The digital industry is a major source of employment in the UK; 1.9 million people were working in the industry in 2022. Digital skills span all industries; almost all jobs in the UK today require employees to have a proficient level of digital literacy.
The new T level qualification in Digital Production, Design and Development combines classroom learning with gaining vital on the job experience. The core components will be studied in the first year including an introduction to programming whilst year 2 will focus on designing and implementing solutions to problems so that you are ready to tackle a final project. By the end of the two years you will have acquired the knowledge, understanding, skills and behaviours required to secure employment in roles relevant to digital production, design and development or to apply for a relevant university degree. Alongside your time in college, you will complete a minimum of 315 hours industry placement.
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What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include:
Core units:
- Emerging issues and impact of digital
- Legislation and regulatory requirements
- Business context
- Data
- Digital environments
- Security
Specialist units:
- Problem solving
- Introduction to programming
*All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.
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Who is this course for?
This course is ideal if you have an interest in Computing and IT and wish to gain a Level 3 qualification in Digital Production, Design and Development.
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How is the course assessed?
- Two written examinations
- Employer set project
- Project created in conjunction with employers
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Your Study Programme
If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme.
We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can. All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade C (4) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses). Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment.
You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career. Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
- The different platforms of delivery that enable access to digital tools and services
- Writing, interpreting and debugging code and algorithms
- Using code development tools, including Integrated Development Environments (IDE)
- Applying an understanding of ethical and moral issues in the digital sector in a range of business contexts.
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
- Analyse a problem to define requirements and acceptance criteria aligned to user needs
- Design, implement and test software
- Change, maintain and support software
- Create solutions in a social and collaborative environment
- Discover, evaluate and apply reliable sources of knowledge
- Apply ethical principles in managing risks in line with legal and regulatory requirements when developing software
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Behaviours
What is required?
- Act as a role model, contributing to team cohesion and productivity
- Representing the positive aspects of team culture and respectfully challenging inappropriate prevailing cultures; taking responsibility for your own work, accepting feedback in a positive way, using initiative and showing resilience
- Demonstrate taking responsibility for team performance and quality of projects delivered.
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General info
You may be required to go on trips or purchase a kit and uniform to undertake this course. Information about individual items and their associated costs will be sent to you in June/July before you enrol.
Some students may be eligible for support from the Student Bursary Scheme with the costs of coming to college. Applications are available on the college website under Student Support. If you require further assistance or would like to speak with a member of Student Services, please email financial.support@northamptoncollege.ac.uk or call 01604 734066.
If you are applying for financial assistance, please do not purchase any kit items. If your application is successful, the necessary items will be provided to you.
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Progression and Career Opportunities
This technical qualification will support students onto a range of progression routes including employment, higher education and higher apprenticeships.
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Entry Requirements for new students
Five GCSEs at grade 9-4 including English Language and maths. English Lanuage and maths must be at grade 5. A GCSE in Computer Science or IT would be an advantage. Alternatively, a Pass in Level 2 IT plus English Language and maths which must be at a grade 5.
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Admissions Process
We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply.
These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements.
If you have applied for A Levels, before an offer is made, you will be invited to attend an interview usually before Easter.
If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.
