What is the Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) in Software Engineering?
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.
About the Course
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.
This pathway offers an alternative route to a university degree, designed for those who prefer to learn through practical experience, gain early exposure to the workplace, and apply their learning in a real-world context.
Developed with input from leading technology companies in Northern Ireland, the programme delivers a curriculum that reflects the latest industry trends, tools, and practices, helping you develop the skills employers need now and in the future.
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.
A strong focus on team-based and project-led learning ensures that you can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, while developing valuable experience in collaboration, communication and professional practice. Supported by both your employer and Queen’s academic staff, you will graduate with a strong technical foundation, commercial awareness and the confidence to contribute to innovation within your organisation and beyond.
Finding an Employer for the Software Engineering HLA
You must have an employer in place before the course begins in September. If you need support, explore the live apprenticeship vacancies from our network of industry partners who are actively recruiting apprentices.
Queen's Network of Employers
At Queen's we're proud to have a fantastic industry network that we collaborate with frequently. For current apprenticeship vacancies within this network please see below.
Live Job Openings are updated frequently so please check back again
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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