Occupational Specialism

Digital Software Development OSP

Specialist component worth 50% of your total T-Level grade. Develops professional-level software development skills through industry placement, major projects, and professional competency assessment. Externally assessed by Pearson.

50%
Total Grade
630
GLH (900 TQT)
315+
Placement Hours
P/M/D
Grading

OSP Assessment Tasks

Task 1

Industry Placement Portfolio

Document and reflect on your 315+ hour industry placement experience

Professional development, workplace integration, and reflective practice
Placement log and evidence
Professional reflection portfolio
Skills development documentation
Employer feedback integration

Task 2

Specialist Software Development Project

Major development project using advanced techniques and industry tools

Technical excellence, industry practices, and professional methodologies
Complete software solution
Technical documentation
Testing and quality evidence
Professional presentation

Task 3

Professional Skills Assessment

Demonstrate professional competencies and career readiness

Communication, project management, and professional behavior
Professional competency evidence
Communication portfolio
Project management demonstration
Career development plan
50%
Total T-Level Grade
630
GLH (900 TQT)
315+
Placement Hours
P/M/D
Grading Scale
Pearson
External Assessment

What is the Occupational Specialism?

Specialist Component Overview

The OSP represents 50% of your total T-Level grade (630 GLH, 900 TQT). It's externally set and marked by Pearson, focusing on professional-level software development skills and industry readiness.

  • Professional software methodologies (Agile, DevOps)
  • Professional programming and code quality
  • Industry-standard tools and practices
  • Software architecture and design patterns
  • 315+ hours mandatory industry placement

Assessment & Grading

Externally assessed by Pearson with Pass/Merit/Distinction grading. Assessment focuses on professional competencies, technical excellence, and career readiness.

Industry Placement Portfolio
315+ hour placement documentation and reflection
Specialist Software Project
Major development project with industry tools
Professional Skills Assessment
Communication, project management, career readiness

Key Focus Areas

Professional Software Methodologies

Agile, DevOps, and modern development practices in professional environments

Professional Programming

Industry-standard coding practices, code quality, and professional development workflows

Software Architecture & Design

System design patterns, architectural principles, and scalable solution development

Professional Testing & QA

Comprehensive testing strategies, automation, and quality assurance practices

Career Readiness

Professional skills, industry knowledge, and workplace competencies

Industry Tools & Practices

Current industry tools, frameworks, and professional development environments

Industry Placement

315+ Hours Guaranteed

Every T-Level Digital student is guaranteed a minimum of 315 hours of industry placement with our partner employers, providing real workplace experience and professional development.

  • Real workplace experience
  • Industry mentor support
  • Live project involvement
  • Professional networking
  • Career development
  • Employment opportunities

Placement Partners

Our placement partners represent the full spectrum of the digital sector, from innovative startups to established enterprises.

Software Development
Full-stack development teams
Digital Agencies
Client-facing project work
Technology Startups
Innovation and rapid development
Enterprise IT
Large-scale system development

Preparing for Your OSP Success

The OSP is worth 50% of your total T-Level grade. Start building your professional skills early with core components and begin preparing for your industry placement. Success requires technical excellence, professional competencies, and career readiness.