School Leaver

Start Date: Duration: Level: Study mode: Course location: Course Type:
September 2 Years Level 3 Full-Time Hartlepool Sixth Form T Levels Apply Enquire

What’s it all about?

The T Level in Digital Production, Design, and Development offers a dynamic and comprehensive pathway for students passionate about the digital realm and aiming for a career in this fast-paced industry. This course blends academic study with practical, real-world experience, providing you with invaluable insights directly from industry employers through placements. You will develop a broad base of skills, including programming, mobile app development, and networking, while also exploring cutting-edge technologies like cloud computing, 5G, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality.

Throughout your studies, you'll benefit from hands-on project work that not only enhances your understanding but also bolsters your credentials within the digital sector. This course is designed to equip you with the advanced skills and knowledge demanded by the industry, bridging the gap between academic achievements and career aspirations.

Ideal for students after their GCSEs and eager to advance in digital careers, this T Level prepares you for higher education, apprenticeships, or direct entry into the workforce. It's a strategic choice for those looking to make a significant impact in the evolving landscape of digital technology and innovation.

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 Hartlepool Sixth Form 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, students have a wealth of opportunities. You can step directly into a career as a software developer, web developer, or IT support technician. Alternatively, further your studies with a higher or degree-level apprenticeship, or pursue a university degree in fields like computer science, software engineering, or digital media.

This course equips you with the skills and experience that employers crave, opening doors to exciting, high-skilled roles in the ever-evolving digital industry. Turn your passion for digital into a rewarding and dynamic career!

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Why sixth form is different to school

A fresh start

Sometimes you just need a clean break to become the person you were destined to be. Starting college is the perfect opportunity to break free and become that new person!

New people

Our diverse student community means that you will meet lots of new people of different ages, backgrounds and interests, so you can enjoy making lifelong friendships!

Specialist Staff

Most of our lecturers are industry savvy and are experts in teaching 16-18 year olds. They have lots of valuable experience and knowledge to pass onto you.

Independence

College is a more mature and relaxed environment than school and you are treated like an adult. You’ll be on first name terms with your lecturers so no more Sir and Miss! You can also start to make your own decisions.

Free time

Your timetable will be very different to school. You will have a lot more free time to take part in extra-curricular activities, study, or get extra money and work experience with a part-time job.

Different environment

College is a very different learning environment to school. You may even become more inspired and have a new motivation to work towards your future goal in a college environment.

More choice

A college can offer a much wider choice of A-Level subjects, plus vocational courses in lots of different subjects and at different levels.

More opportunities

You will have the opportunity to take part in lots of different activities outside of the classroom to boost your confidence and help you develop your skills and personal qualities.

Specialist facilities

A college can invest in an extensive range of industry-standard facilities to give you the skills and knowledge to prepare for university or employment, and can also offer subjects that need specialist facilities.

93% pass rate for A-Levels

(*Hartlepool Sixth Form College, 2023-24).

Why choose Hartlepool Sixth Form?

Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement

*NARTS, 2024

97% of our students progress to university, employment or further study

*Hartlepool Sixth Form College, 2023-24

94% overall pass rate for T Levels

*2022-23

We have recently invested in a brand new state-of-the-art digital suite and health simulation ward.