Computing - Digital Software Development - T Level 3 - Dartford

North Kent College

Oakfield Lane, DARTFORD, DA1 2JT

T Level Technical Qualification

Level 3

Information and Communication Technology

Available start dates

Tuesday, 08 September 2026

North Kent College Dartford

2 Year(s)

Full time

Not applicable

Application Instructions

Applications Open - 26th September 2025

Applications Close - 14th August 2026 for application forms - please visit www.northkent.ac.uk if applying after this date for GCSE Open Events and Open Enrolment Dates.

How to Apply - Apply through Careers East Sussex

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

Course Summary

Who is this qualification for? The T Level in Digital Software Development is for students who have finished their GCSEs and want a practical, career-focused alternative to A Levels. It is a Level 3 qualification, equivalent to three A Levels, and includes both classroom learning and a minimum 315-hour industry placement with a real employer.

Course Details

What does this qualification cover? In Year 1, students study the core digital subjects. They learn the basics of programming, data, digital systems, cyber security, business context, digital laws, and new and emerging technologies. This helps students understand how digital systems are created and used in real organisations.

In Year 2, students specialise in Digital Software Development. They learn how to understand user needs, design and build software, test and improve their work, and maintain existing systems. Students also develop teamwork skills, ethical awareness, and professional behaviours needed in the digital industry.

Core Content: Problem Solving Programming Data Digital Environments Security Business Context Legislation and Regulatory Requirements Emerging Issues in Digital Technology

How will it be delivered and assessed?

The course is taught through practical lessons, coding projects, problem-solving tasks, and real workplace experience. It prepares students to move on to university, higher apprenticeships, or entry-level jobs in the growing digital and technology sector.

All assessments are externally set and marked by Pearson. Students will complete four assessment components over two years:

Two externally assessed written exams covering core digital knowledge One employer-set project assessing applied technical skills One occupational specialism project in Digital Software Development, completed in Year 2

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above Must include English Language and Mathematics Computer Science or ICT required a strong interest in computing, problem-solving, and digital technologies is essential

Your next steps...

On successful completion of the T Level in Digital Software Development, students can progress to:

Higher Education degrees such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Games Design, or Information Systems Higher Technical Qualifications (Level 4-5) Higher and degree apprenticeships, including Software Development Technician Entry-level roles within the digital and software development sector

For more courses like this, check our courses page.