1. Computer Science Heriot-Watt University
Graduate Level Apprenticeship IT: Software Development Induction 7 September, 2018
Computer Science
Heriot-Watt University

2. GLA SDB Approach Four year program Work based blended learning
To produce graduates at honour degree level
Work based blended learning
Standardised academic knowledge/skills
Apprentices demonstrate academic skills in Industry
Not university plus internship
Flexible educational approach
Friday on-campus, Sep-Mar, Year 1
Monday on-campus, Sep-Mar, Year 2
Tutorials/Labs/Lectures on-campus as required, Jun-Aug
Excellent Track Record
Distinction Performance for the entire cohort
85% students achieved distinction level performance
flexible approach of Recognition of Prior-Learning
Multi-entry (inc. dates and years when suitable)

3. Design of GLA SDB Program
A double-layered cake approach
Standardised academic knowledge/skills
Hands-on academics contacts, avoid “learning in isolation”
Networking with GLA Apprentices
Work-based learning
Interactive on-line learning with academic tutoring
Apply standardised knowledge and skills at work in own roles
Carry out Industrial (Pilot) Projects (with academic help, low cost/risk for companies trying out new ideas)
Inject State-of-The-Art innovative knowledge and skills in companies
Promote new/independent thinking, open new opportunities for companies
Demonstrate academic
skills in Industry – in
daily work, research
and Innovation
Build Academic
Foundation &
Expertise

4. Content of Degree Program
Follow our existing BSc Computer Systems Honour degree program closely
With intent to gain accreditation from professional body when ready
Add courses from Software Engineering and Business Studies where appropriate:
Courses from Software Engineering and Computer Science (70%)
Courses from Business Management topics (30%)

5. Course Delivery Modes Standard delivery On-line blended learning
Course delivered on-campus
Mixed with main stream students
GLA own space (EM G.44, Thu/Fri)
On-line blended learning
On-line learning materials
On-campus tutorials
Industrial Project
3rd semester only for the first 2 years
Year-long for the following 2 years
GLA own space (EM G.44, Thu/Fri) – for tutorials and study

6. Work-based Learning Assessment Perform at workplace On-Line Blended
Student lead
Academics tutor
Industry assist
Learning journey
On-Line Blended
Learning
Student perform
Academics assess
with industry inputs
Student perform
Industry manage
Academics assist
Assessment
Perform at
workplace

7. Managing Industrial Projects
Academic Framework
Industry project
Student lead
Co-Design
Student perform
Academics assess
with industry inputs
Student manage
Academics tutor
Industry monitor
Co-Review
Co-Manage

8. (working with the Industry)
Industrial Project Framework
(working with the Industry)
Tools (may be tailored)
Methods (may be
tailored)
Programming Language
(may be tailored)
Evaluation (may be
Project assessment
Criteria
Industry project
Specification,
Data used,
Tools used,
Methods used
Language used,
Evaluation methods
used
Industrial project,
e.g. software tools,
Project report,
research findings,
presentation, etc.
Industrial supervisor
Review form
Academic assessment
With Industry inputs

10. Company Benefits
Early foothold in recruitment market for companies looking for engineers
Attract high potential individuals to company
Tailored to meet business needs
Shape young people
Relevant skills developed and demonstrated in workplace
Graduate engineers will have a good understanding of company operations and procedures
Companies of all sizes can join GLA
Recover Apprenticeship Levy
Living wages, full access to employers facilities and benefits

11. Student Benefits
You will study for a Honour degree, entirely paid for by the employer and government
You will have no student debt
You will start to earn a salary immediately
It is easier to secure a role with a leading/blue-chip company than it is as a graduate, when competition is tougher.
You will receive training tailored to your work, supported both by the university and companies.
You will end up, after 3-4 years at a similar stage as a graduate would entering the organisation, but with more insights into the company’s operations, people and culture
Reference:

12. SDB Program Structure Y1-212

13. ITMB Program Structure Y1-2

14. SDB Year 1 Time Table

15. SDB Year 2 Time Table

16. GLA SDB Academic Team Dr. Idris Skloul Ibrahim, co-Program Director
Dr. Santiago Chumbe, co-Program Director
Ms. Lisa Scott, GLA on-line learning manager
Professor Andrew Ireland, Program Advisor
Dr. Michael Lones, Director of 1st Year Studies
Dr. Tessa Berg , Director of 2nd year studies

18. Best luck to your studies !
For additional information visit
contact Jessica Chen-Burger at