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    About the course

    SUBJECT TO SUFFICIENT NUMBERS OF APPLICANTS

    The Digital T level has been designed with leading businesses and employers in the Digital industry and gives you:

    • A thorough understanding of concepts and theories behind cybersecurity
    • The opportunity to solve real life problems in the cybersecurity field.
    • Valuable experience of learning from the experts through working side by side with those in the cybersecurity industry on your industry placement so that you have the chance to learn what this career is like in the real world while you continue your studies.

    Entry requirements

    GCSE grade 5 in English and mathematics, as well as three additional grade 4s in technical subjects ( IT, Computer Science, Science, Design & Technology) – other related disciplines.

    How much does it cost?

    Free to those aged 16-18

    This course is not currently available for 19+ learners.

    There is a range of financial support that you may be entitled to, including Learner Support funds, grants and bursaries.

    Who is it suitable for?

    For those looking to progress into a career in the Cybersecurity sector or looking to go university in this area or seek an apprenticeship.

    Awarding Body

    NCFE

    Why study?

    T Levels are designed to deliver world-class technical education and give you a new choice after GCSEs. The Digital T level has been designed with leading businesses and employers in the Digital industry and gives you: 

    • A thorough understanding of concepts and theories behind cybersecurity
    • The opportunity to solve real life problems in the cybersecurity field.
    • Valuable experience of learning from the experts through working side by side with those in the cybersecurity industry on your industry placement so that you have the chance to learn what this career is like in the real world while you continue your studies.

    Where will this course take me?

    T Levels offer many opportunities for progression:

    Enter Employment: You can use the skills, knowledge and experience you have gained to start working in the cybersecurity industry right away.

    Progress to University: You can use the UCAS points you achieve as a result of completing your T level to continue your studies at university.

    Apprenticeship: There are many opportunities offered through apprenticeships that allow you to carry on learning (20%) whilst spending most of your time (80%) furthering your skills in the workplace.

    There are a variety of careers you can pursue once you have completed the course as the knowledge, skills and behaviours you will develop are highly prized within a broad range of businesses.

    Careers within the Cybersecurity industry may include:

    • Cybersecurity Engineer
    • Ethical hacker
    • Cyber security consultant
    • Digital forensics analyst
    • Cloud cybersecurity

    The T Level study programme is eligible for UCAS points.  A T-Level 3xDistinction* is worth the same as 3xA-Levels at A* and will be recognised by universities.

    Core modules

    Year 1 is made up of three key parts: 

    1. Core: Knowledge and understanding of contexts, concepts and theories of the digital industry: 
    • Business Context
    • Culture
    • Data
    • Digital Analysis
    • Digital Environments
    • Diversity and Inclusion
    • Learning
    • Legislation
    • Planning
    • Security
    • Testing 
    • Tools
    1. Employer Set Project: A project set by digital leaders that requires you to apply your knowledge to a real-life problem in the industry. 
    1. Industry Placement: Towards the end of the year, you will get the opportunity to put the knowledge and skills you have learned in to action as you start your industry placement. You will work with an external employer to apply your knowledge and develop your technical skills in a real-life digital workplace.

    Year 2 is made up of two key parts:

    1. You will specialise in cybersecurity and practicing this branch of the digital industry will help you to develop specialist knowledge and skills to apply remedial actions on an organisations digital assets
    1. Continuation of your Industry Placement; with an external employer which will develop your technical skills and apply your knowledge in a workplace environment.

    Across year one and two, you will complete at least 45 days in total working in the digital industry, giving you valuable experience in the workplace and employers the chance to see the new talent in their industry. 

    How will I be assessed?

    Year 1:

    Core Assessment: Externally Set Test – Paper 1 and Paper 2 are both graded A*-E.

    Employer Set Project: Externally assessed project work is graded A*-E.

    Industry Placement: Evidence log to show completion of hours required and evidence of development of technical skills and application of knowledge in a workplace environment. 

    Year 2:

    Synoptic assessment to judge how well the competence requirements have been met. Graded: Distinction, Merit or Pass.

    Industry Placement: Evidence log to show completion of hours required and evidence of development of technical skills and application of knowledge in a workplace environment.

    Will I have to provide anything?

    textbook must be purchased (approx £34) plus Uniform, for placements and days in realistic working environment. The cost of the uniform will be met by the College and not the learner.

    • Folders
    • Pens
    • Paper
    • Recommended course text as per your interview, enrolment information to follow.

    I'm interested. What should I do now?

    Call 01279 868100 and talk to an Admissions Adviser
    Ask Us a question about this course
    apply

    T Levels Q&A

    WHAT ARE T LEVELS?

    T Levels are new technical courses which will follow GCSEs and will be equivalent to 3 A Levels. They are Level 3 course that span approximately 1800 hours over 2 years. These courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work.

    T Levels will offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days). They will provide the knowledge and experience needed to open the door into skilled employment, further study or an apprenticeship.

    WHO ARE THEY FOR?

    T Levels are ideal for learners who are looking for a more technical route into skilled employment, further study or an apprenticeship.

    T Levels are a technical alternative to A Levels and prepare learners for technical careers.

    STRUCTURE OF A T LEVEL

    T Levels will include the following compulsory elements:

    • a technical qualification, which will include core theory, concepts and skills for an industry area and specialist skills and knowledge for an occupation or career
    • an industry placement with an employer
    • a minimum standard in maths and English if learners have not already achieved them

    T LEVELS AND INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS

    T Levels include 315 hours (approximately 45 days) of industry placement with an employer. Around 80% of time will be spent in the classroom and 20% on placement. This differs to an Apprenticeship, which is typically 80% in the workplace and 20% in the classroom.

    Industry placements can be undertaken as a block, as individual days, or a combination of the two.