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Where will this course lead?

When students complete a T Level study programme, students are able to choose between moving into a skilled occupation or further study, such as higher or degree apprenticeship, higher level technical study and university.

What will I study?

T Levels are new, two-year, technical study programmes, designed with employers to give young people the skills that industry needs. T Levels will provide a mixture of:

  • Technical knowledge and skills specific to their chosen industry or occupation 

  • An industry placement of 315 hours in the relevant industry or occupation

  • Relevant maths, English and digital skills

This particular course focuses heavily on programming and software development and it's uses in a variety of sectors. You will cover areas such as computational thinking, Python programming, business uses of computing, data handling processing and the fundamentals of data science, emerging technologies and networking & cybersecurity. 

Students must also complete a 315-hour placement. 

The course is ideal if you want a career in digital software development progressing either via University or through the Apprenticeship route.

How will this course be delivered?

Usually first year students will spend at least 4 days a week between Monday to Friday at the College studying for T levels and 1 day each week at the industry placement. Some employers will want to have a block placement. In such cases, the industry placement days will be accommodated at the end of academic year and in negotiation with an employer.

What qualifications will I get?

  • The Core Knowledge section will be assessed as A* to E.

  • Occupational Specialism: this will be assessed as Pass, Merit, Distinction.

  • The overall grade will be calculated from the grades achieved on Core and Occupational Specialism.

  • Students who miss either of the above will receive a statement of achievement for the elements that they have completed.

How will I be assessed?

The T level will have the following elements for assessment: 

You will be assessed via two exams in the first year along with a controlled assessment done in exam conditions replicating a business project. 

In the second year you will complete a longer assessed project called the Occupational Specialism. These are all externally assessed via Pearson. 

The combination of the two together will form your overall grade - Pass, Merit, Distinction, Distinction*- a D* is equivalent to Three A*s at A Level. 

  • Successful completion of industry placement?hours (315) is already required to pass the course. 

How do I get a place on the course?

You can get a place on the course by completing an application form or applying on line for an interview. Applicants are invited for an interview with a member of the School of Computing.

What are the entry requirements?

5 GCSEs at grades C/GCSE grade 5 or above including both English Language and Mathematics, plus a college interview and initial assessment.

A commitment to undertaking a 315 hour / 45 day industry placement. 

For those who have undertaken substantial computing experience (e.g. GCSE Computer Science) a lower entry may be considered. 

What else do I need to know?

You will need pens and or pencils and it is highly recommended you have access to a computer at home capable of running Python 3. 

The course is recognised by industry and higher education and carries UCAS points.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A T LEVEL AND AN APPRENTICESHIP?

T Levels will include about 20% of the time being spent on a work placement, with 80% being spent in the classroom. This differs to an Apprenticeship which is typically 80% in employment and 20% in the classroom. 

WHO SHOULD STUDY FOR A T LEVEL?

T Levels are ideal for you if you are moving on from GCSE studies and you think you would enjoy a practical approach to studying, that includes a 3-month industry placement with an employer. They provide an intense, deep technical study into computing. If you have a deep interest in computing, programming and related fields this course may be for you! 

WILL I RECEIVE A WAGE WHILST STUDYING ON A T LEVEL? 

No, you are not employed by an employer when studying on a T Level, you are simply on a work placement with them.

For most students there is no fee for this course.Currently, students that will be 19+ at the start of the course cannot undertake a T Level. 

WHAT CAN I DO AFTER THIS COURSE? 

When students complete a T Level study programme, students are able to choose between moving into a skilled occupation or further study, such as higher or degree apprenticeship, higher level technical study and university.

T levels are designed and intended to provide the knowledge and experience needed to enter into skilled employment, further study at higher educational level or a higher apprenticeship. 

What can I do after this course?

When students complete a T Level study programme, students are able to choose between moving into a skilled occupation or further study, such as higher or degree apprenticeship, higher level technical study and university. 

T levels are designed and intended to provide the knowledge and experience needed to enter into skilled employment, further study at higher educational level or a higher apprenticeship.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2024

Day

Various

Time

Various

Course Fee

N/A

Course Code

ZPTAA061BCF1

Study Mode

Full Time

IT Specialist Manager

IT specialist managers plan, organise, manage and coordinate the provision of specialist IT services and functions in an organisation.

What’s Involved?

IT Specialist Managers plan, coordinate and manage the organisation's IT provision or a specialist area of IT activity. They liaise with users, senior staff and internal/external clients to clarify IT requirements and development needs. They also take responsibility for managing the development of a specialist aspect of IT provision such as user support, network operations, service delivery or quality control. They supervise the technical team and coordinate training. They plan and monitor work and maintenance schedules to ensure agreed service levels are achieved. They report on IT activities to senior management.

Systems Analyst

Workers in this unit group provide advice on the effective utilisation of IT and design IT systems in order to meet the business objectives or to enhance the business effectiveness of the organisation.

What’s Involved?

Systems Analysts liaise with internal/external clients in order to analyse business procedure, clarify clients' requirements and to define the scope of existing software, hardware and network provision. They undertake feasibility studies for major IT developments incorporating costs and benefits, and present proposals to clients. They communicate the impact of emerging technologies to clients and advise upon the potential introduction of such technology. They also provide advice and assistance in the procurement, provision, delivery, installation, maintenance and use of IT systems and their environments. They examine existing business models and flows of data and design functional specifications and test plans for new systems in order to meet clients' needs. They research, analyse, evaluate and monitor network infrastructure and performance. They work closely with clients to implement new systems.

Website Developer

Jobholders in this unit group design, develop and maintain websites to meet a client's specified requirements.

What’s Involved?

Website Developers liaise with internal/external client in order to define the requirements for the website. They present design options to the client. They also design web pages including graphics, animation and functionality to maximise visual effectiveness and facilitate appropriate access. They develop the website and applications. They design and develop web interfaces for relational database systems. They establish methods to ensure appropriate website security and recovery. They write and publish content for the website. They test website interaction and performance prior to going 'live', and monitor and maintain functionality of the website. They also activate the 'live' website.

Computer Programmer

Programmers and software development professionals design, develop, test, implement and maintain software systems in order to meet the specifications and business objectives of the information system; they also design and develop specialist software e.g. for computer games.

What’s Involved?

Computer Programmers examine existing software and determine requirements for new/modified systems in the light of business needs. They undertake feasibility study to design software solutions. They also write and code individual programs according to specifications. They develop user interfaces. They test and correct software programs. They write code for specialist programming for computer games, (for example, artificial intelligence, 3D engine development). They implement and evaluate the software. They also plan and maintain database structures. They write operational documentation and provide subsequent support and training for users.

Telecommunications Engineer

Telecommunications engineers install, maintain and repair public and private telephone systems and maintain, test and repair telecommunications cables.

What’s Involved?

Telecommunications Engineers install internal cabling and wiring for telephone systems and fit and wire junctions and distribution boxes. They fix connecting wires from underground and aerial lines to premises and connect cable terminals to inside wiring. They also install telephones, switchboards and coin operated phone boxes. They use testing equipment to locate defective components of circuitry and make any necessary repairs. They also test installations and make any further necessary adjustments. They assist with the erection of wooden poles or steel towers to carry overhead lines. They connect cables and test for any defects. They also locate and repair faults to lines and ancillary equipment. They erect and maintain mobile telecommunications infrastructure.

IT Engineer

IT engineers install, maintain and repair the physical components of computer systems and equipment.

What’s Involved?

IT Engineers install, test and maintain computer-related hardware (processors, memory chips, circuit boards, displays, sensors, data storage devices, printers, etc.) according to given specifications. They diagnose hardware related faults. They also repair or replace defective components. They advise on and install operating soft/firm ware and may carry out upgrades. They also maintain documentation to track and log work in progress and completed.

IT Support Technician

IT user support technicians are responsible for providing technical support, advice and guidance for internal/external users of IT systems and applications, either directly or by telephone, e-mail or other network interaction.

What’s Involved?

IT Support Technicians provide technical support to IT users. They advise users on how to resolve hardware and software problems. They install and upgrade hardware, cables, operating systems and/or appropriate software. They also facilitate user access to systems. They refer more complex or intractable problems to appropriate IT professionals. They research possible solutions in user guides, technical manuals and other documents. They maintain a log of work in progress, calls received, actions taken and problems detected. They also report on commonly occurring queries to detect underlying problems.

Network Technician

IT operations technicians are responsible for the day-to-day running of IT systems and networks including the preparation of back-up systems, and for performing regular checks to ensure the smooth functioning of such systems.

What’s Involved?

Network Technicians administer, monitor and support internal/external networks, servers, emails, databases and security systems. They configure and set up new server systems. They also schedule and perform system maintenance tasks, such as loading user applications, programs and data. They analyse systems and make recommendations to improve performance. They identify problems, agree remedial action and undertake emergency maintenance if required. They perform server backups and recovery operations and restart systems following outages. They also act as a liaison between users, outside suppliers, and other technical teams.

VR Hardware Specialist

IT engineers install, maintain and repair the physical components of computer systems and equipment.

What’s Involved?

They install, test and maintain computer-related hardware (processors, memory chips, circuit boards, displays, sensors, data storage devices, printers, etc.) according to given specifications. They also diagnose hardware related faults. They repair or replace defective components. They advise on and install operating soft/firm ware and may carry out upgrades. They maintain documentation to track and log work in progress and completed.

IT Systems Engineer

IT engineers install, maintain and repair the physical components of computer systems and equipment.

What’s Involved?

They install, test and maintain computer-related hardware (processors, memory chips, circuit boards, displays, sensors, data storage devices, printers, etc.) according to given specifications. They also diagnose hardware related faults. They repair or replace defective components. They also advise on and install operating soft/firm ware and may carry out upgrades. They maintain documentation to track and log work in progress and completed.

IT Project Manager

Jobholders in this unit group manage, coordinate and technically supervise specific IT projects and programmes of a specific duration and/or budget.

What’s Involved?

An IT Project Manager works with clients or senior management to establish and clarify the aims, objectives and requirements of the IT project or programme; plans the stages of the project or programme, reviews actions and amends plans as necessary; coordinates and supervises the activities of the project/programme team; manages third party contributions to the programme or project; monitors progress including project/programme budget, timescale and quality; coordinates and oversees implementation of the project or programme; reports on project or programme to senior management and/or client.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.