Digital Software Development T Level

Year 1: Core paper 1

• Problem solving - Learn how to analyse complex problems, break them down into manageable tasks, apply logical thinking, and create effective digital solutions.
• Introduction to programming - Develop programming skills using industry-standard programming concepts such as variables, data types, selection, iteration, functions, arrays, and object-oriented programming.
• Emerging issues - Explore current and future trends in digital technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, automation, Internet of Things (IoT), and the impact of new technologies on society and businesses.
• Legislation and regulatory requirements - Understand the legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities of working in the digital sector, including data protection, copyright, intellectual property, computer misuse, and health and safety requirements.

Core paper 2

• Business context - Learn how software development supports organisations, understanding business objectives, stakeholder requirements, project lifecycles, and digital transformation.
• Data - Study how data is collected, stored, processed, analysed, and protected. Topics include databases, data structures, data modelling, and data-driven decision-making.
• Digital environments - Explore the hardware, software, networks, operating systems, and cloud technologies that support modern digital systems and applications.
• Security - Develop an understanding of cyber security principles, including threats, vulnerabilities, risk management, authentication, encryption, security controls, and secure software development practices.

Employer Set Project

The Employer Set Project reflects a real-world scenario provided by industry employers, allowing students to apply their technical knowledge and skills.

• Planning a project - Analyse client requirements, identify objectives, produce project plans, and allocate resources effectively.
• Identifying and fixing defects in existing code - Review, test, debug, and improve software by identifying errors and implementing appropriate solutions.
• Designing a solution - Create technical designs using diagrams, algorithms, pseudocode, wireframes, and system specifications.
• Developing a solution - Build, test, and refine software applications using programming techniques and good development practices.
• Reflective evaluation - Evaluate the effectiveness of the final solution, identify strengths and weaknesses, and recommend improvements for future development.

Year 2: Occupational Specialist Project The Occupational Specialism focuses on practical software development skills that prepare students for employment in the digital sector.

• Analysing a problem and designing a solution - Gather and interpret user requirements, analyse business needs, and design software solutions that meet specified objectives.
• Developing the solution - Create software applications using appropriate programming languages, development tools, testing methods, and coding standards.
• Gathering feedback - Collect feedback from users, clients, or stakeholders through testing, reviews, and evaluation activities
• Evaluating feedback - Review feedback to assess how well the solution meets requirements and make recommendations for improvements or further development.

Applicants must achieve five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade 4, or hold a Merit in a relevant Level 2 vocational qualification and have GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade 4.

Assessments are externally set and marked by Pearson.

Year 1:

• Core Paper 1 (Written exam – 2 hrs 15 mins)
• Core Paper 2 (Written exam – 2 hrs 15 mins)
• Employer Set Project (Externally set project - 14 hrs 30 mins)

Year 2:

• Occupational Specialism project (Externally set project - 50 hrs 30 mins)

Grading:

• The Core and Employer Set Project (ESP) components are graded A to E* or Unclassified.
• The Occupational Specialism (OS) component is graded Pass, Merit, Distinction or Unclassified.
• The overall T Level grade is awarded as Pass, Merit, Distinction, Distinction* or Unclassified.

To achieve the T Level qualification, you will need to:

• Complete both the Core and Occupational Specialism components.
• Achieve at least a Grade E in the Core component.
• Achieve at least a Pass in the Occupational Specialism.
• Successfully complete all other requirements of the T Level, including the Industry Placement.

You will not be awarded the T Level qualification if the minimum requirements are not met.

Successful completion of the T Level can lead to:

• University degrees in Computing, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, or related subjects.
• Higher apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships.
• HNC/HND programmes.
• Employment in roles such as Junior Software Developer, Web Developer, Software Tester, Technical Support Analyst, or Application Developer

Two years full time, including classroom learning and a substantial industry placement.

You will spend around 19.5 hours in the classroom each week, apart from during your industry placement where you will work full-time for approximately 9 weeks. In addition, you should expect to complete around 5-10 hours of independent study per week to keep up with assignments, assessment preparation, portfolio development, and wider reading required for the course.

A key part of the T Level is the industry placement (minimum of 315 hours, approximately 45 days), where you'll gain real-world experience with an employer in the digital sector. This placement allows you to:

• Apply classroom learning in a professional environment.
• Develop practical technical skills and workplace confidence.
• Gain valuable experience for your CV, university applications, apprenticeships, and future employment.
• Build professional networks and industry contacts.
• Explore different career pathways within the digital and technology sector.
• Develop essential employability skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.
• Gain an understanding of how software development projects are planned, developed, tested, and delivered in industry.

Exam 1 - Digital Analysis, Legislation and Emerging Issues

• Problem-solving
• Introduction to Programming
• Emerging issues and the impact of digital
• Legislation and regulatory requirements

Exam 2 -The Business Environment

• Business context
• Data
• Digital environments
• Security

Employer Set Project

• Planning a project
• Identifying and fixing defects in existing code
• Designing a solution
• Developing the solution
• Reflective evaluation

Occupational Specialist Project

• Be able to analyse problems to define requirements and acceptance criteria aligned with user needs
• Apply ethical principles and manage risks in line with legal and regulatory requirements when developing software

Discover, evaluate and apply reliable sources of knowledge

• Create solutions in a social and collaborative environment
• Implement a solution using at least two appropriate languages
• Test a software solution
• Change, maintain and support software