Course Code: IN00005 Software Developer - Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship Duration Day/s of weekBy arrangement Time - Next course dates Start dateLocationDuration / Fees Anytime University Centre / £0 Enquire now Overview Is this course for me? What will I learn? How will I be assessed? Key information Where could this course take me? Course SummaryAdvance your career in software development with the Level 4 Software Developer Digital IT Apprenticeship. Designed for those already employed in development roles, the programme develops high-level technical knowledge and skills in order to support professional development. Much of the content links to software development and language but you will also develop valuable problem-solving, analytical and communication skills as well. B&FC was the first college in the country to receive accreditation from the British Computer Society for its higher education. With expert tutors and assessors, outstanding facilities and high levels of support, we are the obvious choice to help you progress within the IT industry. Entry RequirementsTo enrol on this Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship you will need to be in relevant full-time employment. If you don't currently have relevant employment but you do have relevant work/voluntary experience you should still apply as we could support you to find a suitable role. Applicants without GCSE Maths/English at grade 4/C or higher (or equivalent qualifications) will have the opportunity to work towards appropriate maths and English qualifications as part of this programme. To employers: you will be able to offset tuition fees against the Apprenticeship Levy - please seek financial guidance through the appropriate professional services. Entry Requirements To enrol on this Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship you will need to be in relevant full-time employment. If you don't currently have relevant employment but you do have relevant work/voluntary experience you should still apply as we could support you to find a suitable role. Applicants without GCSE Maths/English at grade 4/C or higher (or equivalent qualifications) will have the opportunity to work towards appropriate maths and English qualifications as part of this programme. To employers: you will be able to offset tuition fees against the Apprenticeship Levy - please seek financial guidance through the appropriate professional services. Learning and Teaching MethodsThe first year focuses on the Software Development module and balances programming fundamentals with theoretical concepts. You will be introduced to key topics and methodologies within class-based settings, with an opportunity to ask questions and enter into discussions. The second year develops the fundamental concepts covered during Year 1, focusing on the Software Language module. You will explore software modelling and patterns through lectures and demonstrations, with the emphasis on how these are transferrable between programming languages. This will allow you to undertake practical tasks in a development environment best suited to your workplace. Throughout your apprenticeship you will spend 20% of your time engaged in ‘off-the-job’ training, consisting of timetabled hours at College and independent study. The exact amounts will vary based on your individual role, prior experience and qualifications but as a guide, these are included below for: Networking Level 4 Qualification Title TQT (Guided Learning + Direct Study + Assessment) BCS Level 4 Diploma in Network Principles 501 (168h + 332h + 1h) BCS Level 4 Diploma in Network Systems Architecture 661 (228 + 432h + 1h) BCS Level 4 Diploma in Network Security 525 (144h + 380h + 1h) Software Developer Level 4 Qualification Title TQT (Guided Learning + Direct Study + Assessment) BCS Level 4 Diploma in Software Development Methodologies 401 (280h + 120h + 1h) BCS Level 4 Diploma in Software Languages 580 (360h + 220h + 1h) Teaching and Learning Methods The first year focuses on the Software Development module and balances programming fundamentals with theoretical concepts. You will be introduced to key topics and methodologies within class-based settings, with an opportunity to ask questions and enter into discussions. The second year develops the fundamental concepts covered during Year 1, focusing on the Software Language module. You will explore software modelling and patterns through lectures and demonstrations, with the emphasis on how these are transferrable between programming languages. This will allow you to undertake practical tasks in a development environment best suited to your workplace. Throughout your apprenticeship you will spend 20% of your time engaged in ‘off-the-job’ training, consisting of timetabled hours at College and independent study. The exact amounts will vary based on your individual role, prior experience and qualifications but as a guide, these are included below for: Networking Level 4 Qualification Title TQT (Guided Learning + Direct Study + Assessment) BCS Level 4 Diploma in Network Principles 501 (168h + 332h + 1h) BCS Level 4 Diploma in Network Systems Architecture 661 (228 + 432h + 1h) BCS Level 4 Diploma in Network Security 525 (144h + 380h + 1h) Software Developer Level 4 Qualification Title TQT (Guided Learning + Direct Study + Assessment) BCS Level 4 Diploma in Software Development Methodologies 401 (280h + 120h + 1h) BCS Level 4 Diploma in Software Languages 580 (360h + 220h + 1h) Expert Tutors All staff involved in the delivery of adult education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. Assessment Methods The Higher Apprenticeship consists of two Knowledge modules: Software Development and Software Language. These aim to develop technical knowledge and understanding across the following areas: the software development lifecycle agile and waterfall software development methodologies effective team-working to produce software software design approaches and patterns business issues related to software development algorithms, logic and data structures You will acquire a range of technical competencies along with valuable skills such as problem-solving and communication to support your personal and professional development. Both the Knowledge modules are assessed by an online exam provided by the British Computer Society (BCS). Successful completion of the Software Development exam leads to a recognised vendor qualification. Over the two years, you will need to build a portfolio evidencing the development and application of your skills in the workplace. In addition, at the end of this period you will be set a one-week project to complete away from the workplace. Once you have completed the project and examinations, you will need to obtain an Employer Reference and undertake a structured video-conference interview with the BCS. Other Costs and Equipment Needed All the equipment and resources you need are provided by B&FC at no extra cost. Terms and Conditions Read our full terms and conditions. Career Options and Progression The Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship is intended to aid professional development into and within the following roles: Software Developer Web Developer Games Developer Application Developer Real Time Systems Developer