T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development (Software Development) - Level 3
Overview
If you love making things, and learning how things work in the world around us, this T Level may be exactly what you need to get the career of your dreams.
Technology continues to play a greater role in our world, so software developers will increasingly be in demand. This T Level will equip you with the knowledge and the practical experience to set you on track for a successful career in software development. In addition, the things you learn on this course, from problem-solving to writing and structuring code, can also be used in many different jobs and industry sectors.
his course can lead to the following career opportunities:
- Software Development Technician
- Junior Developer
- Junior Web Developer
- Junior Application Developer
- Junior Mobile App Developer
- Junior Games Developer
- Junior Software Developer
- Junior Application Support Analyst
- Junior Programmer
- Assistant Programmer
- Automated Test Developer.
It can also provide essential knowledge and skills needed to progress on to a higher level apprenticeship or university.
You will learn the following skills:
- Applying problem solving strategies to solve abstract and real-world problems, then developing, designing and implementing programming solutions that solve those problems
- The application of programming including the design, creation, implementation and debugging of standalone applications and sub-parts of larger programs
- Evaluating the use of emerging technologies, data, security, and the impact of legislation within a business context
- Discovering, evaluating and applying reliable sources of knowledge to support process fault finding and solution creation.
What are T Levels?
If you’re academically minded but have a skilled career route in mind, a T Level will give you a head start into your chosen industry.
T Levels are two-year qualifications that have been designed in partnership with businesses and industry-leading employers so you can develop the skills and knowledge required to kick-start your career straight from college.
- 80/20 Learning - 80% college-based, 20% on a relevant work placement
- Employer endorsed - designed with employers to provide the skills that industry needs
- 1 T Level = 3 A Levels - T Levels are nationally-recognised qualifications, equivalent to 3 A Levels.
As an alternative next-step after GCSEs, a T Level also includes a mandatory 45-day (315 hours) work placement with a reputable employer within your chosen industry.
The qualification splits into core content and specialist content:
- Core content - develop your general understanding of the industry
- Specialist content - covers different topics depending on the pathway you choose.
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FREE Travel Pass
To enable you to attend your work placement, we’re pleased to offer all T Level students a West Notts Travel Pass for free! It's one pass for unlimited bus travel across much of Nottinghamshire and parts of Derbyshire. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Start dates and fees
| Start Date | Code | Annual Fee | Actions |
| Sep 2025 | 1004C1701 | FREE | Apply |
What will I study?
Across the two years, you will cover both core and specialist units. The core units will develop your general understanding of the industry. The specialist units will cover more in-depth topics suitable to your chosen specialism (pathway) and career.
Core content - focuses on your knowledge and understanding of contexts, concepts, theories, principles and core skills relevant to a software developer.
- Lateral thinking
- Programming
- Emerging technology
- Legislation
- Business methodologies
- Data wrangling and visualisation
- Digital platforms
- Hardware/networks
- Digital Security.
Specialist units - focuses on software development specific skills
- Designing a solution
- Developing code/solution
- Analyse problem
- Project management
- Research and development
- UI/UX design
- Innovate solutions.
Industry placement:
Across the two years, you will need to complete an exciting 45-day (315 hours) industry placement with a reputable employer. Throughout the summer and your first term, a dedicated work placement advisor is available to support you with building links with suitable employers so you can secure your placement.
This is a great opportunity that will not only give you experience in an external business, but enhance your technical skills and create relationships that could result in an apprenticeship or employment once you've completed your T Level.
Entry requirements
This course is only available to 16-18 year olds.
- Five GCSEs at grade 4-9 including English Language and Maths
OR
- Successful completion of the T Level Foundation Year – Digital. A one-year study programme specifically designed to develop the skills, experience, knowledge and behaviours to support progression onto the relevant T Level. Ideal for those who are not ready to start a T Level but have the potential to progress onto one. Contact us for more details, 0808 100 3626.
How long is the course?
Two years.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through examinations, and practical assessments in class and through a project set by employers.
Upon completion you will be awarded an overall grade (Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*). A T Level is a nationally-recognised qualification and your certificate will reflect this and will display your overall grade.
The certificate will also explain your grade from A* to E for the core component and any occupational specialisms you will receive a Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*.
It will also record whether you’ve achieved the minimum requirements for your maths and English qualifications, completed an industry placement and met any other additional mandatory requirements.
What can I progress onto?
- Skilled Employment
- Higher Level Apprenticeships
- Higher Education (University)*.
*As we are a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may qualify for various benefits should you choose to apply to NTU after completing your college course. This could include a Progress NTU offer, where you would receive an offer one grade below their standard offer. For instance, a typical offer for one of their courses might require 128 UCAS tariff points. With Progress NTU, your requirements would be 120 UCAS tariff points. For further details, please call us on 0808 100 3626 or discover more about this benefit here.
Career opportunities