Applied Data Science - BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship

Year 1 (level 4):

• Programming Fundamentals
• Data Communication
• Fundamentals of Data Science
• Mathematics for Computing

Year 2 (level 5):

• Visualisation of Data
• Blockchain Fundamentals
• Applied Data Science
• Big Data Management

Year 3 (level 6):

• Big Data & Distributed Computing
• Social Analytics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Apprenticeship Project

Course Delivery

Workshops

Practical workshops are the primary teaching method and used extensively across the BSc Applied Data Science programme. In these classes apprentices are able to practice and refine their skills in a supportive environment where they can receive feedback from a member of academic staff. Practical workshops represent a valuable transition between theory and the workplace.

Case Studies

Case studies are a common teaching and learning strategy, employed in a range of modules, particularly as an assessment tool. Apprentices are presented with or asked to develop real or simulated complex problems which they are required to analyse in detail and then synthesise/present their own solution in writing or orally.

Learning Strategies

Apprentices are expected to take greater responsibility for their own learning as they progress through their programmes. The course structure and the proposed teaching strategies are designed to encourage this development. The student-centered approach will be encouraged through the use of specific teaching strategies; case studies; projects; practical exercises, supplemented by the use of appropriate support materials; videos; computer software; etc. Active engagement with the subject material enhances learning and many of the learning strategies used attempt to promote this.

Support

Each Degree Apprentice will be assigned a Degree Apprenticeship Mentor based within the School of Technologies who will meet with the apprentice and the employer bi-monthly. The degree apprenticeship mentor will also be on hand to provide advice and guidance to the apprentice as and when required throughout their studies.

Technology and Facilities

The course will be taught in person 1 day per week for 24 weeks of the year at the University’s Llandaff campus. The learning will be supported by the University’s virtual learning environment Moodle where a variety of learning resources will be stored.

Assessments relate directly to learning outcomes and one assessment usually covers a range of such outcomes.

Assessments take the form of class tests (seen/unseen, open book, essays/short answers), essays, practical assessments, presentations (in-person, video, poster), role-plays, individual and group reports, and an Apprenticeship dissertation project. Assessments are designed to be authentic and through the use of formative assessment with frequent, short-term feedback early in the course, the assessment strategy is designed to encourage apprentices and to build their confidence.

In addition to the learning and teaching strategies referred to previously, apprentices are expected to demonstrate professional competencies and behaviour within the workplace. A three way learning plan is agreed between employer, apprentice and University which will detail the on the job training and professional competencies detailed within the relevant apprenticeship framework. These will be reviewed as part of the progress update process every two months and are specific to the individual employer (such as working practices, company structure and processes, induction, and professional behaviour).

Apprentices are expected to be in a relevant full-time position and to apply relevant learning to their workplace through applied projects and utilising real-world examples within their assessments.

Competencies additional to the knowledge aims of the programme will be assessed within the workplace by the employer; specifically professional behaviour, health and safety and company roles, responsibilities and working practices. This will be evidenced within the three-way progress meetings throughout the programme by the Degree Apprenticeship Mentor.

Apprentices will have many opportunities to take part in a range of relevant employability support initiatives offered by the University designed to support future career development. Successful completion of the Degree Apprenticeship will prepare apprentices to progress in their future careers within their relevant field.

Degree Apprenticeship Vacancies are advertised and managed by employers. The University works with a range of employer partners throughout Wales.

Applicants must be in full time relevant employment in a role aligned to the Wales Digital Degree Apprenticeship Framework Specification for Applied Data Science. 

Decisions on entry for this programme will be made in partnership between the University and the Employer ensuring that the candidate meets the standard academic entry requirements as well as the professional and employer entry requirements which varies between employer.  This will be determined pre-application by the Degree Apprenticeships Lead, industry link within the programme team and employer representative. All apprentices enter into a three way learning agreement upon acceptance to the programme.

Please contact apprenticeships@cardiffmet.ac.uk  if you are in a relevant role and have your employers support and wish to apply.  You will be advised of the process and sent information on applying.

Indicative Entry Requirements 

The following requirements are based on typical offers relevant to entering year 1 of the degree.

• Tariff points: 104-112
• Contextual offer: See our contextual offers page.
• GCSE: Preferably five GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above to include English Language / Welsh First Language, Mathematics / Mathematics – Numeracy.
• English Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all elements, or equivalent.
• A level: Minimum three A levels to include Grades CCC. No specific subjects required. Welsh Baccalaureate – Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate considered as a third subject.
• BTEC National / Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DDM
• T Level: No specific subjects required.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: No specific subjects required.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 24 points. No specific subjects required.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 2 x H2 grades. No specific subjects required. Higher level subjects only considered with a minimum grade H4.
• Scottish Advanced Highers: Grades DD. No specific subjects required. 

Scottish Highers are also considered, either on their own or in combination with Advanced Highers. Combinations of the above qualifications are accepted if they meet our minimum requirements. If your qualifications aren’t listed, please contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search.

If you are a mature applicant, have relevant experience or prior learning that you would like us to consider, please contact the apprenticeships team via apprenticeships@cardiffmet.ac.uk for further discussion.

Admission with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 

Apprentices with an appropriate HND/C or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject may be considered for direct entry into years 2 or 3 or exception.  Work experience demonstrated through the Universities Recognition of Experiential Learning may also allow direct entry or exemption.  Please refer to the information on Cardiff Met’s RPL procedures and contact AskAdmissions@cardiff met.ac.uk with any queries.

Additionally, the School accepts apprentices with specific qualifications from approved partner institutions. In such cases both the course content and the institution will have been examined and approved by the School.

English Language Requirements

English Language Requirements: For international apprentices, whose first language is not English, a minimum IELTS score of 6.0

For course specific enquiries, please contact: Tara Williams, Degree Apprenticeships Lead.
E-mail: apprenticeships@cardiffmet.ac.uk