Computing & the Digital Environment T Level (Level 3)
Designed and developed in collaboration with employers, this programme is a mixture of classroom and work-based learning to give you the technical skills and workplace experience to kick-start your career into the digital arena.
This course provides a great opportunity for you to work alongside industry professionals. You will become part of a team and significantly contribute to ongoing projects in industry. This will allow you to develop your skills and to put the theory you learn into practice.
Entry requirements
A minimum of 3 GCSE subjects at grade 4 or above and ideally grade 5 or above in Maths and English Language. You do not need to have taken GCSE Computer Science.
An interest in technology, computing, and working in the digital sector will be advantageous, whilst having the motivation to work hard, both in and out of class is expected.
What will I study?
In Year 12 you will complete a core Technical Qualification (TQ), while in Year 13 you follow your Occupational Specialism, according to the Digital T Level route you have chosen.
The Technical Qualification (TQ) is the main classroom-based element of the T Level and will see you learn from a curriculum that has been shaped by industry experts. You will learn the core knowledge that underpins most jobs in the digital industry and you will also develop occupationally-specific skills that will allow you to enter skilled employment within a specific occupation. This qualification has been developed in consultation with employers in the digital industry to ensure you learn the skills and behaviours that will give you the best opportunity to be successful when applying for work.
Core Component
The core component provides a broad understanding of the digital industry and covers digital focused topics including:
- Problem Solving
- Programming
- Emerging Issues and Impact of Digital
- Legislation and Regulatory Requirements
- Business Context
- Data
- Digital Environments & Networks
- Security
- Project Planning
- Software Testing
Occupational Specialisms
The occupational specialism will allow you to develop the relevant skills in preparation for your career in the digital industry.
The content of the occupational specialism will cover topics including:
- Analysing a problem to define requirements and acceptance criteria aligned to user needs
- Designing, implementing and testing software
- Changing, maintaining and supporting software
- Creating solutions in a social and collaborative environment
- Discovering, evaluating and applying reliable sources of knowledge
- Applying ethical principles and managing risks in line with legal and regulatory requirements when developing software
Industry Placement
This course provides a great opportunity for you to work alongside industry professionals. You will become part of a team and significantly contribute to ongoing projects in industry. This will allow you to develop your skills and to put the theory you learn into practice
An important requirement of the programme is that you must complete a 315 hour (approximately 45 days) work placement with an employer in the digital sector, where you will be fully integrated into the business, gaining real-life skills and practical experience, which are vital additions to your CV and UCAS applications for university.
We will help and support you to find the right placement.
Method of delivery
In the first year you will be expected to attend College for four days a week. This will be supplemented with extensive online resources to support your learning. In the second year you will be attending College two days a week with an increase in online learning and industry placement.
How will I be assessed?
This T Level is all externally assessed.
- At the end of Year 12 there will be two written exams graded the same as A Levels (grades awarded will be in the range A* to U) and one practical project to complete (graded Pass, Merit & Distinction like many vocational subjects).
- At the end of Year 13 you are required to complete a series of practical projects dependent on your industry placement (also graded A*- U).
Your next steps
The purpose of this T Level qualification is to ensure that students have the knowledge and skills needed to progress into highly skilled employment, an apprenticeship or higher level study. Following completion of the T Level you may go on to:
- Skilled employment within the Digital Industry for example Software Development, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Networking, Games Development, E-Learning, Data Analysis, App Development, Web Development, Business Systems, and Digital Marketing
- Higher-level Apprenticeships at Level 4 and above which may progress you into careers such as a Data Scientist, Network Engineer or Cybersecurity Specialist.
- Higher Education; as UCAS points have been awarded to T Levels, they facilitate progression to higher education on a wide range of digitally related degrees in areas such as; Cloud Computing, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Games Development, Augmented Reality, VR or Robotics (all these would be subject to other entry requirements set by each institution).
Do I have to find my own work placement?
We have a Work Placement team based at the College who will arrange this for you with participating employers, ensuring you can gain the knowledge you need.
What can I do after I complete my T Level course?
These courses are designed to provide you with the skills needed to apply for employment in the relevant industry. Alternatively, you can progress to university to study further or you could apply to study an apprenticeship.
What UCAS points do T Levels carry?
UCAS tariff points were allocated to T Levels in 2019, with the top T Level grade equal to achieving 3 A* at A Level. Points have been allocated to the overall T Level grade, and students must achieve at least an overall pass grade to receive UCAS points.
