IT – T Level Software Development

This T Level is designed for learners who are passionate about solving real-world problems through software and want to develop the technical and professional skills needed to thrive in the modern software development industry. With a strong emphasis on hands-on coding experience and an extended industry placement, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how software is developed and maintained in real business environments. 

On this course you will:  

• Learn to code collaboratively in team environments, developing your skills in a variety of professional programming contexts such as full stack, mobile, and cloud-based application development 
• Build industry-level technical skills including software design, development, testing, and deployment using industry-standard tools and languages 
• Gain knowledge of the business, legal and cultural context of digital development, including cybersecurity, data management, project planning, and ethical considerations 
• Complete an industry placement of 315 hours with a local or national employer, where you’ll gain experience on real software development projects 
• Explore a broad core curriculum covering digital fundamentals in Year 1, with a focus on the Software Development Specialism in Year 2 
• Participate in enrichment opportunities such as industry visits (e.g. EGX, Thorpe Park) and interactive guest speaker sessions with professionals from software, games, app development, and enterprise IT sectors 
• Continue to develop English, Maths, and Digital skills in line with the requirements of the digital sector 

Assessment: 

Year 1 

• Two externally marked Core Exams
• An externally assessed Employer-Set Project (ESP)

Year 2: 

• A substantial Occupational Specialism Project, in which you research, design, develop, test, and evaluate a software solution
• Completion of the 315-hour industry placement is essential to achieve the qualification

Choose this course if… you enjoy the idea of being involved in the development of software which will solve problems for the businesses you are working with.  

Future Steps: This T Level will equip you for progression on to our fantastic Higher Technical Education offering, the Higher National Diploma in Computing, with its separate specialist pathways in Cyber, Software and Networking, but could also lead into Apprenticeship opportunities at Level 3 or Level 4 such as a Software Developer in programming. You could also progress on to university where you could continue your studies in programming, in a variety of languages. Employment opportunities from this T Level could lead into jobs such as a Software Developer in programming.  

• Six GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths
• Learners progressing from a Level 2 course will need a Level 2 Diploma or T Level Foundation course with a good Merit profile, along with English Language and Maths GCSE at grade 4 or above
• Learners are expected to have an interest in computers and programming, with a career aim in a computing-related field

The Digital and Data Centre is a £10.3million building which opened in July 2021. Complete with digital learning laboratories, state-of-the-art IT suites and interactive seminar spaces, learners have access to cutting edge equipment to help gear them to move directly into industry or further study.

You will also study and use resources at our Victoria House site on Queen Street.