Level 7 MSc Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist
Degree Apprenticeship - Data Analytics
Introduction
Newcastle University has done extensive work to develop a business-relevant MSc-level degree apprenticeship that will drive technological innovation and change in your organisation.
Because of our sector leading expertise in computing and business, the programme at Newcastle University is uniquely placed to enhance employee skills, improve productivity, and drive innovation.
This two year course will upskill employees working as IT professionals, in current and evolving issues of Data Analytics including data management and visualisation, Big Data analysis, statistical approaches to data, and machine learning. It will help develop their skills in leadership and innovation, and culminates in a project based within their workplace.
Our apprenticeship allows companies to upskill current employees and new graduates, and empower them to become better leaders as well as technical experts. It will further advantage your organisation by providing opportunities for your employees to network and share ideas, and best practice, with IT professionals from a range of industries and backgrounds; giving you access to cutting edge innovations and high-level connections with diverse, market-leading organisations from across the North East, and beyond. The apprentices will have access to our state-of-the-art facilities in the University’s Urban Sciences Building, on the centrally located Newcastle Helix site, together with a wealth of online resources, and the University’s library.
a Level 7 MSc Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Degree Apprenticeship - Data Analytics and are awarded an MSc in Digital and Technology Solutions.
Overview
All three programmes have a strong technical element that will ensure your apprentices will become strong technical experts, who can help boost digital innovation in your business. At the same time, our collaboration with Newcastle University Business School (NUBS) will help apprentices gain vital leadership, change management and innovation skills that will prepare them to become high-calibre, future leaders in your organisation.
Finally, apprentices will undertake a six month project, in the workplace, where they will get the chance to utilise the skills they have gained during the course. The project will typically be part of a bigger project already going on in your organisation, but could also be something completely unique. During this project, apprentices have the support of an academic supervisor, meaning your business benefits from world-class research-expertise during the development of the project.
We encourage employers to consider who to send onto this programme and welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, and LGBT+ individuals.
Entry requirements
The apprentice must have achieved grade C or above in GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent qualification).
They should typically have a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in computer science or a discipline with significant computing content, such as:
- mathematics
- statistics
- computer science
- physics
Applicants with relevant work experience will be considered, in line with our strong diversity and inclusion focus to support applicants from non-standard backgrounds.
Module overview
Technical modules
Data Visualisation
Introducing apprentices to the theoretical underpinnings of the subject and allow them to build skills in the practice of creating data visualisations.
Data Management and exploratory data analysis
Exploring the principles of data management and rigorous experimental design with introducing the underlying technologies and computational tools.
Big data analytics
Focussing on the algorithms, technologies and architectures required to analyse Big Data, with a particular focus on cloud-based solutions.
Practical statistics for exploratory data analytics
Grasp core statistical and mathematical concepts underlying computational statistics and data analysis. Overview modern statistical approaches for analysing large, complex datasets across industries.
Practical machine learning for data analytics
Establish a foundation in the field of Pattern Recognition and an expertise in Machine Learning techniques as a toolkit for automatically analysing large amounts of data for real-life business problems.
Soft skill modules
Leadership and change in the digital age
Looking at frameworks for leadership, coaching, organisation and business change as well as team work in the context of a technology-based organisation.
Digital technology and innovation management
Identify, plan and organise technology-driven change in the workplace.
Strategic case studies
Learning to persuade, negotiate and writing of reports as well as legal, ethical and social issues surrounding the digital economy.
Apprentices will also undertake:
Six month Capstone project
Supported by an academic supervisor, this six-month, work-based project pulls together the skills and knowledge developed over the course of the apprenticeship, and provides a platform for apprentices to bring direct benefits to your organisation.
End Point Assessment
The End Point Assessment (EPA) consists of two components. Firstly, the apprentices will produce a professional portfolio which will be prepared and maintained throughout the duration of the course. Our apprenticeship tutors will support the creation and maintenance of this.
Secondly, at the end of the programme, apprentices will have a professional discussion based on their portfolio and their Capstone project report.
How is the programme delivered?
Our Data Analytics programme is delivered through a blended approach with live online and in-person delivery combined with approximately one day on campus every month throughout the two-year delivery period. The programme is taught alongside our existing MSc programme in Data Science. Combined with online learning, workplace mentoring and project-based work, the programme fully satisfies the 6 hours a week minimum off-the-job learning required of all apprenticeships funded through the levy.
Who delivers the programme?
Dr Tong Xin
Tong is a lecturer in Data Science in the School of Computing and leads the Level 7 MSc Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Degree Apprenticeship - Data Analytics. She received her PhD degree from the School of Computing at Newcastle University. Her recent research interests include computer graphics, deep learning, and remote sensing processing.
Dr Tatiana Alvares-Sanches
Tatiana is a lecturer in Data Science and Deputy Director for the Level 7 MSc Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Degree Apprenticeship - Data Analytics and part of the Programme Management Board for the CDT Geospatial Systems, in the School of Computing at Newcastle University. Prior to joining Newcastle, she held a Research Associate position in Geographical Information Science for Environmental Health, in the Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability at the University of Leicester. She obtained her PhD in geospatial analysis, and held a teaching fellow position in GIS at the School of Engineering, University of Southampton.
How to apply
The next programme start date is September 2025.
Please email apprenticeships@ncl.ac.uk to progress an application with our Apprenticeship Partnership Team.
My company was looking to evolve its capabilities and one of our skills gaps is a data scientist so doing this apprenticeship gives me the skills to work on new technologies, move up to the next level and to progress my career.