A T-Level in Software Development and Computer Science – September 2024

Funding information: Please contact the college for funding information.
Duration: 2 Years
Attendance: Full-time Provision

Course Overview

Students who complete a T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Production, Design and Development will be able to choose between moving into a skilled occupation or further study; for example, a higher or degree level Apprenticeship, or higher-level technical study, including higher education.

Industry Work Placements play a vital part of the T-Level programme and students will spend over 315 hours with 1 or 2 employers over the 2 years. The knowledge and skills taught and developed in the classroom can be refined during this time and designated industry professionals will support students to progress and become competent.

Upon completion of this qualification students will have threshold competency meaning that they will be ready to enter the workforce but will require further training once they have done so.

As this T-Level qualification is the equivalent to 3 A-Levels and carries the same amount of UCAS points as these, progress onto a related university course is a possibility.

Timetabled days are TBC but this is in line with our current L3 provision with regards to Full Time hours and 2 years in duration. Regular homework tasks will be set along with substantial work placement involvement and so applicants should be prepared to engage with the study programme for 37.5 hours per week on average in line with a full time position in industry.

Course Content

This course covers a range of topics that can be applied in a range of digital environments and situations. Topics covered include:

  • Problem solving techniques
  • Programming
  • Impact of digital on end users
  • Legislation and Regulations
  • Digital Business
  • Cloud
  • Data use
  • Digital Environments (hardware, software, networks)
  • IT Security

These components are assessed by 2 exams

Employer Set Project (ESP)

The Employer Set Project component leads the student into implementing and practicing their skills. It covers skills such as:

  • Planning
  • Analysis
  • Risk assessment
  • Program Design
  • UX/UI
  • Design/code implementation
  • Testing
  • Error documentation and resolution
  • Evaluation and reflection

Occupational Specialism

This follows apprenticeship standards where the student needs to demonstrate skills, knowledge, and behaviour.

  • Development models
  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Regulations and standards
  • Software design
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Programming
  • Deployment
  • Testing
  • Software Maintenance
  • Change management
  • Supporting End Users

Entry Requirements

To do this course you will need 5 GCSEs at grade 5 which must include English and Maths (no science). We will consider a variation on grades subject to interview.

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Assessment Methods

  • Core topics will be assessed by 2 exams. The employer set project is assessed by a 25 hour (approx.) project over a number of set days. The occupational specialism is assessed with a time defined set project.

Progression

T-Levels are equivalent to 3 A-Levels and so hold the same number of UCAS points. Successful completion can lead to:

  • Progression onto a full degree in computing or a selection of other digital degree courses
  • Progression onto digital degree apprenticeship
  • Progression into skilled work in the sector eg programmer, web designer, games content creator, application developer, mobile app developer