QUB – New Level 6 Undergraduate Software Engineering HLA

The HLA in Software Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast is a three-year degree pathway that enables you to earn a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) while working in a paid role.

It is a degree apprenticeship, which means you will study part-time at Queen’s while gaining hands-on experience in industry. Working with a leading technology company in Northern Ireland. You will spend four days each week with your employer and one day on campus, learning the theory that supports the work you do in your job.

The HLA is fully funded by the Department for the Economy, so there are no tuition fees for apprentices, and you will earn a salary from your employer throughout the programme.

Why Software Engineering?

The demand for skilled software engineers has never been higher, and this programme has been designed to prepare you to meet that demand.

Software engineering underpins almost every aspect of modern life. From the applications we use each day to the systems that support healthcare, transport, finance and entertainment, software drives innovation, efficiency and progress across every sector.

Throughout the programme, you will develop the theoretical understanding and practical expertise required to design, build and maintain large-scale, reliable and secure software systems. You will learn how to turn complex real-world problems into efficient, user-centred software solutions, applying your learning directly to your workplace projects as you progress.

Your studies will cover key areas such as programming, software design, data-driven systems, cyber security, computer architecture, algorithms and cloud computing. You will also explore specialist topics such as artificial intelligence, embedded systems and secure software development, gaining insight into how emerging technologies are shaping the future of the industry.

BENEFITS TO STUDENTS

• No tuition fees
• Earn while you learn
• Gain experience in a job relevant to a future career
• Industrial mentor for professional development
• A mix of remote learning and block teaching on campus
• An extra study option outside of UCAS

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Step 1 – Apply for the Software Engineering HLA at Queen’s – complete application form and submit to the admissions team here.
• Step 2 – Apply for apprenticeships with employers.
• Step 3 – Once you have secured an apprenticeship with an employer, inform admissions@qub.ac.uk
• Step 4 – Await your exam results in August. If you have successfully secured an employer and meet the entry requirements, you will be given an unconditional offer.
• Step 5 – Start the course in September

Eligibility Criteria

To take part in the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme you need, as a minimum, to:

• Be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, with a Northern Ireland-based company.
• Work at least 21 hours per week (including time for ‘off-the-job’ training).
• Have achieved all necessary entry qualifications determined by Queen’s University Belfast.
• Be the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact Dr Jonathan Browning at j.browning@qub.ac.uk

Please click here for further information and to apply