Shape Your Future with TCS and QA Through Lifelong Learning
Transform your future with TCS and QA’s Applied Learning Programmes (ALP). Earn valuable certifications from top tech giants like Microsoft, AWS, and Google. Prove your expertise, gain recognition, and fast-track your career growth.
Start your certification journey today and unlock limitless potential.
Boost your career with industry-recognized certifications
Empower your career through continuous learning
At TCS and QA, we believe in empowering you to shape a future you’re passionate about. Our mission is to provide continuous learning opportunities through our Applied Learning Programmes (ALP), where you can earn certifications from top tech vendors like Microsoft, AWS, and Google.
These programmes are designed to help you grow professionally, stay ahead of technological advancements, and achieve your career goals.
Join us in building a future driven by innovation, expertise, and endless possibilities.
Are you...
- In a non-technical role but use data daily or work well with numbers.
- New to the field and you’re looking to build your analyst skills.
- Wanting a qualification to climb the career ladder
- Seasoned manager looking for new ways to drive success.
We partner with the best
Thrive in mission-critical roles with the skills needed for success.
Our learning programmes offer hands-on training that prepares you to tackle real-world challenges and excel in your career.
Digital by design
Learn in confidence using QA’s Digital by Design (DXD) model.
Receive on-demand support from experienced Digital Learning Consultants, ready to answer queries promptly and provide swift feedback on assessed work
Build your future today
Gain the expertise to innovate, lead, and make a significant impact in your field. Get involved and apply for a ALP to build a future you believe in, where continuous learning drives your personal and professional growth.
Flexible learning to empower you
Flexible, subscription-based solution granting unlimited access to a comprehensive library of courses, labs and more.
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40k+ hours of content
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Smart assessments & continued learning
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AI powered hands-on labs
Endorsed by 4,000+ global clients, we are the leader in applied and cohort-based digital learning academies.
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Transform your teams in AI, cloud & data
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Foster diversity, inclusion & innovation
- Productivity and collaboration across teams
Why QA
Take our quiz
Choose your pathway
AI
Programme is designed to enable learners to develop a deep technical knowledge that allows the discovery and creation of new data-driven AI solutions.
These solutions should help to automate and optimise business processes and to support, augment and enhance human decision-making
Software Engineering
You will develop critical knowledge and skills in Software Engineering.
Typical topics covered include:
- Software life cycle models
- Agile development,
- Continuous integration and source control
- Organising development projects,
- Object-oriented modelling and test-driven development
All areas considered to be essential for a Software Engineering professional.
Data & Analytics
You will develop a critical knowledge and skills in Data Analytics.
Typical topics covered include
- Scalable data management architectures
- Data-parallel problems in e-science,
- Patterns and technology for exploiting cloud infrastructure on data-parallel problems
- Graph databases and their application to social media analysis
- Scalable real-time data processing
All areas considered to be essential for a data analytics professional
Enterprise Architecture
You will develop a critical knowledge and skills in Enterprise Architecture.
Typical topics covered in the module include:
- Business resilience and requirements: Organisation-wide solutions identification and quality maintenance of agile systems development
- Data architecture: the design and implementation of Solution architecture for database administration
- Infrastructure: design and planning for hardware and infrastructure, considering flexibility and scalability
- Risk assessment of IT systems: network, digital-assets infrastructure and information security plus Architecture implementation, change management and organisational governance.
Cyber
You will develop critical knowledge and skills in Cyber Security.
Topics covered include:
- Developing appropriate security policies and network architectures to minimise the threats from network intrusion
- Producing strategies to minimise risks of security breaches in a range of network environments
- Analysing the shortcomings of a range of security strategies, techniques used to penetrate a Web application
- Assessing the different types of threat posed by different classes of hacker and by different categories of malware
- Applying the principles of key cryptography and message digests,
- Providing appropriate access controls and authentication techniques at different levels
IT Ops Management (Cloud Computing) -
You will develop critical knowledge and skills in Ops Management (Cloud).
Typical topics covered in the module include:
- An introduction to the Cloud and Cloud Computing
- Virtualisation at both the Desktop and Server levels
- Common cloud types which include SaaS, PaaS and IaaS
- Benefits and disadvantages of cloud computing
- Security considerations with respect to the Cloud
- Managing resource consumption in the Cloud
- Storage and archiving in the Cloud and Creating scalable deployments
IT/Digital Futures (DevOps)
You will develop a critical knowledge and skills in DevOps.
Typical topics covered include:
- Use of agile and other development processes and methodologies
- How to reconcile demand for an increased rate of production releases from application and business unit stakeholders
- Virtualised and cloud infrastructure from internal and external providers
- Data centre automation and configuration management tools
All areas considered to be essential for a DevOps professional.
Key dates
Closing date
The closing date for applications is 30/11/2024
Level 3 & Level 4
Start from December 2024
MSc and AI
Start on January 2025
Launch event
A launch event will take place in late summer 2024
Address & Date tbc
Phase 1: Essential skills stage
Start your journey by choosing your personalized pathway in the Essential Skills Stage. This phase is designed to provide you with the core knowledge and practical skills you’ll need to succeed in your field. Through hands-on training and targeted learning, you’ll build a solid foundation that prepares you for the more advanced stages of your degree program.
During this stage, you will also earn industry-recognized vendor qualifications, With this strong base, you’ll be ready to confidently move on to the next steps of your academic and professional journey, leading to a full degree and specialised expertise.
Phase 2: Extend your learning journey
Eligible learners will continue their studies in the UK as TCS, in collaboration with you and your manager, will start the visa extension process. Once your visa is extended, you’ll be able to proceed with the next stages of your Vendor qualified Degree program without interruption.
Phase 3: Advanced learning – mastering your skills
You will continue with the next stages of your programme, building on the essential knowledge gained in earlier stages. This phase focuses on taking your essential skills to the next level, mastering them to achieve success in both your Degree and industry-recognized vendor qualifications.
As you progress through this phase, you’ll deepen your understanding of key concepts, apply them in real-world projects, and gain the expertise needed to excel in your chosen field. By the end of Phase 3, you’ll be well-prepared to complete your degree and emerge with the skills and qualifications that set you apart
Phase 4: Achieve your degree & certification
In Phase 4, you will reach the final stretch of your journey: completing your Degree and earning industry-recognized vendor certifications. This phase is all about putting your hard work into action, applying the advanced skills and knowledge you've gained to pass your degree assessments with confidence.
Alongside your Degree, you’ll have the opportunity to sit for vendor certification exams, which will enhance your professional profile and demonstrate your expertise to employers. These certifications are highly valued in the industry and will further distinguish you
By the end of Phase 4, you’ll have not only a full degree but also a set of certifications that showcase your skills and readiness to excel in your career.
Putting you first
Additional Support
At TCS, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can excel.
Through our partnership with QA, we provide extra support and tailored programmes for underprivileged individuals, women, disabled persons, neurodivergent individuals, and minority groups. These initiatives include mentorship, flexible learning options, and specialized resources to ensure all participants have the opportunity to succeed.
By supporting diversity, we empower everyone to reach their full potential and contribute to innovation and growth.
FAQs
What are the AI, Degree / master’s programmes
These programmes combines work experience with academic study, resulting in Vendor Certifications and/or a Digital and Technology Solutions degree/masters.
It’s structured in four phases to support your professional growth while continuing your employment with TCS.
What are the different phases of the program?
Phase 1: Essential Skills Stage
Begin by building core technical and digital skills, selecting a pathway that suits your role. This stage helps you gain the foundational knowledge needed for further study and certifications.
Phase 2: Visa Support
For expat employees, TCS will work with you and your manager to manage the visa extension process, allowing you to continue your studies in the UK without interruption.
Phase 3: Advanced Learning
Continue with deeper study in your chosen pathway, mastering advanced skills and preparing for vendor certifications while progressing towards your degree.
Phase 4: Achieving Your Degree
Complete your degree program and sit for vendor certification exams to gain industry-recognized qualifications alongside your academic degree.
What specialisms are available in this program?
Learners can choose from specialism pathways depending on the programme:
- AI (Not a degree programme, BSC and Vendor Qualified)
- Software Engineering
- Data and Analytics
- Enterprise Architecture
- Cyber Security
- IT Ops management (Cloud Computing)
- IT Digital Future / DevOps
Each specialism includes tailored modules at advanced stages, designed to align with your career focus and the needs of TCS.
What are the AI and Digital and Technology Solutions Programmes at TCS?
These programmes combines work experience with academic study, resulting in a Vendor Qualifications and/or a Digital and Technology Solutions degree. It’s structured in four phases to support your professional growth while continuing your employment with TCS.
What is the time commitment for each phase?
- Phase 1 includes a mix of workshops and self-led study, requiring about 6 hours per week of study time.
- Phase 2 focuses on visa arrangements and transitioning smoothly into the advanced learning stage.
- Phase 3 requires 20% off-the-job training, which will be planned in collaboration with your manager.
- Phase 4 involves preparation for End-Point Assessments and vendor exams while applying what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios.
How is the program delivered?
The program uses a blended learning approach that combines online workshops, self-directed study, and on-the-job training. This allows you to balance work, study, and personal commitments, making it ideal for TCS employees.
Will I need to study outside of my working hours?
You will have dedicated time during working hours to complete the 20% off-the-job learning. However, there may be instances where additional study outside of work is required, especially during Phase 3 when preparing for advanced modules and vendor certifications.
What kind of support is available during the program?
Throughout the program, you will have access to:
- Digital Learning Consultants (DLCs) for guidance on your academic progress.
- Workplace Mentors from TCS, who understand the demands of your role and help integrate learning into your day-to-day tasks.
- The ACE Team for academic support, including help with assignments and research projects.
What are the qualifications included in the program?
As you progress through Phase 3 and Phase 4, you’ll have the chance to earn vendor certifications from the likes of AWS, Microsoft, GCP, enhancing your qualifications alongside your degree.
Are there any costs involved for me as an expat employee?
There is no cost to the learner for these degree programmes, as it is fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. TCS covers all associated tuition fees and training costs. For non-levy funded training, TCS will provide additional information.
What is the End-Point Assessment (EPA)?
The EPA marks the final stage of the degree program, assessing whether you have achieved the required knowledge and skills. This can include presentations, interviews, and a review of your portfolio. It is conducted with Northumbria University ensuring a high standard of assessment.
Can I finish the program earlier?
While the program is designed to accommodate a balanced work-study approach, there is some flexibility to complete it sooner, depending on individual progress. However, the End-Point Assessment cannot begin until you have met all learning criteria.
How do I apply for the program?
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Discuss your interest with your manager to ensure the program aligns with your role.
- Apply through this platform.
- TCS and QA will review your eligibility and suitability for the program.
Can I continue working while enrolled in the program?
Yes, the program is designed to be work-based, allowing you to apply what you learn directly to your role at TCS. This integration of learning and work helps you grow in your role while advancing toward your degree.
What makes this program beneficial for TCS employees?
This program offers a structured pathway to earning a degree while gaining practical experience and vendor qualifications. It also provides additional support, making it an excellent opportunity for employees to continue their career development in the UK without disruptions.