This course provides students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to help their organisations gain insight from their data to drive innovation and efficiency. The course covers topics which offer students a thorough grounding in data analytics, data management, data engineering, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Students are employed in full-time work throughout their course of studies and combine course learning with work-based learning, modules are undertaken sequentially rather than in parallel.
Year 1
Introduction to the data analytics lifecycle including data preparation, exploration and visualisation; principles of statistical and mathematical techniques for data analysis and problem solving; fundamental programming principles; transferable professional skills.
Year 2
Application of data mining techniques; advanced programming including modelling, design, implementation and testing of systems; database design principles and developing a relational database; security threats against information systems; the understanding of ethical and legal issues related to the IT business environment.
Year 3
Design, implementation and evaluation of scalable program solutions using a big data computation framework; use of business intelligence tools to support decision making; development of data warehousing solutions; application of machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques to solve real-world problems; creative idea generation and entrepreneurial skills to start or grow a business through digital transformation.
Year 4
Undertake a substantial professional computing project in data science; principles and practices underlying the retrieval, extraction and mining of text data, including web data; architecting and developing cloud-based applications; keep abreast of the latest trends in techniques and applications of data science at the forefront of technology.
Student stories
Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:
Our sustainability commitment
Sustainability will be a key topic for all students at the School of Computing through our real-world project in Year 2, incorporating solving sustainability issues with entrepreneurial thinking while preparing them with the confidence and skills to enter the working environment. In this project you will select one of three challenges to tackle, identify who the problem affects and then build a self-sustaining business model to bring jobs to the economy. It is through learning opportunities like the real-world project that we embed sustainability in our undergraduate offering so that it can continue to be considered through your chosen career path.
This course is committed to United Nation's Sustainability Goals 3, 9 and 11. Find out more on the United Nations website.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Learning Methods
Our Graduate Apprenticeship courses are designed to meet the national frameworks developed by Skills Development Scotland, the subject frameworks of the QAA and the skill and knowledge areas identified as crucial by industry.
To be eligible for this course students must be recruited/employed by a partner employer of the university.
Activity Summary
This course is delivered through supported online study using our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), CampusMoodle. CampusMoodle offers the flexibility of where and when students choose to study and gives them full open access to tutors and other class members. Students will have the benefit of being part of a group of learners with the invaluable opportunity of participating in active, group-related learning within a supportive online community setting. The online campus provides course materials which include:- Online activities
- Discussion forums - student and tutor led
- Up-to-date web technology for delivery methods
- User friendly material
There will be on-campus workshops scheduled during your course of study providing the opportunity to grow your professional network, share insights and experiences and engage with staff in the campus setting.
- Webinars: 15 students per group for up to 30 hours per module
- Work based learning: 15 students per group for up to 240 hours per module, with Workplace Mentor
Online delivery using VLE for Blackboard Collaborate sessions for up to 2 hours per week along with additional enhancement materials.
Modules are 10 weeks in length running sequentially for 40 weeks (4 x modules per year) and do not adhere to the traditional term calendar.Independent Study
Most independent study will be done with the employer in the workplace, however students have full access to library, labs, and support services.
Staff Delivering on This Course
Staff are lecturers from traditional courses taught currently at RGU along with the potential for recorded guest lectures delivered by industry experts.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
- written assignments, including essays
- reports
- portfolios
- set exercises
- oral assessments
- practical skills assessments
- group critiques
Year 2
- written assignments, including essays
- reports
- portfolios
- set exercises
- oral assessments
- practical skills assessments
- group critiques
Year 3
- written assignments, including essays
- reports
- portfolios
- set exercises
- project outputs
- oral assessments
- practical skills assessments
- group critiques
Year 4
- written assignments, including essays
- reports
- dissertation
- portfolios
- set exercises
- project outputs
- oral assessments
- practical skills assessments
- group critiques
Feedback
We aim to provide feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
Students will be in full-time employment throughout the duration of the course, therefore extensive use is made of work-based learning.Job Prospects
A Graduate Apprenticeship synchronises theoretical learning with practical experience. With each course tailored to the company, the Graduate Apprenticeship programme offers benefits to both the employee and the employer, meeting the long term development needs of both business and student.
SQA Higher: BBBC
Alternative Qualifications
We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications or work experience which equip them with an equivalent starting point for the course. For those applicants who do not meet our Standard Course Entry Requirements, applications may be considered from those who possess one years’ relevant work experience and where the applicant has demonstrated the development of key skills evidenced through a detailed CV. Applications from students with non- standard qualifications (including Foundation Apprenticeships, Modern Apprenticeships, SVQs/NVQs and access programmes) or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.Advanced Entry
Applicants who are interested in applying for advanced (or flexible) entry will be considered on an individual basis. Attention is drawn to the university's process for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).For Academic Year 2024/2025
- £1,820 per academic year
For Academic Year 2023/2024
- £1,820 per academic year
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
Graduate Apprenticeship courses include an on-campus induction, together with one or two on-campus day(s) per module, therefore employers supporting Graduate Apprenticeship students need to plan for this time away from the workplace together with any associated travel and accommodation costs.
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
- Re-sit fees, fees for re-assessment opportunities in a repeat year
Student Funding
Subject to meeting course entry and employer eligibility criteria, a number of fully-funded places are available for this course.
Students should apply to SAAS to have their tuition fees paid:
As a paid employee, apprentices would not be eligible for other SAAS funding such as bursaries and student loans.
Find out more information about funding and other frequently asked questions:
Have a question about the course? Get in touch with the Graduate Apprenticeship team and they'll do their best to help.