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IT – Digital Software Development

Course Information

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  • Course Type School Leaver
  • Subject Area Cyber and Digital Technologies
  • Qualification T Level
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Course Level Level 3
  • Location Digital and Data Centre, Hele Road site
  • Course Length 2 years
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Overview

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.

Who is this course for?

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.

What you will study

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 industrystandard 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 employerset 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
Entry requirements
  • 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

Progression and careers

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to code before starting the course?

No. You do not need to be an experienced programmer before you start. The course will develop your coding skills from the foundations upwards. What matters most is that you are interested in computers, programming and solving problems.

What is the industry placement like?

You will complete a 315-hour industry placement with an employer, giving you the opportunity to experience software development in a real workplace. You may work on live projects, support development teams and see how software is planned, created and maintained professionally.

How is the course assessed?

In Year 1 you will complete two externally marked exams and an employer-set project. In Year 2 you will complete a substantial practical Occupational Specialism Project where you research, design, develop, test and evaluate a software solution.

What programming and software development skills will I learn?

You will develop skills in software design, coding, testing and deployment. You will work on a range of development projects and experience different areas of software development, including full stack, mobile and cloud-based applications.

What can I do after completing the T Level?

You could progress to our Higher National Diploma in Computing, a higher or degree apprenticeship, university or employment. Possible career routes include software developer, web developer, application developer, junior programmer and other roles within the wider software and digital technology sector.

  • Have a question?

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  • How to apply

    Ready to start your journey?

    Applying is straightforward:

    1) Complete our online application form

    2) Submit your GCSE results or predicted grades

    3) Attend an interview

    4) Receive your offer and enrol

    Apply Now

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