The new Digital Production, Design & Development Pathway at Global Academy Sixth form is designed to prepare students for a career as a digital programmer or software engineer in the creative industry.
The course will allow you to develop your knowledge and understanding in a broad range of topics such as programming, coding, the use of data and the different platforms of delivery in the digital industry. It’s a fast moving and cutting-edge subject and you’ll also learn about the potential security risks that organisations can face and how to analyse problems and identify solutions through computer programs.
The digital sector has one of the largest projected economic growth outputs in the UK which means that there will be lots of future jobs in this ever-changing and quickly evolving sector. Significant changes in employment working practices will continue to take place as more companies embrace the many benefits of digital technology.
The Digital Production, Design and Development T level will give you the skills and knowledge needed to flourish in this exciting sector so that you can be part of the future digital workforce. You’ll learn a wide range of knowledge on topics needed to be successful in the fast-paced Digital industry such as Digital Analysis, Diversity and Inclusion, Security and Testing.
The course includes an industry placement of at least 45 days, during which students will gain valuable experience and develop the skills needed to work in this field. The course is taught both at the Academy, where students will learn the skills that employers need as well as in meaningful industry placements. Upon completion, students will receive a Level 3 T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development – which is equivalent to 3 A Levels and offers up to 168 UCAS Points. This qualification can lead to an apprenticeship, work in the media and digital industry, or further study in a digital or media-related field.
Global Academy will be working closely with employers like Global Media and others as part of the sixth form course – who will host a student placement across the two year course lasting a minimum of 45 days (9 weeks).
The type of projects which you’ll do during the course could include:
In the first year – alongside a placement at one of our employer partners – the course will help students develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the digital sector, including:
- how digital technologies impact business
- the ethical and moral implications of digital technology
- using data in software design
- using digital technologies to analyse and solve problems
- digital environments, including physical, virtual and cloud environments
- emerging technical trends, such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Blockchain, 3D printing
- legal and regulatory obligations relating to digital technologies
- the privacy and confidentiality of personal data
- the technical, physical and human aspects of internet security
- planning digital projects
- testing software, hardware and data
- digital tools for project management and collaboration
In the second year – each student will complete occupation-specific content such as:
- analysing a problem to define requirements and acceptance criteria aligned to user needs
- designing, implementing, and testing software
- changing, maintaining and supporting software
- creating solutions in a social and collaborative environment
- discovering, evaluating, and applying reliable sources of knowledge
- applying ethical principles and managing risks in line with legal and regulatory requirements when developing software
What qualification will I get?
Students taking this course will receive a Level 3 Digital Production, Design and Development T Level.- which is equivalent to 3 A Levels. The course offers up to 168 UCAS Points – depending on the grade you have achieved (pass, merit, distinction).
What partners are involved in this course?
Across the course – you will be required to complete an industrial placement of at least 315 hours (approx 45 days). This will provide you with an invaluable insight into the demands of working within the creative media industries and will equip you with professional skills such as undertaking research, generating ideas, communicating ideas, developing ideas working collaboratively with others and developing your reflective practice.
Global Academy will be working closely with employers as part of the sixth form course who will host a student placement across the two year course.
Where could this course take me?
The Ditial T Level pathway at Global Academy will allow you to develop skills with work experience during your course and will equip students to go on to gain an apprenticeship, work within the media or study media or a media-related course at a degree level at university.
Many students go onto university after completion to study a wide range of computing subjects. Due to the wide variety of skills acquired by learners, this could be: networking, software development, games design, computer science, big data analytics, cyber security, social media and business.
Possible jobs could include:
- Web Developer
- Web Designer
- Software Engineer
- Music Streaming / TV Streaming / Video Streaming Developer
- Computer Games Developer
- E Learning Developer
- User Experience (UX) Designer
What are the entry requirements for this course?
To be considered for this course – you will need to achieve 5 GCSEs at 5 or above (including English, Maths and Computer Science) as well as demonstrate a passion, dedication and interest in the digital side of media, broadcast and production.
