BSc (Hons) Applied Software Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship)
Course details
Year of entry
2026
Institution Code
G53
Location
Wrexham
Why choose this course?
There is a high demand for Software Engineers, with the skills, knowledge and understanding to develop, advance, design and maintain modern computer applications and systems. This degree will look at core Applied Software Engineering skills, underlying systems and technologies that continue to effect industry and society.
Students will:
- Gain a full degree in three years of part-time study.
- Study one day per week, with the remaining four days in employment.
- Develop highly sought-after skills in computer programming, database development, networking, website development and information systems design.
- Develop practical skills useful in any field of business, such as problem-solving, teamwork, project management and how to use information technology effectively and understanding specialised software.
- Apply the knowledge and professional skills developed within the programme to their workplace.
Key course features
- This course responds to identified skills gaps, providing you with the critical understanding, knowledge and skills needed for successful employment.
- Personal development planning is integrated throughout the course to develop the skills framework necessary for effective personal, academic and career management.
- The University is home to ARCLab, which specializes in research in the field of computing and computer science.
- Newly refurbished IT labs.
- Host of the biennial Internet Research Conference, attracting delegates from across the world.
- *This course is part of a subject area rated 3rd in the UK and 1st in Wales for satisfaction with teaching, and 2nd in the UK and 1st in Wales for satisfaction with the course in the Computer Science and Information Systems subject league tables, The Guardian University Guide 2022.
- *This course is part of a subject area rated joint 2nd in Wales for teaching quality and 4th in UK for student experience in the Computer Science subject league tables, Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.
What you will study
Students will develop and apply the knowledge and professional skills developed within this programme of learning to their workplace. Developed as a three-way learning partnership between the employer, the student and the academic programme team, this route will enable students to develop skills that will be in high demand in the future, meeting regional skills gaps.
By utilising the full calendar year and applying core tenants of work-based learning, students will achieve their award within the same period as a standard full-time student.
YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)
Level 4 contains essential fundamental material which is relevant in all of our computing programmes. You will learn subject-specific skills along with transferable skills which will increase your employability prospects.
With the support of your tutors, you will learn about some of the essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to computing and computer applications. You will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of some of the tools, practices and methodologies used in the specification, design, implementation and testing of computer software systems.
MODULES
- Computer Systems
- Managing Data
- Problem Solving with Programming
- Web Design and Development
- Design Methodologies
- Governance
YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)
Level 5 continues teaching you the fundamentals of the discipline, and more specialist modules start to be introduced. You will also undertake a group project where you will gain important skills in project management techniques and the professional and ethical issues of project management. You will also deepen your knowledge of programming concepts and approaches as well as being introduced to systems development techniques and the professional, legal and ethical issues relevant to the computing and IT industry.
MODULES
- Databases and Web-Based Information Systems
- User Experience Design
- Internet & Mobile Applications Development
- Secure software design
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Work based project
YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)
Once you reach your final year, you will further develop your skills through taught modules and research, with a focus on the latest developments in your chosen discipline. You will also undertake an individual final year project, which will help prepare you for the kind of tasks and situations you may encounter in the workplace. The final year practical and project work will require the type of evaluation of technical and non-technical factors and the management of methodologies and systems development techniques that IT professionals exercise early in their careers.
MODULES
- IT Project Management
- Distributed Data and Data Analytics
- Advanced Mobile Development
- Future Technologies
- Project
The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.
Entry requirements & applying
The standard entry requirements of the University for this programme are (for Level 4 entry):
- 48 UCAS tariff points from appropriate level 3 qualifications such as A Levels
- 5 GCSEs at grade A*-C, including Maths and English Language/Welsh
Applicants without the necessary UCAS tariff points, or who have qualifications that do not carry UCAS tariff points, will be considered based on their professional experience within the industry they intend to study the apprenticeship in. All applicants who do not meet the above requirements will be interviewed prior to being made an offer, providing those without formal UCAS tariff points the opportunity to demonstrate how their skills and experiences from within the industry make them suitable candidate for this programme of study.
To apply for the degree apprenticeship route, please click here.
Teaching & Assessment
Assessment is seen as an integral part of learning, and assessment criteria are linked to individual module learning outcomes.
Assessment methods include practical assessments, reports and essays, analysis of case studies, oral presentations, seminar papers, project work, personal development portfolios, examinations and unseen class tests. Assessment will involve both individual and group/team-based assignments.
In the specialist security modules, students will be able to get hands-on experience of practical assessments that will see them configuring a range of computer systems and going through the processes of penetration testing and ethical hacking.
In addition to the standard assessments, 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, specific to the individual employer (such as working practices, company structure and processes, induction, and professional behaviour).
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.
We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.
In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.
Students are expected to be in a relevant full-time position and to apply relevant learning to their work-place through applied projects and utilising real-world examples within their assessments.
Career prospects
Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.
A degree apprenticeship gives you real work experience, alongside the knowledge and theory you'll get from studying a degree. By allowing you to develop the skills and knowledge for specific jobs and careers it could kick-start your career and give you a strong CV tailored to the field you want to work in.
Fees & funding
You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.
The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.
All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.
Accommodation
If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our accommodation pages to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.