Software Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2025

At MBDA, we inspire team innovation to solve some of the biggest challenges. This means you'll learn from expert and experienced minds, who are always there to encourage and support you!

Our collaborative approach and culture of sharing knowledge will be key to your development. We trust each other to thrive; support one another to learn, and when you join us, you'll bring a different perspective to how we see the future.

The Software teams at MBDA deliver software for the next generation of weapons in an ever evolving environment - to support those on the battlefield. Our teams provide a range of products from high integrity software running on our weapon systems, to mission planning solutions integrated into a complex battle space arena. We use numerous programming languages, software tools and software lifecycle methodologies to achieve this.

The Software team is part of a wider multinational function. This offers the team a unique opportunity to learn about different technologies and methods from other national teams!

We develop and support a wide range of Software products, such as:

• Mission Planning and Control systems,
• Command, Control and Firing Units
• Real Time components such as Weapons and Missile Control Units.
• Test Systems

We are a strong cohesive team, which is interactive and passionate about software technologies and development. We have an open and encouraging approach to software development and are always seeking to improve the way we work and deliver our products. This provides a great learning environment for the apprentices on our programme.

Working closely with other teams and departments, you will cover anything from embedded systems to front end software. This software will be developed on using various platforms, including: Linux and Windows, utilising languages including C, C++ and Java.

Programme structure:

On this 4-year scheme you will study towards a BSc (Hons) Digital & Technology Solutions Software Engineer pathway at either MK:U Cranfield University (if Stevenage based), University Centre Weston (if Bristol based), Manchester Met University (if Bolton based). Study will take place face to face at university 1 day per week. When not at University you will be working across new and existing software products building your overall product knowledge. You'll have involvement in all aspects of the software development lifecycle within a supportive team.

In years 1-3, you will undertake 6 x 6 month placements providing insight into each of the departments within Software. This will give you great exposure to the development methodologies & technologies they use. In year 4, you will take on a year long placement in the department of your choosing, which will run alongside your final project.

As you progress towards your final year on the scheme, we'll work with you to understand your skills and career ambitions, so that together we can explore the technical career paths available, once your apprenticeship is complete.

Find more details about the courses here:

Stevenage - https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/MKU/MKU-Digital-and-Technology-Solutions

Bristol - https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/digital-and-technology-solutions-bsc-hons/

Bolton - https://www.mmu.ac.uk/study/apprenticeships/courses/digital-technology-solutions

What we're looking for from you:

1)5 GCSES including Maths & English Language & Science/Technology (all sciences or IT) at Grade 9 – 4

2) 120 UCAS points achieved through:

• 3 A-levels. This will include Maths/Further Maths or Computing/Computer Science
• T-Level in a Software Engineering/Computing field at Merit or Distinction
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at a minimum grade of DDM in a Computing/IT related subject

This role has specific qualification level and subject criteria - please make sure you carefully check your eligibility against this criteria as we cannot consider applications from anyone that does not meet the requirements.

Please note: We look at entry criteria based on your top three full A Levels or equivalent qualifications (BTEC/T Level). We do not include UCAS points gained from an Extended Project Qualification. Additionally, as an employer we set our own entry criteria based on the requirements of this role. This means that the criteria above may differ from the university.

Our company:

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

What we can offer you:

• Fully funded qualification starting September 2025
• Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
• Annual pay reviews
• 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
• Study leave during exam periods

We respect new perspectives and experiences, and we value our collaborative ways of working. We are committed to growing and supporting diversity in our workforce and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential. MBDA is proud of our employee-led networks including Gender Equality, Pride, Neurodiversity, Ethnic Diversity, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers and Armed Forces.

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