Software Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026

MBDA; Westhoughton; Hybrid; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization based in the United Kingdom is seeking candidates for a Software Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship starting in 2026. This program offers a fully funded BSc (Hons) qualification in Digital & Technology Solutions alongside practical experience in software development. Candidates must achieve a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English and Mathematics, and have completed relevant A-levels or vocational qualifications. The role includes placements across various software teams, providing comprehensive training and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification

Paid travel expenses

Annual pay reviews

25 days annual leave plus flexi leave

Study leave during exam periods

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English Language, Mathematics, and any Science or Technology subject.
• Completed one of several pathways with 120 UCAS Tariff points.
• GCSE grades A to C required. Grades below a C are not considered.

Responsibilities

• Undergo 6 placements providing insight into different software departments.
• Study towards a BSc (Hons) Digital & Technology Solutions Software Engineer at designated universities.
• Develop software using languages including C, C++, and Java in a supportive team environment.

Skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English, Maths, Science

3 A-levels including Maths or Computing

T-Level in Software Engineering/Computing at Merit or Distinction

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT, Maths, Science or Engineering (DDM)

Job description

Bolton

Software Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026

Salary: £18,750 plus a £3000 joining bonus

Work Location: MBDA Stevenage or Bristol or Bolton

Learning Provider Location: CranfieldMK: U in Milton Keynes (for Stevenage), University College Weston -Winter Gardens (for Bristol) & Manchester Metropolitan University (for Bolton)

Security clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

CLOSING DATE FOR THIS ROLE IS MIDNIGHT ON 23RD JANUARY 2026 (SUBJECT TO APPLICATION VOLUMES).

What we can offer you:

• Fully funded qualification starting September 2026
• 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

The opportunity

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.

Software Products

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

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 Cranfield MK : U University (if Stevenage based), University Centre Weston (if Bristol based), Manchester Met University (if Bolton based). Study at University Centre Weston and Manchester Met will take place face to face at university 1 day per week. Study at MK : U consists of one virtual study day a week (on average) with the university and three days learning on site at the start and end of each module. 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 × 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

This role has specific qualification and subject criteria so please make sure you carefully check your eligibility against this criteria before applying otherwise your application will not be considered. If you are currently studying and predicted to meet these requirements by the start date you are welcome to apply.

GCSEs : A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4, including:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Any Science or Technology subject

After GCSEs you must have completed one of the following and achieved 120 UCAS Tariff points:

• 3 A-levels to include Maths or Computing / Computer Science.

Applicants must have achieved grades A to C. Grades below a C will not be considered.

T-Level in a Software Engineering / Computing field at Merit or Distinction.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in an IT, Maths, Science or Engineering subject at a minimum grade of DDM.

Candidates applying with an Engineering or Science BTEC must provide evidence of completing a Further Maths module.

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: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. 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.

We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more… We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

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