Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship
BSc (Honours)
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Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship
The Open University’s Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship equips apprentices with the skills to power digital transformation across every sector.
This Level 6 degree apprenticeship combines academic learning with realworld experience, preparing confident, capable professionals in areas like software engineering, cyber security, data analysis and network engineering.
Our flexible online learning model enables apprentices to study alongside work commitments, while employers build a sustainable pipeline of future-proof, diverse and highly skilled tech talent.
At a glance:
- Enables apprentices to build and advance their careers in the digital sector.
- Supports employers to upskill existing staff or bring in new talent for long-term growth.
- Helps to close digital skills gaps and future-proof organisations.
- Suitable for businesses of all sizes, from private enterprises to public sector, such as NHS Trusts, councils and central government.
- Leverage transformation investments and enhance growth.
- Flexible, inclusive, and supportive learning with no prior qualifications needed. Our self-paced, tutor-led online programmes combine asynchronous study with dedicated support, helping apprentices balance work and study while meeting business needs.
Level: Apprenticeship Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional
Not ready for Level 6? Check out our Level 4 Software Developer and Network Engineer courses.
Study method: Online/work-based learning with tutor support
Duration: 3 years (including end-point assessment)
Funding: See fees & funding
Entry requirements: See entry requirements
Available in: England only
Why employers choose this degree apprenticeship
Create future-ready digital talent with the skills to drive transformation across your organisation. The Open University’s Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship provides a flexible, cost-effective way to build capability in-house.
- Develop resilient tech talent: Equip employees with practical, industry-relevant skills to address critical digital skills gaps.
- Build on proven success: Our third-generation apprenticeship refines and enhances a tried-and-tested model, aligning workplace learning with OU expertise for measurable results.
- Reduce recruitment costs: Build loyal, skilled teams through upskilling and internal development.
- Boost performance and innovation: 100% of digital apprentices reported improved work performance*, with 96% seeing new skills gained*.
- Strengthen digital resilience: Enhance data strategies, automate workflows and protect against cyber threats.
- Flexible, inclusive and sustainable: No travel required — ideal for geographically dispersed teams, reducing disruption and lowering carbon footprint. Designed inclusively to support learners of all backgrounds and needs.
- Maximise your Apprenticeship Levy funding: Use levy or co-funding to upskill your workforce at minimal additional cost.
Employer feedback
"When we found this apprenticeship, we thought it was the perfect opportunity. We can develop our own talent path, taking people through this programme. At the end of it, they come out as really well qualified software engineers, not only with a formal qualification, but with years of experience in building real things for real customers."
Kate Berman, Owner of Olamalu
Read success story
Why apprentices choose this degree apprenticeship
Gain high-demand digital skills while building real experience in software development, cyber security, data analysis or network engineering. This degree apprenticeship combines workplace learning with academic study, helping apprentices grow their careers without student debt.
- Master in-demand skills: Work on live projects that build practical expertise in core digital specialisms.
- Accelerate your career: Gain hands-on experience and contribute to real business challenges from day one.
- Earn while you learn: Receive a salary and a recognised degree-level qualification with no tuition fees.
- Build lasting confidence: Develop resilience, independence and professional credibility.
- Tailored support: A personalised tutoring model and expert onboarding keep apprentices engaged, motivated, supported and on track to succeed. Check out our student satisfaction ratings.
- Practical, relevant learning: Half of the course credit comes from workplace projects, ensuring immediate application of new skills and a healthy work–study balance.
Apprentice feedback
"I’m specialising in the software engineering module aspect, but on top of that it also covers how IT projects work, business organisation, web technologies and how systems are developed. So it gives a very good general background and allows me to specialise."
Phoebe Chapman, Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree apprenticeship graduate | Senior Software Engineer at RDT
Read success story
Specialisms: Software, cyber security, data and network engineering
The Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship is a flexible, work-based higher education programme that blends academic study with practical learning. It’s designed to fit around workplace demands while helping apprentices build specialist digital skills.
As technologies evolve and the pace of change accelerates, this degree apprenticeship equips apprentices with the core knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to contribute to digital projects across your organisation. It also develops the mindset to keep learning and adapting as technology advances.
The core programme builds a broad technical foundation to work confidently within teams focused on the analysis, design, build, evaluation and security of software, data solutions, services and networks. Apprentices learn how to build business cases, collaborate with end users and deliver effective digital solutions.
In addition to the core programme, apprentices can specialise in one of four high-demand areas:
Data Analysis
Turn raw data into valuable insights that drive decision-making
Cyber Security
Protect systems and data against evolving digital threats
Network Engineering
Design, build and maintain secure and efficient networks
Software Engineering
Develop, test and deploy scalable software solutions
This programme is designed for individuals looking to progress in careers centred around Cyber Security Analyst, Data Analyst, Software Developer or Network Engineer.
- The structure of the programme supports apprentices to grow and develop their own digital careers.
- The programme is available to existing employees for career progression and skills development, as well as for hiring new talent and growing your team.
- Used by over 200 employers across all industries - from private enterprises to NHS Trusts, councils and central government - looking to fill digital skills gaps and future-proof their workforce.
Watch the videos below to see how we are working with insurance software company RDT to deliver the Digital and Technology Solution Professional Degree Apprenticeship. This has led to several local people joining the programme and taking their first steps into digital roles.
You don’t need formal qualifications to start this programme, but apprentices must be employed with an organisation willing to support them through the apprenticeship.
To be eligible for government funding, apprentices must:
- Be aged 16 or over
- Not be in full-time education
- Not already be on another apprenticeship
- Have the right to live and work in England
- Spend at least 50% of their working hours in England
This programme is ideal for those aiming to build careers as a Cyber Security Analyst, Data Analyst, Software Engineer or Network Engineer. For more information, check out the 'Who is it for?' section above.
Looking for something different? Check out our Level 4 courses in Network Engineering or Software Development.
Studied before? You may be able use relevant previous learning to shorten the programme. Find out more about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) by contacting us today.
Upon successful completion of the programme, apprentices will be awarded:
- BSc (Honours) Digital and Technology Solutions Professional, by the Open University.
- The qualification will also formally recognise the learner's specialist area of study (Software Developer, Data Analyst, Network Engineer, Cyber Security Analyst).
- Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship, by Skills England.
- English and maths functional skills qualifications at Level 2 if required, as outlined below:
- For apprentices under 19 when they begin their apprenticeship training, English and/or maths is a mandatory part of the programme if not previously achieved and evidenced.
- For apprentices aged 19+ when they begin their apprenticeship training, the employer may make it a mandatory requirement to complete English and/or maths during their Apprenticeship if not previously achieved and evidenced.
Academic excellence and expert teaching
This degree apprenticeship is built from the ground up to meet the needs of today’s workplace. Every module has been created by our world-class academics specifically for this apprenticeship, so you can be confident the learning is current, industry-relevant and designed to deliver impact from day one.
With more than 50 years of expertise in distance education and a worldwide reputation for flexible learning, The Open University is a leader in developing apprenticeships that combine rigour with real-world relevance.
Our reputation for quality is nationally recognised:
- University of the Year 2025
- Gold-rated Teaching Excellence Framework
- Exceptional student satisfaction (NSS, 2025): teaching (92.8%), organisation (90%), and assessment and feedback (89.2%)
- Ofsted rated 'Good', 2025
Meet some of the experts who will guide your journey:
Shawn Appleyard
Lecturer in Computing and Communications specialising in Networking and Cyber Security.
Dr. Autumn Thomson
Senior Lecturer and Staff Tutor, expert in software engineering, computing education, apprenticeships, curriculum design, and quality assurance.
Martin Rothwell
Senior Lecturer in Computing and Communications (Digital Degree Apprenticeships), specialising in cyber security, data analysis, and project management.
Programme information
This programme is built around a core set of topics, complemented by specialised content tailored to one of the following four areas of expertise enabling apprentices to build a solid foundation while developing the skills needed for their chosen specialism.
This three-year apprenticeship is designed to be completed in three stages with an integrated end-point assessment.
Each stage of the programme comprises an academic module, delivering the core knowledge and skills outlined in the apprenticeship standard, alongside a work-based learning module. In the final stage, apprentices draw upon their completed final workplace project to contribute to the end-point assessment, ensuring full integration of study and practice.
Stage 1: Foundations
The knowledge and skills at this stage will be focused on supporting apprentices to carry out practical tasks for their employer in their specialism. This stage will develop core technical knowledge and skills so that the apprentices can deliver value to their employers as early as possible in the apprenticeship. In addition, they will develop academic skills related to study and communication, and employability skills related to independent working.
Stage 1 modules
- Digital Foundations: This module introduces apprentices to essential foundational concepts within their specialism, while also supporting their transition into apprenticeship life at The Open University. It fosters the development of core knowledge and skills while providing an initial opportunity to balance work and study laying the groundwork for sustained success throughout the apprenticeship programme.
- Digital Work Based Practice 1: This module supports the practical application of learning from the Digital Foundations module, while initiating portfolio development for the end-point assessment. Employers play a key role by assigning a live project, enabling apprentices to generate business impact and demonstrate their value in real-world settings.
Stage 2: Core skills
Apprentices will develop their understanding of their chosen specialism, strengthen their academic skills, and develop employability skills related to teamwork.
Stage 2 modules
- Digital Principles: This module builds on the foundations laid in Stage 1, advancing the apprentice’s academic journey by introducing new concepts and encouraging deeper exploration. The module equips them with the insight needed to operate confidently within multidisciplinary team environments.
- Digital Work Based Practice 2: This module enables apprentices to apply the knowledge and skills learnt in the Digital Principles modules and develop behaviours in the workplace, bringing them together in the context of a workplace project. The apprentice will continue to develop and gather evidence for use in their portfolio needed for the end-point assessment.
Stage 2 modules – subject to approval, to be confirmed by March 2026.
Stage 3: Advanced skills
The apprentice will develop advanced understanding of their chosen specialism, strengthen their academic skills, and develop employability skills related to management and leadership. In this stage there is a final 30 credit project module which forms the end-point assessment.
Stage 3 modules
- Digital Advanced: This module engages apprentices with advanced concepts in leadership, strategic management, and their chosen specialism, consolidating expertise within the Digital and Technology Solutions Professional apprenticeship.
- Digital Work Based Practice 3: This module develops your ability to research and apply digital solutions while building the leadership skills needed to navigate digital transformation. You’ll explore a topic of personal interest and demonstrate independent working, drawing on the knowledge gained throughout your degree apprenticeship.
- Apprenticeship Computing & IT Project: This project marks the final stage of the apprenticeship programme and forms part of the End Point Assessment. Apprentices and employers will select a project that enables apprentices to apply their learning in a real-world context, demonstrate their professional value, and contribute meaningful business impact. The project showcases the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed throughout the apprenticeship.
Stage 3 modules – subject to approval, to be confirmed by March 2027.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 03/11/2025.
Want to know more?
For more details about each module and how they are assessed, download the programme brochure.
Download brochureStudy structure
The Open University is a global leader in flexible, work-based learning with over 50 years’ experience in distance education. Our approach allows apprentices on the Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship to balance study with their job while delivering immediate impact in the workplace.
- Anytime, anywhere learning: access content 24/7 on laptops, tablets or mobiles.
- Tutor support and peer learning: online tutorials, forums and discussion groups connect apprentices with expert tutors and industry peers.
- Employer-friendly delivery: our flexible model makes off-the-job training easier to manage with minimal disruption to productivity.
Each module is supported by a dedicated online platform with:
- A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
- Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
- Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
- Details of each assignment and their due dates
- A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
- Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.
If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.
Assessment and feedback
- Modules are assessed through a range of remote methods such as interactive computer-marked assignments and tutor-marked assignments during and at the end of each module.
- Work-based learning is assessed through two primary methods: a digital portfolio of evidence demonstrating the knowledge, skills and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard, developed across each module; and annual live workplace projects. Both elements form an essential part of the end-point assessment.
- Feedback will be given through tutorials, self-assessment, peer review, and during progress reviews with the University and your workplace mentor.
- When your period of study and work base learning has ended, all apprenticeships are assessed via an end-point assessment (EPA) process at the end of your apprenticeship. For more information about the EPA, please refer to the EPA plan here.
All assessment is carried out remotely with minimal disruption to business.
Workload
Apprenticeships combine full-time employment with structured training that meets the requirements of the Apprenticeship Standard (in England). In England, this is called ‘off-the-job training’ (OTJT) – which is the time set aside during contracted working hours to study with The Open University.
The OTJT hours will typically be around one day a week or 20% of contracted hours, subject to the Skills Radar. The Skills Radar is part of the initial assessment and is a mandatory systematic review of an apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours against the standard before commencing the programme. This will be completed jointly by the apprentice and the line manager to establish the apprentice’s baseline against the standard and how much new learning is needed.
Employers are required to provide extra off-the-job training time if functional skills qualifications need to be completed during the programme.
Want to know more?
For more details about each module and how they are assessed, download the programme brochure.
Download brochureFor employers
Employers are responsible for paying their apprentices' salaries, but training costs can be funded through the Apprenticeship Levy or part-funded through Government funding. The funding method for an apprenticeship is determined at the start of each apprentice’s programme.
Apprenticeship levy
- Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.
- Any business with a payroll below £3 million is eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship course.
- Additional incentives are also available to employers who recruit new apprentices into their business.
Additional costs may apply, for example, if apprentices need to undertake resits.
For more information about funding, get in touch with us.
For apprentices
- There are no fees to pay for apprentices as the funding is covered by employers.
At The Open University, we know that successful apprenticeships depend on the right support. Alongside expert tutors, apprentices and employers benefit from a wide range of support teams.
Learn more about how The Open University supports apprentices
The application process for the Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship is designed to be straightforward for both employers and apprentices. Our team works closely with organisations to make onboarding smooth, from initial contact through to programme start.
For employers
Initial contact
Reach out to us to express your interest in the apprenticeship programme.
Programme consultation
One of our dedicated Account Managers will contact you to discuss your organisation’s needs and the programme details.
Confirmation & paperwork
Once you confirm you'd like to proceed, we’ll guide you through the necessary documentation.
Submit apprentice details
Provide us with the names and contact information of your chosen apprentice(s).
Apprentice is contacted by the OU and invited to apply
We will also invite the employer to apply for the apprenticeship.
Contracting
Employer engages in discussions around the apprenticeship. Agreements and documentation are signed by the OU, the employer, and the apprentice before confirmation.
For more information for employers, please see the following resources:
For apprentices
Initial contact
Ask your employer to get in touch with us to start the process.
Invitation to apply
Once the employer process is complete, we will invite you to apply via our online onboarding platform.
Submit evidence & application
Prepare and upload any required documents to verify your eligibility and complete your application.
Decision
The OU will review your application and inform you whether you’ve been offered a place.
Meet your programme manager
As part of onboarding, you’ll be introduced to your Apprenticeship Programme Delivery Manager (APDM), who will support you throughout the programme.
Contracting
Apprenticeship agreements and documentation are signed by the OU, the employer, and the apprentice before the programme begins.
Begin pre-study
Once successfully registered, you’ll gain access to pre-study materials to help you prepare for the course.
For more information about apprenticeships and being an apprentice, please see Information for apprentices.
For further details, please see the following resources:
- Apprenticeship standard: The apprenticeship standard defines the specific skills, knowledge, and behaviours (KSBs) an apprentice must acquire to succeed in a particular job role. It also gives more details about the funding and apprenticeship assessment plan.
- Qualification regulations: University regulations relating to this apprenticeship, in addition to regular academic regulations, will be published March 2026.
- Quality and Governance: Information related to the Open University's apprenticeship Quality and Governance policy.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): You may be able use relevant previous learning to reduce the length of the programme. Find out more information about this by contacting us today.
Next steps
For employers
- Download the brochure: Get the full details of our programme, including structure, support, and outcomes - perfect for sharing with internal stakeholders.
- Get in touch with our dedicated team: Click the button below to get in touch and discover how our degree apprenticeships can support your organisation’s growth and talent development goals.
For apprentices
- Already supported? Great! Share this page with your employer and ask them to get in touch with us here.
- Employed but not yet sponsored? Take the first step by reviewing our guide on how to approach your employer about apprenticeship opportunities.
- Looking for an employer? Visit the government’s apprenticeship website to find current vacancies, or explore our degree programmes to see where your learning journey could begin.
* Destination Outcome Survey, J2 Research, September 2025.
Frequently asked questions
A Digital & Technology Solutions Professional (DTSP) provides technology enabled solutions to internal and/or external stakeholders in a range of areas including software, cyber security, network infrastructure and data analysis. The duties of a DTSP apprentice are described in the occupational standard.
To apply for an apprenticeship programme you should be employed in a relevant role and have the approval of your employer.
Read our guidance about getting your employer's support here.
As leaders in supported online learning, the Open University have developed best-practice digital learning platforms. Apprentices will learn online and be supported with digital calls and meetings from their support team.
You may be able use relevant previous learning to reduce the length of the programme. Find out more about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) by contacting us today.
To complete the programme, apprentices will need:
- Internet access and an internet-enabled device (desktop or laptop recommended)
- Webcam and microphone for online tutorials (a wired headset is recommended)
Where additional software is required, we provide access or free alternatives.
Where technical tools are used, we will provide access via the The OpenComputing Laboratory | Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, where apprentices can access online computing environments for data analysis and programming through their web browser.
For full details on device requirements for this programme, contact our helpful team.
Whilst the apprenticeship levy is not available to fund apprentices outside of England on this apprenticeship, we can offer the programme at the same cost directly to national organisations. This allows you to harmonise your training across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and beyond.
For organisations in Wales, you can also check out our Welsh digital apprenticeship.
- Provide the apprentices with off-the-job training hours.
- Provide day to day supervision of the apprentice. This could be their line manager, a team leader, or a senior work buddy. The supervisor must attend 12 weekly meetings, check the apprentice is completing their off-the-job timesheets and taking study time, and provide work based task and experiences to tie in with the study calendar.
- Provide an annual project and project supervisor where the apprentice demonstrates what they have learnt in that 12 month period. Ideally this should be tied to the apprentice’s normal job and undertaken in their normal on -the-job working hours.
- Provide mentors to support the apprentice’s development in specific knowledge and skills areas so they understand how you apply the ideas encountered in your workplace.
For more information, see our Apprenticeship employer responsibilities guide.
We offer a range of non-apprenticeship digital and computing programmes, from short courses to degrees and masters. See our Digital Hub page for more details.
We have two types of assignments, tasks set during teaching by the OU, and tasks where the apprentice is asked to demonstrate competence in the workplace. If the task is set by the OU then we provide sand box environments for the apprentices to use. If the task is set to demonstrate competence, then the apprentice should apply their knowledge and skills as part of their normal job and report on what they have done.
