and explore key skills and tools to help you study effectively and achieve your goals.
Partner with us to solve your skills challenge
Get in touch
The Open University has a dedicated team of employer and partnership managers who can work with you to identify opportunities to develop skills within your teams via a range of courses and programmes.
Whether you are a new business or an established employer, our team has a wealth of sector expertise and experience and can link you with our wider academic community to help to solve your organisation's challenges.
Get in touchPartner success stories
Explore how The Open University partners with organisations across sectors to drive digital innovation, tackle skills gaps, and support workforce development through flexible, high-quality learning.
See our partner success storiesYou're in good company
* A direct entry route into Stage 2 of our Level 6 Digital & Technology Solutions Professional Apprenticeship will be available from Autumn 2027 for individuals who have already completed an equivalent Level 4 qualification or apprenticeship elsewhere, subject to a review of your prior learning. We’re currently welcoming enquiries about this route — please get in touch to explore your options.
*** Destination Outcome Survey, J2 Research, September 2025.
**** NSS, 2025.
