Software Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2027

MBDA UK Limited; West of England; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded qualification starting 9/

Paid travel expenses to study

Annual pay reviews

Healthcare Cash Plan

25 days annual leave

Study leave during exams

Job summary

The MBDA Software Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Bristol combines paid study with hands-on software development across embedded and front-end projects. You will progress through six placements in years 1–3 and a final 12-month year, earning a BSc (Hons) in Digital and Technology Solutions and a competitive salary (£23,000 with a £3,000 joining bonus).

You'll work across Linux/Windows platforms using C, C++ and Java, alongside a team delivering mission-critical software for modern

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Mathematics and a Science or Technology subject.
• Three A Levels totalling 120 UCAS points, including Mathematics and a Science or Computing subject, with no grade below C.
• Alternative routes: T Level in Engineering or Computing with Merit, or a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Maths/Science/IT/Engineering with relevant maths/module.
• Note: criteria based on top qualifications; UCAS points from other qualifications not counted.

Responsibilities

• Work in Software Engineering to support the lifecycle of applications across embedded and frontend environments.
• Participate in multiple placements (6 x 6 months in years 1–3; 12-month final year) across MBDA departments.
• Collaborate with teams to learn technologies and development methodologies.

Skills

C

C++

Java

Education

GCSEs 5 at min grade 4 incl English, Math, Science/Tech

A Levels 120 UCAS points incl Math + Science/Computing

BTEC/T Level/Other route with Maths/Science/Engineering

Tools

Linux

Windows

Job description

Software Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2027

Salary: £23,000 plus a £3000 joining bonus

Duration: 4 years

Location: Bristol

Learning provider: University Centre Weston - Winter Gardens

Due to the need to attend your MBDA site and the training provider as required for your apprenticeship, applicants need to ensure their home or rental location is appropriate, travel arrangements are manageable and travel time is minimised as required for your role.

The qualification: You'll study for a Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship with a Software Engineer pathway. Your final award will be a BSc (Hons) Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions.

Find more details about the course here: https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/digital-and-technology-solutions-bsc-hons/

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.

This role is scheduled to close for applications at midnight on Friday 20th November 2026 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.

What we can offer you:

• Fully funded qualification starting September 2027
• Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
• Annual pay reviews
• Healthcare Cash Plan: provides support with everyday health related costs – including medical, dental, optical, physio and health & wellbeing
• 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
• Study leave during exam periods

Programme structure - your work at MBDA:

The academic portion of this apprenticeship consists of one study day per week at the University. The remainder of your working week you'll be working in the Software Engineering function; depending on your placements you may be onsite at MBDA for the remainder of the working week. Some placements may offer more opportunity to work from home for a day a week.

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. You'll be involved in all aspects of the software development lifecycle and 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 work at various stages in the software development process, covering anything from embedded systems to front end software. This software will be developed on a range of platforms, including Linux and Windows, utilising languages including C, C++ and Java.

In years 1-3, you will undertake 6 x 6 month placements to give you visibility to each of the departments within Software and expose you to different technologies and development methodologies. In your final year, you will take on a 12 month placement in the department of your choosing, which will run alongside your final year 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.

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 expect to meet these requirements by the start date you are welcome to apply.

GCSEs:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at minimum grade 4.

This must include:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Any Science or Technology subject

After GCSEs:

Following your GCSE's you must have completed one of the following qualification routes, equivalent to a minimum of 120 UCAS Tariff points:

• A levels: Three A levels totalling 120 UCAS Tariff points, including A level Mathematics and either a Science OR Computing/Computer Science subject, with no individual grade below C.
• T level: T Level in Engineering or Computing with a minimum Merit grade. Students from this pathway will need to complete and pass a Maths entry exam prior to starting this apprenticeship
• BTEC: A single Level 3 Extended Diploma in Maths, Science, IT OR Engineering at a minimum grade of DDM. Those applying with a Science, IT or Engineering subject 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.

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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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