Aston University has joined forces with hi-tech global giants Capgemini to launch the UK’s first degrees in the IT sector to be delivered in the workplace.
The city-based university has hailed the five-year degrees, in Software Engineering and Information Systems Management, as a breakthrough in higher education, developing the next generation of IT specialists.
Under the degree courses, Capgemini Higher Apprentices will be able to progress to the second year of university study, using their Higher Apprenticeship as an entry point to complete a BSC Hons Degree.
The initiative marks the first sponsored degrees in the UK IT sector to be taught and delivered almost entirely in the workplace, rather than attending day release at university.
Software Engineering will be based on developing students’ technical abilities and understanding, while Information Systems will include focus on IT management.
They will include a range of bespoke modules designed specifically to help produce the software engineers and information system specialists of the future. The study will involve two years on the Higher Apprenticeship and three years studying for the BSc.
The 22 Higher Apprentices graduating this year were the first to join Capgemini, in 2011. Joining the Higher Apprentices at their graduation were Capgemini’s UK Chairman and CEO Christine Hodgson, as well as Aston University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Dame Julia King.
For over 20 years Aston has consistently featured in the top 10 UK Universities for graduate employability. The university is a pioneer of the placement year with more than 50 years of experience working with graduate employers.
Professor Dame Julia King, Aston University’s Vice Chancellor, said: “Aston University is committed to employer-led learning, which is demonstrated through Capgemini’s ability to help shape and input into the content of these high quality degrees.
“The degree programmes will be delivered almost entirely in the workplace rather than through day release, providing even greater flexibility for students to combine work alongside study.”
