T Level in Digital Software Development
A 2-year technical qualification equivalent to three A Levels, designed for learners aged 16 to 19. Prepares students for skilled employment, higher apprenticeships, or progression to higher education in software development and related digital roles.
8 Core Content Areas
Problem Solving
Develop computational thinking, logical reasoning, decomposition, abstraction, and algorithmic approaches to solving digital problems.
Est. 40 hours
6 topics
Introduction to Programming
Covers fundamental programming concepts including variables, data types, operators, control structures, basic data structures, syntax, debugging, and code logic.
Est. 50 hours
7 topics
Emerging Issues and the Impact of Digital
Explores emerging technologies, innovation, ethical considerations, sustainability, and the social and organisational impact of digital technologies.
Est. 30 hours
6 topics
Legislation and Regulatory Requirements
Focuses on legal, regulatory, and ethical frameworks relevant to digital and software development, including data protection, intellectual property, and professional conduct.
Est. 35 hours
14 topics
Business Context
Examines how digital solutions support business objectives, organisational structures, stakeholders, project constraints, and risk management.
Est. 35 hours
12 topics
Data
Covers data types, data collection, storage, processing, quality, analysis, and the role of data in informing decisions within digital systems.
Est. 60 hours
47 topics
Digital Environments
Includes hardware, operating systems, development environments, cloud computing concepts, networking fundamentals, and system architectures.
Est. 45 hours
26 topics
Security
Addresses security principles, threats, vulnerabilities, risk mitigation, secure working practices, and the importance of protecting data and systems.
Est. 35 hours
12 topics
Assessments
Core Paper 1: Problem Solving & Programming
Written examination focusing on problem solving and introduction to programming, drawing on wider core knowledge where appropriate.
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Core Paper 2: Business, Data, Environments & Security
Written examination focusing on business context, data, digital environments, security, legislation, and emerging issues.
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Employer Set Project (ESP)
Externally set synoptic project applying core knowledge and skills to a realistic industry-style problem, including planning, analysis, communication, evaluation, and professional practice.
Duration: 14 hours 30 minutes
Occupational Specialism (OSP)
Digital Software Development occupational specialism component.
Duration: Year 2
About T Level Digital Software Development
Qualification Structure
- • Technical Qualification Core (50%)
- • Occupational Specialism (50%)
- • Minimum 315 hours industry placement
- • English and Maths requirements
Progression Opportunities
- • Skilled employment in software development
- • Higher apprenticeships
- • Progression to higher education
- • Related digital roles