Robert Gordon University (RGU) is the first university in Scotland to confirm the structure and content of its new work-based learning degrees.
The university has approved the delivery of its two Graduate Level Apprenticeships (GLAs), which it has established with £1million in funding from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to address the national digital skills shortage.
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Following a validation process, the university has delivered a detailed overview of the GLAs, which are confirmed as a BSc (Hons) IT Management for Business and a BSc (Hons) Software Development for Business.
The GLAs enable participants to earn their degree while working and will be delivered in partnership with their employers over the course of four years with learners completing four modules per year, each worth 30 credits per stage.
RGU’s School of Computing Science and Digital Media will match learning outcomes with specific skills requirements and practical experience, linking with workplace projects and supported through RGU’s state-of-the-art virtual learning environment.
Professor John Harper, Deputy Principal at RGU who has overseen the approval process, says: “The confirmation of our GLA structures marks a major milestone for the university and for work-based learning opportunities in Scotland.
“Graduate Level Apprenticeships represent an innovation across teaching and learning. We’re therefore excited to be at the forefront of confirming the degree structures, which are built around the value of time in the workplace as a learning environment.”
The university is offering 30 fully-funded places across the pioneering degree programmes and is currently seeking employers interested in taking advantage of the opportunity, which is set to begin in May.
Graduate Level Apprenticeships have been developed by SDS in partnership with employers, universities and colleges and professional bodies to create stronger links between industry and education and increase graduate employability skills.
Jonathan Clark, Director of Service Design and Innovation at Skills Development Scotland said: “We are delighted to see the first university in Scotland confirm their Graduate Level Apprenticeships structure and congratulate RGU for its leading work in helping us to develop the skills employers need.”
