Where will this course lead?

When students complete a T-Level study programme, students are able to choose between moving into a skilled occupation or further study, such as higher or degree apprenticeship, higher level technical study and university.

What will I study?

T-Levels are new, two-year, technical study programmes, designed with employers to give young people the skills that industry needs. T Levels will provide a mixture of:

• Technical knowledge and skills specific to their chosen industry or occupation 

• An industry placement of 315 hours in the relevant industry or occupation

• Relevant maths, English and digital skills

This particular course focuses heavily on programming and software development and it's uses in a variety of sectors. You will cover areas such as computational thinking, Python programming, business uses of computing, data handling processing and the fundamentals of data science, emerging technologies and networking & cybersecurity. 

Students must also complete a 315-hour placement. 

The course is ideal if you want a career in digital software development progressing either via university or through the apprenticeship route.

How will this course be delivered?

Usually first year students will spend at least 4 days a week between Monday to Friday at the College studying for T-Levels and 1 day each week at the industry placement. Some employers will want to have a block placement. In such cases, the industry placement days will be accommodated at the end of academic year and in negotiation with an employer.

What qualifications will I get?

• The Core Knowledge section will be assessed as A* to E.

• Occupational Specialism: this will be assessed as Pass, Merit, Distinction.

• The overall grade will be calculated from the grades achieved on Core and Occupational Specialism.

• Students who miss either of the above will receive a statement of achievement for the elements that they have completed.

How will I be assessed?

The T-level will have the following elements for assessment: 

You will be assessed via two exams in the first year along with a controlled assessment done in exam conditions replicating a business project. 

In the second year you will complete a longer assessed project called the Occupational Specialism. These are all externally assessed via Pearson. 

The combination of the two together will form your overall grade - Pass, Merit, Distinction, Distinction*- a D* is equivalent to Three A*s at A Level. 

• Successful completion of industry placement?hours (315) is already required to pass the course. 

How do I get a place on the course?

You can get a place on the course by completing an application form or applying on line for an interview. Applicants are invited for an interview with a member of the School of Computing.

What are the entry requirements?

5 GCSEs at grades C/GCSE grade 5 or above including both English Language and Mathematics, plus a college interview and initial assessment.

A commitment to undertaking a 315 hour / 45 day industry placement. 

For those who have undertaken substantial computing experience (e.g. GCSE Computer Science) a lower entry may be considered. 

What else do I need to know?

You will need pens and or pencils and it is highly recommended you have access to a computer at home capable of running Python 3. 

The course is recognised by industry and higher education and carries UCAS points.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A T LEVEL AND AN APPRENTICESHIP?

T Levels will include about 20% of the time being spent on a work placement, with 80% being spent in the classroom. This differs to an Apprenticeship which is typically 80% in employment and 20% in the classroom. 

WHO SHOULD STUDY FOR A T LEVEL?

T Levels are ideal for you if you are moving on from GCSE studies and you think you would enjoy a practical approach to studying, that includes a 3-month industry placement with an employer. They provide an intense, deep technical study into computing. If you have a deep interest in computing, programming and related fields this course may be for you! 

WILL I RECEIVE A WAGE WHILST STUDYING ON A T LEVEL? 

No, you are not employed by an employer when studying on a T Level, you are simply on a work placement with them.

For most students there is no fee for this course.Currently, students that will be 19+ at the start of the course cannot undertake a T Level. 

WHAT CAN I DO AFTER THIS COURSE? 

When students complete a T Level study programme, students are able to choose between moving into a skilled occupation or further study, such as higher or degree apprenticeship, higher level technical study and university.

T levels are designed and intended to provide the knowledge and experience needed to enter into skilled employment, further study at higher educational level or a higher apprenticeship. 

What can I do after this course?

When students complete a T-Level study programme, students are able to choose between moving into a skilled occupation or further study, such as higher or degree apprenticeship, higher level technical study and university. 

T-levels are designed and intended to provide the knowledge and experience needed to enter into skilled employment, further study at higher educational level or a higher apprenticeship.