Curriculum Insights

Bachelor of Applied Science in Digital Technologies

Overview

The BASc in Digital Technologies is a unique program designed to equip graduates with the skills required for a successful career in the digital technologies sector. It aims to address skill gaps across digital industries through a combination of degree-level education and workplace learning. First of its kind in Canada, this work-integrated learning program enables learners to spend most of their time doing a full-time job while studying for their degree through a combination of online and on-campus sessions. The program will deliver a curriculum in line with an Occupational Standard that has been specified with the help of employers representing a wide range of industries, including: Ceridian, CGI, Cinchy Inc., Cisco Canada, Connected (Connected.io, Now part of Thoughtworks), EY Canada, General Motors of Canada Company, IBM Canada, mimik Technology Inc., RBC, Saa Dene Group, Shopify Inc., TELUS Health, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and TribalScale Inc.

Approach

This program entails a common two years to build fundamental knowledge and skills before the learner pursues one of three specializations to gain precise skills needed to excel in their chosen field:

Only one of these specializations will apply to each learner. The specialization will be decided depending on the employment role within each learner’s workplace before starting the program. To ensure that learners can balance degree-level studies with full-time work over four years, the program is designed to deliver:

Learners will receive continuous support & guidance from a Course Director, responsible for providing academic oversight; and a Professional Skills Coach, responsible for keeping abreast of the student’s learning in the workplace.

Courses

Skill Development

Technical skills: Creation of software solutions using industry-standard methodologies, development of digital technology infrastructure, security and data privacy principles & methodologies, data and information management & analytics.

Soft skills: Critical analysis, stakeholder management, agility, business communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, leadership and project management.

Delivery Model

Flexible learning activities allow for learning development to occur, integrating theory, understanding, practice and reflection over the year at a pace that best suits the learner and the work environment. The program begins with a three-week induction for the learners. Later on, the delivery becomes blended, where the learner is allowed a weekly half-day release from work to allow for self-study using a synchronous virtual platform (webinar, lecture, tutorial) interspersed with regular (e.g., every 6 weeks) 5-day blocks to attend campus. At the same time, learners will continue skill development by fulfilling their workplace tasks and duties. In addition, learners will need added time for independent study, assignments, reflection and preparation.

Assessment

The strategy for assessment is driven by industry norms. Formative assessment will be used throughout and takes a wide variety of forms, including interaction in class, peer feedback on in-class presentations, workshop activity with feedback, online quizzes, and tutor feedback on project work. The program has a mandatory requirement for the completion of a portfolio that covers all four years. The portfolio will be used to document progress towards personal and professional objectives set within the host company and to document the learner’s progress towards proficiency in the learning outcomes, as defined within the Digital Technologies program.

Benefits for Employer Partners