AI Data Specialists carry out applied research in order to create innovative data-driven AI solutions to business problems within the constraints of a specific business context. They work with datasets that are too large, too complex, or too varied, which renders traditional approaches and techniques unsuitable.
DMU’s AI Data Specialist apprenticeship programme is particularly well-suited for organisations looking to upskill existing staff and boost digital innovation, and for professionals who want to train for roles such as AI Strategy Managers and AI Engineers. The programme prepares apprentices with industry-standard Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) in AI and Data Analytics. In addition, apprentices are equipped with transferable technical competencies, knowledge and understanding, underpinning professional, leadership and management skills that the industry requires.
Alongside their academic studies, learners will be in full-time employment.,The programme recognises work-based learning and provides learners with opportunities to critically reflect on their learning, both at DMU and in the workplace, allowing them to identify areas where the course has been applied within an industry setting. The teaching and course content are strongly informed by scholarship and research activity across all levels of the programme, with additional guidance provided by the Cyber Technology Institute Industrial Advisory Group at DMU.
Apprentices will start their programme by developing a fundamental understanding of Data Science (DS) Theories and Principles. Apprentices will be able to critically explore the transdisciplinary nature of the AI and DS fields and how it has influenced industries such as banking, healthcare, e-commerce and transportation. Next, the Research Methods for AI and DS module provides grounding for autonomously examining emerging trends, types of industry/research challenges, and applicable methods and tools that can be applied in the areas of AI and DS. The Data Warehousing & Online Analytics and Big Data Analytics modules will then cover topics at the System Architecture level to make strategic decisions for efficiently managing and processing complex data at an industrial scale. The Data Mining, Techniques and Application module and Artificial Neural Networks and Deep Learning (DL) module will cover industry-standard approaches, methods and tools used to perform various Data Analysis tasks. Subsequently, apprentices will study Natural Language Processing with DL and Applied AI modules developing unique solutions to practical problems.,. Finally, the Apprenticeship Project module will enable apprentices to apply their KSBs, acquired through previous modules, to complete independent work-based practical projects. This Apprenticeship Project will inform the Gateway Requirements and end-point assessment (EPA) components required.
- Data Science Theory & Principles
- Research Methods for AI and Data Science
- Data Warehousing and Online Analytics
- Big Data Analytics
- Artificial Neural Networks and Deep Learning
- Natural Language Processing based on Deep Learning
- Applied Artificial Intelligence
- Apprenticeship Project
- End-Point Assessment (Including Gateway)
The assessment methods and criteria are embedded in the individual modules of the programme. Each module specification defines the assessment methods and reassessment details which are appropriate to the aims and objectives of the module: the choice of the most suitable coursework is dependent on the subject and content of the module. Some modules adopt a combination of a time-constrained phase test and other coursework assessments. Other module assessment methods include projects, reports, posters and presentations. The formal assessment component marks from each module will contribute to your final mark (i.e. classification) of the academic award. The details of these assessments are contained in an Assessment Brief in the respective Module specification documents. Wherever feasible, student assessment work is submitted to the Learning Management System.
AI and Data Specialist Apprenticeship programme aligned to the Level 7 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Specialist Apprenticeship Standard (ST0763) defined by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).