Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Master of Science Digital and Technology Solutions - Degree Apprentice, Level 7, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
This handbook provides you with information that you will need on your course. You should find it helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here. You will also receive a Module Handbook for each module you study on your course.
The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful.
On behalf of our University and the whole course team I would like to wish you well in your studies.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing.
Whether you are joining us as a new student or returning to continue your studies, and whether your course is on-campus, distance learning, degree apprenticeships or you are on one of our UK and overseas collaborative and franchise courses, we hope you will enjoy your experience and find your studies interesting, challenging and relevant to your development and future career plans.
Our aim is to provide students with a research informed, innovative and relevant curriculum that is linked to current industry practices and standards. Our courses are highly valued by employers, professional bodies and other stakeholders. Our School has a strong tradition of delivering programmes that provide students with the opportunity for academic and practical experience. This approach, coupled with our close involvement with employers, produces graduates who are highly regarded in the workplace.
Through our approach to student support and to teaching and learning we aim to place you, our students and apprentices, at the heart of everything we do. You will experience a diverse range of teaching approaches. We also use a variety of different methods of assessment and attach considerable importance to providing you feedback on your assessments.
As a School we strive to be student-centred and value your opinions and feedback. We want to hear about the things you enjoy and that you think we do well, but also want to know when you think there are ways in which we can improve your experience. There are many ways in which you can provide feedback including through your student academic representatives, through written or on-line module evaluation feedback forms and through student open meetings, forums with staff and student representative meetings with me.
We maintain a strong commitment to our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and our facilities are well equipped for each major area of our course provision. Our Built Environment, Planning, Geography and Civil and Building Services Engineering courses are situated in the heart of the City at Northern Terrace Building, with the Computing and Electrical and Electronic Engineering courses located in Leighton Building at our Headingley Campus.
If you are studying on campus, where possible, the majority of your teaching will take place at the School's buildings; however, some teaching sessions may be scheduled in other buildings on our City Campus and Headingley Campus. The City Campus library is located in the Leslie Silver Building, which is adjacent to Northern Terrace, while the James Graham Building houses the library at our Headingley Campus.
I wish you every success for this academic year.
Professor Akintola Akintoye, Dean of School
Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
- We will provide general COVID-19 updates to our University community here and more specific updates will be provided by your School.
About Apprenticeships
Your apprenticeship provides a great opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge, at work and at the University, to ensure you are fully competent in your chosen field and enable you to progress in your career.
Successful apprenticeships are built on strong relationships between the apprentice, their employer and the University, in particular the course team. These colleagues are there to support you on your learning journey and you will work closely with them to make sure you get the most out of this exciting experience. Full attendance is mandatory so you must keep your employer and course team fully informed about any matters relating to your attendance, support you might need, concerns you have and any other challenges you come across. We need this information to help keep you on track to complete your apprenticeship successfully and so we can remain compliant with government rules for delivering apprenticeships.
On-the-job training refers to the activities that you undertake during your working role. It is training for the sole purpose of enabling you to perform the work for which you have been employed. Through your on-the-job activities you will have opportunities to apply the learning that you gain through your off-the-job learning, particularly your on-campus days. Your course team will indicate activities that can be classed as on-the-job training, and this will also be reflected in your training plan.
All apprentices spend a significant part of their working time undertaking 'off-the-job' training. If you started your apprenticeship in the academic year 2021/22 or earlier you are required to spend at least 20% of your working time 'off-the-job'. If you started your apprenticeship from academic year 2022/23 onwards you are required to spend at least 6 hours per week of your working time 'off-the-job'.
This time is typically spent in University but it may also include learning activities in your workplace, but outside your normal day-to-day tasks.
You are expected to undertake off-the-job learning throughout the whole year including during university holiday periods when you don't have timetabled activities. Your course team will provide further advice about what is expected.
You will need to keep track of this off-the-job learning through our Aptem system which includes an activity log. If you need further guidance or training on using Aptem, contact your course team or the Apprenticeship Team (apprenticeships@leedsbeckett.ac.uk).
Your training plan is a personalised formal document which provides details of your apprenticeship requirements, including both the on- and off-the-job training that you will undertake. It forms part of the apprenticeship agreement which you, your employer and the University should have agreed signed off before the start of your apprenticeship.
Our University was inspected by Ofsted in November 2022 and was given a rating of good for overall effectiveness and also for each of the thematic areas specified in their Education Inspection Framework (EIF):
- Quality of education
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Personal development
- Leadership and management
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
Dr Mark Dixon
Dr Mark Dixon
Each Apprentice will be allocated an Academic Advisor once they commence their studies at the University. The Academic Advisor will be a member of the Computing Academic Staff.
Your workplace mentor will support you in the workplace by, for example, helping to identify relevant learning opportunities and helping you succeed in these. More details of your workplace mentor and other support options will be listed in your training plan.
BEC-Enquiries@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Course Admin Inbox
Course Representatives are student volunteers who represent your views at course-level, in course forums and in meetings with academic and support staff.
Details about being a Course Representative are available at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/course-representatives.htm.
The Students' Union oversees Course Representatives and more information is available at https://www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/studentvoice/coursereps
Karen Fisher, Catherine Parkin, Maria Simoes, Jennie Winterburn
The contact details of other key services, such as The Student Advice Team, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Money Advice, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
In addition:
Apprenticeship Assessors - these colleagues are a key contact for you; they will coordinate and complete progress review meetings with you and provide on-going support.
Apprenticeship Team - these colleagues support apprentices, employers and other university staff with the recruitment, application and on-boarding processes; they also ensure apprenticeships run smoothly and are compliant with government rules.
Please see your training plan for contact details.
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Library Student IT Support page (http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook)
Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations. This is usually undertaken in the form of an email announcement through the module page on MyBeckett.
For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff, students and apprentices for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Timetable Information
The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page for information.
You will be able to access your timetable through Aptem.
Taught sessions will normally be scheduled and included in your timetable. This will include on-campus sessions that you should attend. Depending on your apprenticeship, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions that you need to take part in. Module information will be made available online by the school for enrolled apprentices. Timetables will also be made available via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Director.
School Forums, where students and apprentices raise feedback on their academic experience, are scheduled into all students’ and apprentices' timetables. Any apprentice can attend but only Course Reps are expected to be in attendance.
Course Overview
The apprenticeship aims to provide apprentices with the skills to be able to:
Facilitate the provision of a quality learning experience for each apprentice that fosters engagement with their programme of study and promotes independent study and life-long learning. The apprenticeship will help apprentices become confident, competent and capable independent IT professional leaders, able to operate in a range of related roles.
Develop skills to lead projects and provide technology-enabled solutions to internal and/or external customers specifically in their area of specialism. Demonstrating an in-depth understanding of the area, contemporary developments including legal, social, ethical, environmental and professional issues involved in the development and application of digital technologies.
Acquire high level skills in change management and leadership analysis, critical thinking, innovation, entrepreneurship and problem-solving to enable long term career development and progression at a professional level.
Develop a range of transferable skills including communication, presentation of ideas and arguments, both independent and team working and to practise these skills within the workplace.
In addition to academic development, the programme also recognises the importance of developing apprentices' professional and civic character, as articulated through the University's Graduate AttributesAs an apprentice you will be working towards achievement of the required knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) for your specific apprenticeship. However, through achieving the apprenticeship KSBs you will also meet the requirements of a Leeds Beckett qualification, normally an honours or Masters degree. These qualifications have defined Course Learning Outcomes which are statements about what you will be able to do at the end of the qualification. The Course Learning Outcomes of your qualification have been provided below for information.
1. Demonstrate an ability to plan and lead a complex IT enabled project, incorporating the required business and workplace transformations building on a critical understanding of the role of contemporary technology, leadership style and change management.
2. Critically evaluate the rationale, processes, implementation options and evaluation of proposed solutions, within your specialist occupation, evidencing both technical understanding and ability to communicate effectively.
3. Apply organisational theory, change management, marketing, strategic practice, human resource management and IT service management to provide enterprising technology solutions development in an inclusive way in a multicultural and globalising world. Appreciate and litigate against the legal, social, ethical, environmental and professional issues involved in the development and application of digital technologies.
4. Take responsibility for continuing to advance your knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level - both generally (as appropriate to the holder of a master's level award) and specifically as related to the specialist field
During your apprenticeship you will develop Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) that have been identified by employers and subject experts across the country as being essential in ensuring you are fully competent in your specialised role. These KSBs are built into the modules you will study as part of the apprenticeship and will be developed through a range of learning activities at work and at University.
Knowledge - Knows and understands:
K1. The strategic importance of technology enabled business processes, and how they are designed and managed to determine a firm's ability to compete effectively;
K2. The principles of business transformation and how organisations integrate different management functions in the context of technological change;
K3. The role of leadership in contemporary technology based organisations;
K4. Own employer's business objectives and strategy, its position in the market and how own employer adds value to its clients through the services and/or products they provide;
K5. How to justify the value of technology investments and apply benefits management and realisation;
K6. How to monitor technology related market trends and research and collect competitive intelligence;
K7. The personal leadership qualities that are required to establish and maintain an organisations technical reputation.
K8. The role of leaders as change agents and identify contributors to successful implementation;
K9. Technology road-mapping concepts and methods and how to apply them;
K10. The role of learning and talent management in successful business operations
Skills - Is able to:
S1. Identify, document, review and design complex IT enabled business processes that define a set of activities that will accomplish specific organisational goals and provides a systematic approach to improving those processes;
S2. Design and develop technology roadmaps, implementation strategies and transformation plans focused on digital technologies to achieve improved productivity, functionality and end user experience in an area of technology specialism;
S3. Deliver workplace transformations through planning and implementing technology based business change programmes including setting objectives, priorities and responsibilities with others in an area of technology specialism;
S4. Negotiate and agree digital and technology specialism delivery budgets with those with decision-making responsibility;
S5. Develop and deliver management level presentations which resonate with senior stakeholders, both business and technical;
S6. Professionally present digital and technology solution specialism plans and solutions in a well-structured business report;
S7. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing digital and technology solutions specialist tasks at a professional level;
S8. Be competent at negotiating and closing techniques in a range of interactions and engagements, both with senior internal and external stakeholders;
S9. Evaluate the significance of human factors to leadership in the effective implementation and management of technology enabled business processes;
S10. Develop own leadership style and professional values that contributes to building high performing teams;
S11. Apply broader technical knowledge combined with an understanding of the business context, and how it is changing, to deliver to the company's business strategy;
S12. Demonstrate effective technology leadership and change management skills for managing technology driven change and continuous improvement;
S13. Create and implement innovative technological strategies to support the development of new products, processes and services that align with the company's business strategy, and develop and communicate compelling business proposals to support these.
Behaviours
B1. Inspire and motivate others to deliver excellent technical solutions and outcomes
B2. Establish high levels of performance in digital and technology solutions activities
B3. Be results and outcomes driven to achieve high key performance outcomes for digital and technology solutions objectives
B4. Promote a high level of cooperation between own work group and other groups to establish a technology change led culture
B5. Develop and support others in developing an appropriate balance of leadership and technical skills
B6. Create strong positive relationships with team members to produce high performing technical teams
Assessment & Feedback
Assessment at L7 will be predominantly by coursework, code submissions, practical demonstrations and exams along with some presentations and research reports.
All Apprentices are required to complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) before they can successfully pass the apprenticeship. Course teams will support and prepare you for your EPA throughout the apprenticeship. Before an Apprentice can attempt the EPA they must satisfy a number of criteria, which are referred to as Gateway Requirements. Once they have met the Gateway requirements, the Apprentice undertakes the EPA which is designed to test/confirm the Apprentice's KSBs and their overall competency.
EPAs will be conducted by an outside organisation (EPAO) or by someone within the University who has not been involved in the delivery of the apprenticeship.
The Apprenticeship grade will normally be based on the EPA, for example, if you achieve a Pass in the EPA you will be awarded a Pass in the Apprenticeship.
There are a wide range of EPA requirements across all of the apprenticeships and therefore the details below provide more information about your specific EPA. You are advised to contact your Course Director with any questions relating to the EPA.
To be successful on your apprenticeship you must pass the End-Point Assessment (EPA) which is an holistic assessment of your KSBs and overall professional competence.
The EPA for this apprenticeship requires the completion of all taught modules as well as a pass within the final Synoptic Project and the Research Practice feeder module. A supporting portfolio must be produced, showing clear mappings to the KSBs.
This Synoptic Project requires the development of a significant product or service that helps evidence learning gained throughout the apprenticeship, relating specifically to the KSBs of your chosen specialism (SE or DA). Upon submission of the final product or service, supported by a detailed final report and presentation, you will be required to take part in a Question and Answer session with an independent assessor who will determine your final grade for the Synoptic Project, and determine whether you have successfully completed the EPA.
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your timetable once the examination schedule is released. Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett, on course noticeboards or in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3.11 of the Academic Regulations. Please check the penalties that apply to this course as some Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body requirements may mean that different penalties apply.
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
You may be required to submit your written work via Turnitin; further information on Turnitin is available.
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks of your submission. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments.
Please add information about how feedback will be provided on formative and summative assessment. Apprentices may also find it helpful if you add some information around the perceived 'delay' between submitting their assessments and receiving feedback.
Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study (e.g., from Level 4 to Level 5 of an undergraduate degree) or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system.
Results will appear within Results Online five working days after the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.
The University recognises that, from time to time, apprentices may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, apprentices may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Director, Course Administrator or Academic Advisor for any necessary clarification.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
As part of the apprenticeship you will undertake a wide range of off-the-job (OTJ) and on-the-job activities, at work and at the university. Off-the-job learning is defined as activity which is undertaken outside of the normal day-to-day working tasks required for your job and directly links to the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours you need to pass the apprenticeship. This can include training delivered at your workplace.
You must spend at least 20% of your paid working hours doing off-the-job activities. You must carefully and regularly log these activities/ hours and submit them to the university as they will be used in regular reviews (guidance will be provided on this).
Apprenticeship delivery at Leeds Beckett University (Headingley Campus) will occupy no more than 12 days per year (2 full weeks and up to 2 additional days). Followed by remote on-line sessions (1 hour per-week, per-module) for 13 weeks following each block delivery week.
The statements below show the breakdown of core study/ training time at each level between scheduled activities and independent study. You may choose to spend additional time on training/ study outside of these hours, but they are not required to complete the apprenticeship and therefore must not be included in your off-the-job learning log.
At L7 you will do 203.5 hours of scheduled Learning, Teaching and Assessment and 483.5 hours of Directed Independent Learning.
*Please note this reflects the learning time needed for apprentices without any prior learning. Your Commitment Statement will contain more details on your specific learning hours.
The off- and on-the-job learning activities work together and collectively enable you to develop the KSBs that are required for you to successfully complete the apprenticeship's End-Point-Assessment (EPA) (please see below) and determine your competency as a Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist. Your employer and apprenticeship team will offer support and guidance throughout your apprenticeship, providing you with the necessary learning opportunities and helping you to make the connections between the different activities you will undertake and the Apprenticeship Standard.
Work based (on-the-job) learning will play a major role throughout the apprenticeship. Wherever possible apprentices will be able to use projects relevant to their employment for assessment. The Synoptic Project is designed to support exactly this type of activity, and link completed work to the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours defined by the standard.
Taught modules will be delivered during the block delivery weeks, providing the off-the-job learning. Each module has learning outcomes carefully mapped to the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours of the standard while supporting their primary area of technology, such as Software Engineering or data Analytics.
Each module of the apprenticeship is designed to advance knowledge in the key technical themes as well as management and leadership skills, culminating with their application within a workplace based Synoptic Project. These modules and the Synoptic Project all contribute to your final End-Point-Assessment (EPA) and must be evidenced via a supporting portfolio showing clear mappings to the KSBs. The portfolio must be maintained by you, as the apprentice, throughout the Synoptic Project and will be reviewed at tri-partite meetings during this period to ensure KSBs are appropriately mapped to work being undertaken.
Through your apprenticeship journey to becoming a competent practitioner you will be provided with a range of opportunities to develop your confidence and resilience, to recognise the value of diversity and inclusivity in society, and in your profession, and to prepare you for further learning/ training/ employment following your apprenticeship.
Additionally, the university and your employer will ensure that you have a safe learning experience and are supported in terms of your wellbeing, online safety and understanding of the Prevent Duty (preventing individuals from being drawn into terrorism); more information on these safeguarding matters can be found within the induction session notes and the apprenticeship hand-book. You will have the opportunity to raise any concerns to your employer or the academic team informally and formally.L7 Modules
7A Specialism 1
7A Project Management
7B Specialism 2
7B Transformation and Leadership
7C Research Practice
7E Synoptic Project
7C Specialism 3
7D Research Practice
Software Engineering Specialist 7S
7A Specialism 1 - 7SA Advanced Software Engineering
7B Specialism 2 - 7SB Software Engineering for Service Computing
7C Specialism 3 - 7SC Software Components and Architectures
Data Analytics Specialist 7D
7A Specialism 1 - 7DA Data Warehouse Models and Approaches
7B Specialism 2 - 7DB Data Analytics and Visualisation
7C Specialism 3 - 7DC Database Systems and Approaches
The apprenticeship begins with an induction session, followed by delivery of core modules covering Project Management; Transformation and Leadership; and Research Practice. These will introduce core business practices including ethics and legal aspects (supporting British Values).
Additional modules include subject specific taught content (related to the chosen specialism), all of which have learning outcomes and assessments mapped to the KSBs defined by the standard. These modules cover specialist knowledge such as Advanced Software Engineer; Component Based Development; and Data Analytics and Visualisation.
The Synoptic Project module is used to link learning directly into the workplace in the form of a work-based project. Hence this combines on- and off-job training while allowing coverage of core Skills and Behaviours not normally assessed via the regular taught modules.
The final Synoptic Project and its feeder module (Research Practice) requires the usual ethical approval, as well as a confirmation that the apprentice will abide by the principles outlined by the British Computer Society. This requirement further enforces British Values, while also allowing technical and academic knowledge to be applied to a work-based project.
Since this is an integrated apprenticeship, Research Practice and the final Synoptic Project, directly contribute to a portfolio of work to evidence the EPA activity. This portfolio must be maintained by the apprentice and will be reviewed at tri-partite meetings to ensure KSBs are appropriately mapped to work being undertaken.
We are committed to providing a safe environment for our degree apprentices. We work with employers to ensure that you have a safe learning experience as set out in 'Keeping Our Apprentices Safe'. This includes information on how to identify and report concerns and access support covering safeguarding, wellbeing, online safety, the Prevent Duty (preventing individuals from being drawn into terrorism) and British Values.
In our University there is no place for bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct which includes sexual violence. We encourage any member of our community who has experienced any of these forms of unacceptable behaviour to use our Support, Report, Respect tool to access advice and raise concerns, which can be done anonymously.
Not sure who to contact? Speak to Student Advice: 0113 812 3000 or email studentadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk. They will listen and assess your concerns, offer information and advice, and refer to specialist support as required.
An understanding of British values is embedded in the apprenticeship curriculum.
British values are defined as:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect and tolerance
In line with these values, we will foster a culture where values, opinions and beliefs can be shared in the knowledge that they will be respected.
British Values - Democracy, The Rule Of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and Tolerance.
British Values are embedded within induction, and within the common leadership and management type modules. They will also be implicitly supported via the need for ethical approval of the Synoptic Project.
The Research Practice module incorporates sessions related to many aspects of British Values in order to ensure any empirical research is conducted appropriately while upholding key principles, such as the participants right to privacy and anonymity, right to withdraw from surveys, right to express opinions while having tolerance to others etc. This knowledge will then be evidenced throughout the subsequent final Synoptic project in the form of analysis and results presented within the submitted final report.
Details of School academic staff can be found on the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office and employer to let them know. Depending upon the reasons why you are unable to attend, and how long this might be for, arrangements will be put in place to ensure you can catch up on your missed learning. The School and your employer will work together to support you with this.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company, the Home Office and the Apprenticeship funding body, the Education and Skills Finding Agency (ESFA).
You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
Please note that if your apprenticeship carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional apprenticeship-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
You are advised to review your commitment statement or training plan to ensure you are clear on who to contact in your employment organisation and University if you will be absent.
If you are unable to study because of illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Campus-based apprentices who suspect they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students or apprentices (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
You are advised to review your Commitment Statement to ensure you are clear on who to contact in your employment organisation and University if you will be absent due to illness.
You must let your Apprenticeship Assessor know immediately if your employment status changes. This includes, for example:
- Redundancy
- Change in job role
- Change in employer
- Change in contracted hours
- Parental leave
- Other break in learning
Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course
Professional Body: N/A
Accreditation/ Recognition Summary
Tech Industry Gold accredited -
https://www.techskills.org/degree-apprenticeships/about-dapps/msc-degree-apprenticeships/Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
Apprentices on this course should be employed in a relevant work related area.
The Course Specification includes details of any accreditations, career paths, further study options and other opportunities for graduates.
Learning Support
If you have a question or a problem relating to your apprenticeship, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with apprenticeship-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your apprenticeship. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your apprenticeship induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' and apprentices' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student and apprentice feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your apprenticeship starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your apprenticeship.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students and apprentices can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
- The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All apprentices who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your apprenticeship. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students and apprentices at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your apprenticeship you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:
- access to your modules and timetables;
- your reading lists and email account;
- your personal storage area on our University IT servers;
- information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);
- information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)
- access to Library and student IT advice
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
All module teaching materials are made available online via My Beckett, allowing Apprentices to access lecture notes and readings from work or from home and to upload their assignments from their personal computers.
Each module has a library Reading List, providing access to recommended reading directly from MyBeckett, linking to a single source of up to date information on the resources Apprentices need to support their studies. All new Apprentices are offered a library induction session and follow up digital literacy teaching complemented by online guides and tutorials to inform Apprentices of relevant resources and activities to support their studies. Our Academic Librarians provide tailored information and literature searching sessions to Apprentices on accredited courses and also offer a programme of drop in information workshops.Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students, apprentices and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your apprenticeship enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, apprenticeship completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that apprentices will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our apprentices in the continuous enhancement of our apprenticeships and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your apprenticeship and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to apprentice outcomes on the apprenticeship and apprentice surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all apprentices to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your apprenticeship and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student and apprentice surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific apprenticeship or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our apprenticeships nationally and to inform annual apprenticeship enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your apprenticeship. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student and apprentice volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student and apprentice feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve apprentices' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your apprenticeship.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for apprentices on your apprenticeship and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from apprentices on your apprenticeship to inform enhancements to the quality of your apprenticeship and the apprentice experience.
- Facilitating good communication between apprentices and staff on the apprenticeship.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your apprenticeship.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your apprenticeship; and
- Being an ambassador for your apprenticeship.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all apprentices to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your apprenticeship and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student and apprentice surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific apprenticeship or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students and apprentices. We welcome comments and compliments from apprentices, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your apprenticeship can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
In addition to the University processes listed above, as an Apprentice, you also have the right to make enquiries or raise concerns outside of the University. Full details of these options can be found in your training plan.
General Information
PG Certificate Digital & Technology Studies (Level 7)
PG Diploma Digital & Technology Studies (Level 7)
MSc Digital & Technology Studies (Level 7)
Leeds Beckett University
Level 7 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, with 180 credit points at Level 7 of the UK Credit Framework for England.
Digital & Technology Solutions Specialist (Integrated Degree):
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/digital-and-technology-solutions-specialist-integrated-degree-v1-0
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with our Zero Tolerance Report and Support web page regarding sexual harassment and assult.
There are no additional or non-standard regulations which relate to this apprenticeship.
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other apprentices on the same apprenticeship and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar apprenticeships taken by apprentices in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your apprenticeship. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page
Appendices
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