The BSc Applied Data, Statistical and Economic Analysis degree apprenticeship programme aims to equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to understand, apply, and critically evaluate Data Science, Statistics and Economic principles through real-world application. In addition, graduates will also be equipped with the skills to apply statistical and data science methods and use industry-standard platforms, tools, and techniques to implement within their workplaces.
Industry has worked closely with the University in developing the BSc Applied Data, Statistical and Economic Analysis degree apprenticeship programme through creating challenging scenarios and assessments for the apprentice’s learning environment. Additionally, apprentices will be taught within a framework of EDGE (Ethical, Digital, Global and Entrepreneurship) competencies that all Cardiff Metropolitan University apprentices benefit from.
Apprentices will develop and apply the knowledge and professional skills developed within this programme of learning to their workplace. Developed as a three-way learning partnership (tripartite) between the employer, the student and the academic programme team, this programme will enable apprentices to develop skills which will be in high demand in the future, meeting regional skills gaps. Apprentices will study one day per week during the academic teaching period, with the remaining four days in employment. With delivery over an extended academic year, including dedicated skills development weeks, and the application of core tenants of work-based learning, apprentices will achieve their award within the same period as a standard full-time student, minimising the opportunity cost for employers and ensuring that the future skills needs of employers are met as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Course Content
Year 1
- Data Communications
- The Economy Micro Economics & Macro Economics
- Introduction to Statistics
- Fundamentals of Data Science
Year 2
- Visualisation of Data
- Economic Tools for Government
- Applied Data Science
- Intermediate Macro Economics
Year 3
- Social Analytics
- Econometrics
- Apprenticeship Project
- Macroeconomics Theory & Application
Learning & Teaching
Course Delivery
Workshops
Practical workshops are the primary teaching method and used extensively across the BSc Applied Data, Statistical and Economic Analysis programme. In these classes apprentices are able to practice and refine their skills in a supportive environment where they can receive feedback from a member of academic staff. Practical workshops represent a valuable transition between theory and the workplace.
Case Studies
Case studies are a common teaching and learning strategy, employed in a range of modules, particularly as an assessment tool. Apprentices are presented with or asked to develop real or simulated complex problems which they are required to analyse in detail and then synthesise/present their own solution in writing or orally.
Learning Strategies
Apprentices are expected to take greater responsibility for their own learning as they progress through their programmes. The course structure and the proposed teaching strategies are designed to encourage this development. The student-centered approach will be encouraged through the use of specific teaching strategies; case studies; projects; practical exercises, supplemented by the use of appropriate support materials; videos; computer software; etc. Active engagement with the subject material enhances learning and many of the learning strategies used attempt to promote this.
Support
Each Degree Apprentice will be assigned a Degree Apprenticeship Mentor based within the School of Technologies who will meet with the apprentice and the employer bi-monthly. The degree apprenticeship mentor will also be on hand to provide advice and guidance to the apprentice as and when required throughout their studies.
Technology and Facilities
The course will be taught in person 1 day per week for 24 weeks of the year at the University’s Llandaff campus. The learning will be supported by the University’s virtual learning environment Moodle where a variety of learning resources will be stored.
Assessment
Assessments relate directly to learning outcomes and one assessment usually covers a range of such outcomes.
Assessments take the form of class tests (seen/unseen, open book, essays/short answers), essays, practical assessments, presentations (in-person, video, poster), role-plays, individual and group reports, and an Apprenticeship dissertation project. Assessments are designed to be authentic and through the use of formative assessment with frequent, short-term feedback early in the course, the assessment strategy is designed to encourage apprentices and to build their confidence.
In addition to the learning and teaching strategies referred to previously, apprentices are expected to demonstrate professional competencies and behaviour within the workplace. A three way learning plan is agreed between employer, apprentice and University which will detail the on the job training and professional competencies detailed within the relevant apprenticeship framework. These will be reviewed as part of the progress update process every two months and are specific to the individual employer (such as working practices, company structure and processes, induction, and professional behaviour).
Employability & Careers
Apprentices are expected to be in a relevant full-time position and to apply relevant learning to their workplace through applied projects and utilising real-world examples within their assessments.
Competencies additional to the knowledge aims of the programme will be assessed within the workplace by the employer; specifically professional behaviour, health and safety and company roles, responsibilities and working practices. This will be evidenced within the three-way progress meetings throughout the programme by the Degree Apprenticeship Mentor.
Apprentices will have many opportunities to take part in a range of relevant employability support initiatives offered by the University designed to support future career development. Successful completion of the Degree Apprenticeship will prepare apprentices to progress in their future careers within their relevant field.
Entry Requirements & How to Apply
Degree Apprenticeship Vacancies are advertised and managed by employers. The University works with a range of employer partners throughout Wales.
Applicants must be in full time relevant employment in a role aligned to the Wales Digital Degree Apprenticeship Framework Specification for Applied Data, Statistical and Economic Analysis.
Decisions on entry for this programme will be made in partnership between the University and the employer ensuring that the candidate meets the standard academic entry requirements as well as the professional and employer entry requirements which varies between employer. This will be determined pre-application by the Degree Apprenticeships Lead, industry link within the programme team and employer representative. All apprentices enter into a three way learning agreement upon acceptance to the programme.
Indicative Entry Requirements
The following requirements are based on typical offers relevant to entering year 1 of the degree.
- Tariff points: 104-112
- Contextual offer: See our
contextual offers page.
- GCSE: Five GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above to include English Language / Welsh First Language, Mathematics / Mathematics – Numeracy.
- English Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all elements, or equivalent.
- A level subjects: Minimum three A levels to include Grades CCC. No specific subjects required. Welsh Advanced Skills Baccalaureate considered as a third subject.
- BTEC National / Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DMM
- T Level: Merit. No specific subjects required.
- Access to Higher Education Diploma: No specific subjects required.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 2 x H5. No specific subjects required.
- Irish Leaving Certificate: 2 x H2 grades. No specific subjects required. Higher level subjects only considered with a minimum grade H4.
- Scottish Advanced Highers: Grades DD. No specific subjects required.
Scottish Highers are also considered, either on their own or in combination with Advanced Highers.
Combinations of the above qualifications are accepted if they meet our minimum requirements. If your qualifications aren’t listed, please contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search.
If you are a mature applicant, have relevant experience or prior learning that you would like us to consider, please contact the apprenticeships team via
apprenticeships@cardiffmet.ac.uk for further discussion.
Admission with Credit (Advanced Standing)
Apprentices with an appropriate HND/C and level of performance from within the School or partner institutions can transfer directly onto the degree; other apprentices wishing to enter the course may apply on the basis of Credit Transfer or RPL/RPEL for admission with Credit. Such claims must conform to Cardiff Metropolitan University’s regulations for advanced standing and applicants must submit a portfolio of evidence. This will be assessed by the programme team and a report sent for confirmation to the School’s Director of Learning & Teaching for approval. The details required in this portfolio will depend upon the nature of the credit being claimed.
Additionally, the School accepts apprentices with specific qualifications from approved partner institutions. In such cases both the course content and the institution will have been examined and approved by the School.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements: For international apprentices, whose first language is not English, a minimum IELTS score of 6.0.