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T Level

Digital Production, Design & Development

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About this course

This course is ideal for students who are interested in developing the skills needed for a career in the digital and technology sector. The T Level in Digital Production, Design & Development combines classroom learning with valuable industry experience, helping students build the knowledge and practical abilities required for employment, apprenticeships or higher education.


Equivalent to three A Levels, this Level 3 qualification has been developed with employers to ensure students gain relevant digital skills that reflect the needs of the modern technology industry. Students will spend 80% of their time developing knowledge and skills in the classroom and 20% completing an industry placement, gaining experience in a professional digital environment.


Throughout the course, students will explore programming, software development, digital systems, cybersecurity, emerging technologies and the impact of digital innovation on society. Learners will develop the ability to analyse problems, design solutions and create effective digital products.


This course is particularly suited to students who enjoy technology, creativity and logical thinking. Students who want to understand how computers work, develop software and explore the future of digital technology will find this course exciting and rewarding.

A Digital Production T Level student using film camera equipment at John Leggott College, Scunthorpe

What will you learn?

The T Level in Digital Production, Design & Development develops the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to create, manage and improve digital solutions. Students will explore how digital technologies influence businesses, society and everyday life while developing their own software development skills.


Topics covered include:

  • Digital Technologies and Their Impact – exploring how digital systems influence organisations, industries and society.

  • Ethical and Moral Issues in Digital Technology – understanding the responsibilities involved in creating and using digital solutions.

  • Data in Software Design – learning how data is collected, managed and used when developing software.

  • Digital Problem-Solving – using digital technologies to analyse challenges and create effective solutions.

  • Digital Environments – exploring physical, virtual and cloud-based computing environments.

  • Emerging Technologies – investigating future technologies such as:

    • Internet of Things (IoT)

    • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

    • Augmented Reality (AR)

    • Blockchain

    • 3D Printing

  • Legal and Regulatory Requirements – understanding legislation surrounding digital technologies, data protection and privacy.

  • Cybersecurity – exploring technical, physical and human approaches to protecting digital systems and information.

  • Digital Project Management – planning, managing and collaborating on digital projects using industry-standard tools.

  • Software Development – designing, implementing, testing and maintaining software solutions.

  • Testing and Evaluation – learning how to test software, hardware and data to ensure quality and reliability.

  • User Requirements and Design – analysing problems, defining requirements and creating solutions that meet user needs.

  • Collaborative Development – working effectively with others to create digital products in professional environments.

Students will also gain practical experience through their industry placement, allowing them to apply their skills in real workplace situations and develop confidence in the digital sector.

Who is this course aimed at?

This course is aimed at students who are interested in technology, programming and developing solutions to real-world problems. It is suitable for learners who enjoy logical thinking, creativity and exploring how digital systems work.


Students who are considering careers in software development, computing, cybersecurity, digital design or technology-related industries will benefit from this course. It provides a strong foundation for progression into degree-level study, apprenticeships or employment within the digital sector.


Learners should enjoy investigating problems, designing solutions and using technology to improve processes and create new opportunities. The course is ideal for students who want to develop programming skills, understand computer systems at a deeper level and gain practical experience within an industry environment.


The combination of classroom learning and industry placement helps students build both technical ability and professional skills, preparing them for the rapidly evolving world of digital technology.

  • Students should have achieved GCSE Maths at Grade 5 and GCSE English at Grade 4, alongside 3 other GCSEs at Grade 4 or above. A Computing or IT-related qualification is preferred. This course is best suited to students who have an interest in digital technologies, programming, problem-solving and developing innovative solutions using modern computing systems.

  • Assessment takes place through a combination of external examinations, an Employer Set Project and externally assessed projects. Students will complete assessments that test their understanding of digital technologies, software development, project planning and problem-solving. Practical project work allows learners to demonstrate their ability to design, develop, test and evaluate digital solutions in realistic workplace scenarios.

  • Students will develop skills in:


    Technical and Digital Skills

    • Programming using modern languages

    • Software design and development

    • Testing and debugging digital solutions

    • Understanding computer systems and networks

    • Data management and analysis

    • Cybersecurity awareness

    • Cloud and digital environment knowledge

    Problem-Solving and Creative Skills

    • Analysing problems and identifying requirements

    • Designing innovative digital solutions

    • Logical and computational thinking

    • Project planning and development

    • Evaluating and improving digital products

    Professional and Personal Skills

    • Collaboration and teamwork

    • Communication skills

    • Digital project management

    • Research and independent learning

    • Understanding ethical and legal responsibilities

    • Time management and meeting deadlines

    • Adaptability and resilience

Progression routes

Possible progression routes include careers in:

  • Software Development

  • Web Development

  • Mobile Application Development

  • Games Development

  • Digital Technology

  • IT Systems and Support

  • Cybersecurity

Career opportunities may include:

  • Software Development Technician

  • Junior Developer

  • Junior Web Developer

  • Junior Application Developer

  • Junior Mobile App Developer

  • Junior Games Developer

  • Junior Software Developer

  • Junior Application Support Analyst

  • Junior Programmer

  • Assistant Programmer

  • Automated Test Developer


This course also supports progression into higher education and degree-level study in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Digital Technology and related subjects. Students may also progress into digital apprenticeships or employment within the technology sector, gaining further specialist skills and professional experience.

Related Courses

Looking for something that works well with this course? Here are some related courses to consider.

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