Degree Apprenticeship | MSc Digital and Technology Solutions

This Level 7 degree apprenticeship helps employees develop and implement complex digital and technology strategies. There are two specialist pathways to choose from.

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At a glance

Upskill your workforce with a course designed for those already working on IT or Big Data projects
Learners can specialise in IT Strategy or Data Analytics
Drives technology-led changes in your organisation and its culture
Develop leaders who can create the strong relationships needed for high-performing technical teams

Subject area(s): Digital

Qualification level: Level 7

Attendance: Part-time

Fee: £21,000 (can be funded by your organisation's apprenticeship service account)

Course length: 2 years, including 3 months for the end-point assessment (EPA)

Suitable for: Learners on this programme typically have a 2:1 degree or equivalent. They must also be in full or part-time employment

Overview

The MSc Digital Technology Solutions Specialist degree apprenticeship enables your employees to become confident and capable leaders. This Level 7 programme equips learners with the skills to implement complex digital and technology strategies effectively.

Apprentices can:

become digital and technology solution specialists by developing a balance of leadership and technical abilities
gain the knowledge and skills to investigate, identify and implement digital and technological strategic solutions
enhance their change management, teamwork, communication, information handling, problem-solving, project management, creative and analytical abilities
learn how to drive high-performing teams by developing others and building robust relationships.

Apprentices will develop these skills through a blend of practical, theoretical, online and work-based learning.

Next available dates (open cohort)

Cohort	Start date	Nominations due
DTS04	16 October 2023	24 July 2023

Key benefits

Enhance employees' leadership and change management skills, empowering them to drive and apply digital and technological strategic solutions
Leverage technology to modernise your business strategies and develop digitally savvy leaders
Increase competence with work-based learning, a powerful vehicle for developing workplace skills and enhancing productivity

Become a confident and motivated team member capable of leveraging digital strategies to manage business challenges
Learn to investigate, identify and implement complex digital technology strategies
Develop the skills needed to disrupt existing business strategies through digitally-led thinking
Join Henley's alumni network, which includes over 87,000 individuals in 165 countries

As the employer, you need to formally nominate learners before they can apply to our apprenticeship programmes. You must also enter a three-way agreement with the apprentice and Henley Business School / the University of Reading. Find out more about the application process

Entry requirements for the individual

Applicants should have a minimum two years experience working in IT and on digital and technology solutions and a 2:1 degree or higher from a UK institution or equivalent.

If no prior degree then applicants will need a minimum of five years good professional experience

On their baseline assessment, they will need to demonstrate the need to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard.

English and maths requirements

Nominated learners MUST hold Level 2 qualifications in English and maths (i.e. GCSEs at Grades 9-4 or A*-C, or equivalent) before starting their Henley apprenticeship programme.

We ask you, the employer, to ensure applicants can provide evidence of these qualifications. You must do this before including them on your cohort form.

For more information, view our FAQ page

Apprenticeship programmes are taught using a blended learning method that combines face-to-face workshops with online and on-the-job learning.

Stage 1: Core Technical Skills, Knowledge & Behaviours

Informatics in the organisation (MQM1IIO) This module develops learners' understanding of the principles of informatics and how effective management of information resources can be a source of competitiveness for the business. Topics include: The theory and methodology of information management and systems, including business context, ethics and governance How to identify user requirements and suitable IT systems solutions How to analyse and design a systems solution using appropriate technologies. Academic authors Professor Kecheng Liu More information	20
Leading in the Digital Organisation (MMM140) In this module learners will explore the role of leadership in a digital environment. They will build their awareness of key digital technologies and discuss the impact on managerial practices, processes and strategies. Read more By the end of the module, learners will gain a critical understanding of: The evolving digital landscape The changing role of leadership in a pervasive digital environment The role of software systems in shaping organisational information and communication Key concepts of data and predictive data science, and its application in informing leadership decisions How to analyse organisational and managerial processes with regards to their potential for automation, and the impact on the nature of work, leadership, company culture and society Digital techniques used by entrepreneurs to rapidly iterate business models and test new processes and products. How to critically appraise their own behaviour with regards to managing digital productivity, managerial work practice and continuing professional development. Academic authors Professor Norbert Morawetz More information	20
Digital innovation and professional practice (MQM1DIN) This module explores how existing and cutting-edge technologies can provide innovative digital business solutions. It involves the understanding of digital technology principles, values-based innovation, digital business ecosystems and platform ecosystems, and applies the emerging service science and service logic/thinking approaches to the development of digital business solutions. It covers innovations in processes, products, technology, services, and business models, as well as methods and models to create new business value in highly competitive and technology-rich environments. Academic authors Dr Yin Leng Tan Dr Vaughan Michell More information	20

Stage 2: IT Strategy or Data Analytics specialism

At Stage 2, learners will choose one of the following technical specialisms:

IT Strategy
Data Analytics

IT Strategy specialism

This specialism equips learners with the knowledge and skills to:

manage the strategic alignment of business and IT capabilities
drive technology-based change initiatives
select appropriate tools and engage with senior stakeholders to create digital strategies.

Managing strategic alignment (MQM2MSA) This module gives learners a strategic perspective of the digital transformation of an organisation at the enterprise level. It introduces the digital initiatives portfolio, which is explored at a more detailed level in the Digital business strategy module. Read more By the end of the module, learners should be able to: Develop and critically evaluate business systems and technical strategies to help the organisation transform in a fast-moving digital world Understand why enterprises strategically align their business and IT capabilities – and the consequences of failing to do so Understand the components of business and technical strategies and how they interact in a holistic framework Appropriately select from a portfolio of business IT alignment tools and apply these for digital transformation, engaging with professional colleagues and executives Academic authors Professor Sharm Manwani More information	20
Digital business strategy (MQM2DBS) This module connects the enterprise view of digital transformation introduced in the Managing strategic alignment module with the strategic technologies used by the enterprise. Read more By the end of the module, learners should be able to: Analyse, design and develop key digital initiatives to help the organisation transform in a fast-moving digital world Analyse and assess how key digital initiatives fit into the overall strategy and business/operating models Formulate design solutions for the key digital initiatives, including a plan for the required technologies and capabilities Appropriately select from a portfolio of tools and apply these for key digital initiatives More information	20
Strategic digital technology consulting (MQM2STC) This module explores the role and nature of IT consultancy in the context of developing strategic IT solutions to support business strategy. It develops knowledge and skills around the use of consulting tools for modelling and analysis of technologies, as either an internal or external consultant. Learners will explore problem-solving methods in conjunction with digital road-map and transformation techniques to help them identify, analyse and develop proposals to meet strategic technology needs. More information	20

Data Analytics specialism

This specialism equips learners with the knowledge and skills needed to:

analyse business data requirements and create value through big data technologies
employ analytical software, statistical modelling and machine learning to solve commercial problems
apply data selection, curation, quality assurance, investigation and engineering techniques in a professional setting.

Data analytics strategy in business (MQM2DAS) This module focuses on the strategic use of data analytics in business in the era of Big Data. Learners will consider how organisations can benefit from Big Data and analytics, and analyse business and technological requirements to create value through these technologies. Students will also explore recent developments in technologies surrounding Big Data and analytics, evaluate analytics tools, and assess the legal and ethical implications of data analytics in business. Academic authors Professor Keiichi Nakata More information	20
Data management (MQM2DTM) This module highlights the importance of data management from both a management and enterprise perspective. Learners will consider information theory, data storage solutions, enterprise and systems architecture, traditional information systems use, and critical decision-making approaches. Read more By the end of the module, learners should be able to: Undertake an analytical investigation of organisational data and information, in order to consider the nature, utility and quality of available data Appreciate and support, from a management perspective, the implementation of data quality rule sets and guidelines in order to facilitate knowledge workers (e.g. database designers) Identify and appreciate how data needs can support business strategy Highlight what data must be acquired, managed, and processed in business - using examples from a range of large, complex, and real-time datasets Understand a range of IS platform choices, and consider the properties, benefits, and problems of specific solutions in the context of business operation and decision making Appreciate the data management issue involved in obtaining an enterprise systems perspective Appreciate how relevant data hierarchies and taxonomies are identified and used to manage information and knowledge management and management decision making. Academic authors Dr Stephen R Gulliver More information	20
Business data analytics (INMR95) In this module learners will be introduced to key concepts related to descriptive and predictive analytics. They will become adept at managing, summarising and analysing data, and will gain experience with building predictive models that can lead to data-driven solutions to commercial problems. Academic authors Dr Markos Kyritsis More information	20

Stage 3: Assessment Preparation

In Stage 3, learners will work on their personal development and prepare for a final work-based research project.

Capstone project (Digital Technology and Solutions) (INMRXX)

In Stage 3 learners will demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the apprenticeship programme by undertaking an independent work-based research project.

Guided by an academic supervisor, learners will conduct research - for example, user experience surveys - then develop, implement and evaluate a solution to a typical business challenge within their chosen specialism.

Through this module learners will develop their problem-solving skills, their ability to manage research activities, and their ability to critically assess the outcomes from a project.

Academic authors

Professor Weizi (Vicky) Li

More information

*The module or course content descriptions set out on this page are correct for those being taught in the current academic year. Modules or course content marked as optional are indicative and may be subject to change. Please note, constraints in timetable scheduling may mean you are unable to take some optional modules at the same time as others.

The combination of on-the-job learning in the workplace and both formal and informal off-the-job training is vital for the success of an apprenticeship. As part of the Henley community, apprentices follow a learning plan that includes taught sessions, workshops, one-to-one meetings and self-study. During this time, apprentices also continue in their day job and are encouraged to apply their learning in the workplace.

Off-the-job training is a requirement of the apprenticeship and must account for a minimum of six hours per week (equivalent) of the apprentice’s working hours. Delivered through a mix of activities, by Henley and in the workplace, this training must provide new learning relevant to the apprenticeship and not be part of their normal duties. The off-the-job workplace training could include, attending meetings or conferences, stepping up and taking on new responsibilities or shadowing colleagues.

An apprentice's line manager has a key role to play in the apprentice's progress, as well as enabling them to make a difference in the workplace. Line managers are encouraged to engage with the learner’s apprenticeship tutor to explore how they can facilitate opportunities for the relevant off-the-job training and work-based projects.

Read more on how to support an apprentice with the Henley Essential Apprenticeship Guides

Dr Weizi (Vicky) Li is Deputy Director of the Informatics Research Centre at Henley Business School and an Associate Professor of Informatics and Digital Health. Her research focuses on using informatics, data science, machine learning and digital information systems to solve real-world healthcare challenges.

Location

For clients wishing to run a closed cohort, we have the flexibility to deliver the programme at locations nationwide. If you do not wish to use your organisation's facilities, we are happy to arrange an alternative teaching venue that may be more convenient for your staff.

Open cohorts are also delivered at venues across the country. The first and last workshops are typically taught at our Greenlands campus near Henley-on-Thames. Set in sweeping parkland on the banks of the River Thames, this beautiful campus provides an inspiring and reflective environment for focused work and study.

Facilities

Through the Henley Business School Library and the virtual learning environment, learners can access a multitude of resources including books, journals, market research reports, dissertations, working papers and company information.

Find out more about our facilities and how to find us