Business in Technology - Degree Apprenticeship

Overview

Ulster University's MSc Business in Technology (MBT), the first of its kind in the UK, was created to meet the increasing demand for professionals with both business acumen and technological expertise. Co-designed with industry, this award-winning course aims to equip professionals with the skills needed to navigate the business-technology nexus and lead, influence, and drive transformation and organisational growth. This course is ideal for individuals seeking to advance their careers in senior management and leadership roles within the technology or professional services sectors.



Degree Apprenticeships at Ulster University

A Degree Apprenticeship is a work-based training programme that provides an alternative route to getting a University Degree, where Apprentices complete their course alongside paid permanent employment.



Degree Apprenticeships involve integrated learning - you’ll gain practical experience that will inform your learning, and with mentorship support, you’ll apply what you study to your work within your organisation.



Degree Apprenticeships are funded by the Department for the Economy, so you can complete your undergraduate degree without having to pay tuition fees.

Year 1

Business Analysis and Consulting

Stakeholder and Client Management

Tech and Data Science in Consulting

Consultancy in Practice



Year 2

Strategy and Transformation

Leadership and Transformation

Tech Operations in Transformation

Transformation in Practice



Year 3​

Capstone Transformation Project

Applicants must:

(a) have gained



(i) a second class honours degree or better from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or



(ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification; [and]



and



(b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).



In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b), where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.



Eligibility

To participate in a Degree Apprenticeship programme, you must:



• be a school leaver aged 16 or over;

• be newly employed (less than 6 months before the start of the course) or be about to take up employment on a permanent contract with a minimum of 21 hours per week;

• have achieved the minimum academic entry qualifications for the course;

• pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector;

• have a right to live and work in the UK.



Additionally:

• You can participate if you already have a degree, provided that it the course you are applying for is at a higher level than or unrelated to your previous qualification.

• You can still apply for a Degree Apprenticeship if you have been at your organisation for more than 6 months, provided you are entering a new job role that requires new competences/knowledge.

• You cannot participate if you are self-employed.



To participate in a Degree Apprenticeship programme, your employer:

• must have a permanent base in Northern Ireland;

• must ensure that apprentices are enrolled on UK/HMRC payroll for the duration of the programme, and that all apprentices are paid a wage commensurate with the role and not less than the UK minimum wage;

• must not be a public sector employer.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country

When to Apply

You should apply for a Degree Apprenticeship programme once your Apprenticeship employer has made you an offer of employment.



For details of all available job opportunities, please complete the enquiry form below and our course team will get in touch.



To be eligible to apply for a Degree Apprenticeship, you and your employer must meet all of the scheme’s eligibility criteria.



You must also meet the minimum academic entry requirements for the course you intend to study.

This is a 3-year part-time course that requires you to attend a 1 x 3-hour weekly class and study pre-recorded video tutorials in your own time.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

The MSc Business in Technology (MBT) programme is highly relevant in today’s marketplace with an increasing demand for technology professionals with business and leadership skills. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to transition to senior management and leadership roles, particularly in the technology and professional services sector.