Software Development (Graduate Apprenticeship) BSc (Hons)

What is special about this course?

From safeguarding endangered wildlife with AI to using blockchain to improve transparency and safety in global food systems, IBM’s software innovations demonstrate how technology can drive meaningful change. This Graduate Apprenticeship offers a direct pathway into contributing to work of this kind, combining academic study with real-world application.

The BSc (Hons) Applied Software Development (Graduate Apprenticeship) has been developed in close partnership with IBM, ensuring that learning is grounded in current industry practice. You benefit from professional mentoring, exposure to authentic workplace challenges, and input shaped by contemporary software development methods. Assessment is authentic and industry-led, including Git-based collaboration, client-focused presentations, and real software deliverables and delivery is led by a diverse, multidisciplinary academic team with expertise spanning computing, engineering, business, sustainability, and user experience, creating a learning environment that reflects the realities of modern, globally distributed tech teams.

The curriculum is organised around six interconnected strands - Agile, Business, Meta-skills, Security, Technical, and Sustainability - supporting your development into a well-rounded graduate who can think critically, collaborate effectively, and build robust software solutions. Suitable for school leavers, career changers, and those seeking progression within employment, the programme enables apprentices to earn while you learn, applying theory directly to workplace projects. Assessment draws on evidence from professional practice, enhancing both individual capability and organisational impact. On completion, graduates leave with a degree, substantial industry experience, and a strong portfolio, positioning you for success in Scotland’s digital sector and the wider global economy.

Special features

• Earn while you learn: achieve a full BSc (Hons) degree while working, applying new skills directly to real workplace challenges
• Co-designed and supported by IBM
• Available across Scotland to apprentices nationwide, supporting regional employers and local talent
• Fully online learning materials designed to fit around full-time employment and personal commitments
• Expert academic support from dedicated tutors
• Strong employer engagement ensures the curriculum stays aligned with current and emerging digital industry needs
• Graduate with experience and a professional portfolio

Entry requirements

• 3 Scottish Highers at grade C or above OR
• 2 A levels at grade C or above
• Alternatively, completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship, plus 1 Scottish Higher
• Applicants with other relevant qualifications and experiences, particularly from creative backgrounds, will be considered on an individual basis

You must also be:

• at least 16 years of age
• in employment for a minimum of 21 hours per week and have approval of your employer prior to application
• resident in Scotland at the start of the GA and your employer’s working premises must also be located in Scotland

• Suitability for entry onto this course will be decided by your employer and the university

Year 1 - CertHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Algorithms and data structure (GA)
• Continuous development (GA)
• Creativity through patterns (GA)
• Data languages (GA)
• Databases (GA)
• TP principles of programming (GA)

Year 2 - DipHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Data as a service (GA)
• Data transformation (GA)
• Multiplatform development (GA)
• Software architecture (GA)
• Software quality assurance (GA)
• Software services

Year 3 - BSc

You will study the following core modules:

• Data-led decision making (GA)
• Industrial software design (GA)
• Insight from data (GA)
• Releasing a minimum viable product (GA)
• Software release management (GA)
• User experience design (GA)

Year 4 - BSc (Hons)

You will study the following core modules:

• Applied research (GA)
• Enterprise transformation (GA)
• Long tail of the software cycle (GA)
• Software delivery and team management (GA)
• Software project development and testing (GA)
• Software project initiation and planning (GA)

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

• EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
• EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
• EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term-time address in Scotland, studying full time, the following fees apply:

4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying (see the Funding section opposite).

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes.  Students will get an automatic scholarship of £4,000 per annum and the 4th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

Further information on international course fees.

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.

Funding

The course fees will be funded by SAAS, for more information please refer to this graduate apprenticeship guide.