T-level in Digital Design and Development - Computer Programming
September 2025 start

T-Levels are technical qualifications - designed with industry leaders and is equivalent to 3 A-Levels. We are continuously working closely with cutting edge businesses and industry such as SCAN UK to update our curriculum for the needs of national and Greater Manchester area.

The digital sector contributes nearly £151 billion to the economy, and is flourishing increasing year by year.

The two year programme aims give you the practical and technical skills to build an exciting and rewarding career in the digital sector!

You’ll develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the sector, including:
- Problem solving
- Programming (mainly Python but others will be looked at)
- Emerging issues and impact of digital
- Legislation and regulatory requirements
- Business Context
- Data
- Digital environments
- Security
- Interview/ CV writing/ building up transferable skills in preparation for placement

315 hours of placement
On your Industry Placement, you’ll experience life in the digital industry, possibly working on a real-life development project; for example, you may find yourself working alongside a Software Developer, following the full software lifecycle, right from the design phase through to testing.

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs, graded 9-4, including English and Maths
• Relevant Computer Science/IT qualification at Level 2

Year 1:
Core Component Assessments
Core paper 1 – 2hours 30 minutes (May exam)
Core paper 2 – 2 hours 30 minutes (May exam)
Employer Set Project – Made up of four tasks linked to python programming, before you start will be provided time to complete research and prepare. The tasks will then be worked through under exam conditions. (May/ June exam)

Year 2:
There is opportunity to re-sit the core component assessments in November if required.
Occupational Specialist Component Assessment: This is a large project. The project begins in February and will be given until May to finish it. In total 67 hours will be given to complete it.

Curriculum Lead: Rachel.Upsall@boltoncc.ac.uk

The sole purpose of a T Level is to prepare you for employment and a dynamic career. Due to the broad range of topics covered on the Digital T Level, you’ll be equipped for a career in a variety of sectors. You could work as a:

- Software development technician
- Junior developer
- Junior web developer
- Junior application developer
- Junior mobile app developer
- Junior games developer
- Junior programmer/ assistant programmer
- Automated test developer

As the T Level is equivalent to 3 A Levels, you could even decide to progress to university or a paid Apprenticeship at level 4 or higher, if you choose.

We have a range of dedicated support and wellbeing services including FREE travel; FREE breakfast; dedicated Learning Development Mentors (LDMs); impartial advice and guidance; dedicated one-to-one support for learners with additional needs; and support with the cost of College, plus much more.

Sitting a job interview, writing a personal statement, applying for university - taking part in our enrichment programme will give you a CV to wow in all of these situations! You’ll benefit from departmental and cross-college enrichment with:

• Inspiring trips and experiences
• Meetings with industry experts
• Visits to leading companies in your sector

As well as giving you essential professional and technical skills, you’ll demonstrate that you’re a successful and well-rounded person, helping you to make a lasting impression.

We want you to have fun, so we also have plenty of leisure and sporting activities for you to enjoy, improving your health and wellbeing

As part of our Pre-Professionals Programme, you'll have your own personal Learning Development Mentor, supporting you throughout your time at College. You'll also have access to a Careers Advisors and Work Placement Officer - they'll help you to manage your studies; oversee your progress; aid in your personal development; and enrich your learning, giving you exposure to not only employers, but leading companies in your sector.

You'll benefit from masterclasses, industry visits and project-based learning, and you'll also receive support with CV writing, personal statements, mock interviews and more, so that when it comes to the crunch, you have the skills and confidence to impress.

We’re an elite College, and part of the University of Bolton Group, offering you a gateway to all of Greater Manchester’s vast range of fantastic opportunities for specialist careers, university degree courses and higher Apprenticeships.

We’ll reward your achievements with trips to The Anderton Outdoor Activity Centre and the opportunity to apply for the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Our £75 million campus offers a refurbished fitness suite and sports hall; Apple Mac suites; libraries, a lecture theatre; hair and beauty salon; and a restaurant, café and canteen.

You’ll also enjoy a wide range of events, including showcases, enterprise activities and cultural celebrations.

Click the yellow ‘Apply’ button on this page.

You’ll be asked to set up a Learner Hub account so that you can track your application and enrol online. You’ll also be asked to book your interview for your course at the same time.

If you have any difficulties setting up your Learner Hub account, please email learner.hub@boltoncc.ac.uk

Open Events are the best way to discover what life as a Bolton College student is like, giving you an insight into College life.

Open Events at our Deane Road Campus are as follows:

• Tuesday 17th October 2023, 5pm-8pm
• Thursday 12th December 2024, 5pm-8pm
• Wednesday 12th February 2025, 5pm-8pm
• Thursday 20th March 2025, 5pm-8pm
• Wednesday 30th April 2025, 5pm-8pm
• Thursday 19th June 2025, 5pm-8pm

If you’d like to attend one of these events, register here

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate, there may be changes to this programme and provision. We will endeavour to keep prospective and current students updated where appropriate and when the information becomes available.