Core Component Content Areas
Official Pearson T-Level Digital Software Development qualification covering the 8 essential content areas: problem solving, programming fundamentals, emerging computing trends, legal frameworks, business operations, data management, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity principles.
Core Component Assessment Details
| Component | Assessment Method | Duration | Marks | Weighting | Timetable | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Paper 1 | Written examination | 2 hours 15 minutes | 90 | 30% | Set date/time | June/November |
| Core Paper 2 | Written examination | 2 hours 15 minutes | 90 | 30% | Set date/time | June/November |
| Employer Set Project | Externally set project | 14 hours 30 minutes | 100 | 40% | Set date/time | May/November |
Assessment Notes
- • All assessments are externally set and marked by Pearson
- • Core Papers 1 & 2 cover the 8 content areas listed below
- • The Employer Set Project integrates knowledge from all areas
- • Combined, these assessments form 50% of your total T Level grade
Content Areas Overview
Content Area 1: Problem solving
Computational thinking, algorithmic design, problem decomposition, abstraction, and pattern recognition techniques for effective digital problem-solving.
Content Area 2: Introduction to programming
Core programming concepts, data types, control structures, functions, and fundamental development practices using Python 3.10+, C#, SQL, JavaScript, and PHP.
Content Area 3: Emerging issues in computing
Contemporary and future computing trends, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, sustainability, and their societal impacts.
Content Area 4: Legislation and regulatory requirements
Legal frameworks, data protection laws, intellectual property rights, accessibility compliance, and regulatory standards in digital development.
Content Area 5: Business context
Business operations, project management methodologies, stakeholder management, commercial software development, and industry practices.
Content Area 6: Data
Data modeling, database design, data structures, analytics, privacy, security, and data-driven decision making in software systems.
Content Area 7: Digital environments
Computing infrastructure, cloud platforms, networking, system architecture, deployment strategies, and modern development environments.
Content Area 8: Security
Cybersecurity principles, secure coding practices, threat modeling, risk assessment, incident response, and security compliance in software development.