School Leaver

Start Date: Duration: Level: Study mode: Course Location: Course Type:
September 2 Years Level 3 Full-Time Bede Campus T Levels Apply Enquire

What’s it all about?

Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of digital production, design, and development with this cutting-edge programme. Gain a understanding of programming, coding, and data utilisation, essential for a successful career in the digital industry. Learn to navigate various delivery platforms while mastering the art of identifying and mitigating potential security risks.
Delve into specialised subjects, honing your skills in problem-solving, solution development, and software maintenance within a collaborative environment. This programme is designed to equip you with the expertise needed to excel in the fast-paced tech landscape, ensuring you’re ready to tackle real-world challenges with confidence.

You will need 5 GCSE's at grade 5-9 including Maths and English Language

Study level Cost Additional fees
16-18 Free There are no additional costs associated with this course however you may want to purchase some additional equipment to help with learning e.g. laptop or desktop computer.

You will have an excellent experience and benefit from practical and theory lessons with an industry edge added in to prepare you for the real world on completion of the course.

During practical lessons you will develop your skills to put into practice in industry with the use of industry software and equipment. During theory lessons you will be expected to develop their knowledge by doing group work, research, report writing.

During the course lecturers will assess your knowledge in a range of ways to ensure that you are progressing and where needed, additional support is provided.

On completion of the T Level, the qualification will offer between 72 and 168 UCAS points depending on the grade achieved.

GCSE Maths and English are vital stepping stones for your academic and professional journey. Achieving a good grade in these subjects not only fulfills most college entry requirements but also equips you with essential skills critical in almost every field. Whether you're calculating percentages in business, crafting compelling arguments, or simply managing daily tasks, these core subjects enhance your problem-solving and communication abilities, setting a solid foundation for your future studies and career success. Start your college course with confidence by securing these key qualifications!

Our T-Level courses combine classroom learning with hands-on industry experience, providing you with the skills and knowledge highly valued by employers. You'll spend 80% of your time on academic studies and 20% on a 45-day work placement, totalling over 315 hours of practical exposure. This balance ensures a comprehensive understanding of your field and enhances your professional skills.

You can arrange your own placement or use our student placement team's expertise. This mandatory component prepares you for real career challenges and opportunities as you transition from student to professional.

At Sunderland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Placement Opportunities: Dive into your future career with our hands-on placement opportunities. These are not just work experiences, but gateways to potential employment and invaluable learning. They’re a core part of our courses, offering you a chance to apply academic theories in real-world scenarios.
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

The aim of the course is for students to develop the skills to:

- analyse a problem, understand user needs, define requirements and set acceptance criteria
- design, implement and test software
- change, maintain and support software
- work collaboratively in a digital team
- discover, evaluate and apply reliable sources of knowledge
- work within legal and regulatory frameworks when developing software

Students will develop an understanding of:

- how digital technologies impact business
- the ethical and moral implications of digital technology
- using data in software design
- using digital technologies to analyse and solve problems
- digital environments, including physical, virtual and cloud environments
- emerging technical trends, such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Blockchain, 3D printing
- legal and regulatory obligations relating to digital technologies
- the privacy and confidentiality of personal data
- the technical, physical and human aspects of internet security
- planning digital projects
- testing software, hardware and data
- digital tools for project management and collaboration

What’s next?

Upon completing this programme, students have a wealth of opportunities awaiting them. They can pursue higher education in fields like computer science, software engineering, or data analytics at leading universities. Alternatively, they can enter the workforce directly, securing roles such as junior software developer, digital designer, or IT support specialist.
This qualification also opens doors to apprenticeships with top tech firms, providing hands-on experience and a pathway to advanced positions. With a solid foundation in digital production, design, and development, graduates are well-equipped to thrive in the ever-evolving tech industry.

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93% of our students have progressed to employment, university or further study

(*Destination data, all students, 2023-24)

Why choose Sunderland College?

94% Overall pass rate for T Levels

2022-23

Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement

NARTS, 16-18 Students, 2024

98% of students said they had the freedom to express themselves

NSS, 2024

We have International award winning Immersive Spaces at both Bede and City Campus