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T Level in Digital Software Development - Level 3
Overview
IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we'll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.
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.
This 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.
You can find out more about T Levels by visiting our dedicated T Level information page.
FREE travel with the West Notts College Travel Scheme.
To enable you to attend your work placement, we’re pleased to offer all T Level students our West Notts Travel Scheme for free! It's one app for unlimited bus travel across much of Nottinghamshire and parts of Derbyshire. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
*Free for new and returning students for academic year 2025/2026. This is subject to change for academic year 2026/2027.
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
- GCSE English Language and Maths grade 4-9 plus 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.
- Assessment
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.
- Progression
- 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.
- Careers
- Additional costs
At West Notts College, our students benefit from excellent facilities and equipment across all campuses. However, some courses require students to purchase specific tools, equipment, or specialist clothing to fully participate in practical learning.
Visit our kit lists page to see what clothing and equipment you’ll need, and start preparing for your studies in September.
- Studying Digital, Computer Science and IT at WNC
Discover what it is really like to study with us. Explore the full range of courses available, hear from our students, see the facilities you will train in, and discover the employer partners you could work with.
You can also browse galleries and get a real feel for college life before you apply.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.