T-Level Digital

T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Software Development

NEW: First Teaching September 2025

A comprehensive Level 3 technical qualification equivalent to 3 A-Levels, designed with leading employers to prepare students for skilled employment in digital software development. This new qualification replaces the previous Digital Production, Design and Development T Level.

Complete Qualification Details

Comprehensive information about the T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Software Development

Level 3 T Level

T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Software Development

Complete qualification overview and learning requirements

Qualification Details

Number

610/5801/4

Target Age

16-19 years

Awarding Body

Pearson Education

First Teaching

September 2025

Learning Hours

1260

Guided Learning Hours

1740

Total Qualification Time

Occupational Specialism

Digital Software Development

630
GLH
900
TQT

Key Information

Equivalent to 3 A-Levels

Advanced technical qualification

Industry Partnership

Designed with leading employers

Replaces Previous T Level

603/5832/4 - Digital Production, Design and Development

T-Level Components

Core Component

Available

Core Papers

Comprehensive foundation covering 8 content areas: computational thinking and problem solving, programming fundamentals (Python 3.10+, C#, SQL, JavaScript, PHP), emerging computing technologies, legal frameworks and compliance, business operations, data management and analytics, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity principles.

8 content areas
External assessment
Knowledge foundation
Industry standards

Component Details

Duration
Throughout course
Assessment
External
Grade Weight
30%
Core Learning Areas (8)
Content Area 1: Problem solving
Content Area 2: Introduction to programming
Content Area 3: Emerging issues in computing
Content Area 4: Legislation and regulatory requirements
Content Area 5: Business context
Content Area 6: Data
Content Area 7: Digital environments
Content Area 8: Security

Core Component

Available

Employer Set Project (ESP)

A substantial project set by employers that allows students to demonstrate the integration of knowledge, understanding and skills learned throughout the course.

Employer-led
Real-world brief
Applied learning
Industry feedback

Component Details

Duration
12 weeks
Assessment
External
Grade Weight
20%
Core Learning Areas (6)
Integration of knowledge from all 8 content areas
Real-world problem solving application
Professional project management
Technical research and analysis
Software development implementation
Industry-standard deliverables and presentations

Occupational Specialism

Available

Software Production & Design (OSP)

Specialist component focusing on software development, design principles, and production methodologies. Includes practical skills and industry placement.

Specialist skills
Industry placement
Portfolio building
Career preparation

Component Details

Duration
Year 2
Assessment
External
Grade Weight
50%
Core Learning Areas (6)
Professional software development methodologies
Professional programming practices
Software architecture and design patterns
Professional testing and quality assurance
Industry-standard development tools
315+ hour industry placement experience