Our Digital Production, Design and Development T level has been developed with industry partners to give students the knowledge, skills and experience to work in the digital and computing sector. Equivalent to three A levels, a T level offers a more technical and industry-focused route into skilled employment, higher level technical training or degree level study. T level students spend 80% of their time in lessons and 20% with an employer, gaining valuable hands-on experience. This T level in Digital Production, Design and Development has been introduced as a UK government priority, due to the high volume of employment opportunities in digital and computing.
What do our students say?
In Autumn 2022, 97% of Digital Technologies students surveyed at HRC agreed that the 'teaching and learning on my course is helping me to develop knowledge and skills that I need to meet my goals and aspirations.'
- What makes T level Digital Production, Design and Development at HRC special?
Expert staff with industry knowledge and experience across technical and creative skill sets, both in college and on work placements. - Hertford Regional College is extremely well positioned on the edge of North London, a hub of digital content, media production and tech-driven businesses. Sunset Studios, a multi-million dollar film studio planned to open in Waltham Cross is one of many opportunities attracting digital skills and economic growth in the local area.
- Our industry-standard facilities support the delivery of high-level technical skills to prepare students for employment.
- HRC students are well-known for producing a high standard of work, meeting the demands of industry clients.
Career Destinations
Four out of five job vacancies in the UK require digital skills. The Digital Technologies industry currently represents 9% of the UK workforce and grew 40% in 2019 - six times faster than any other industry. The UK is behind only the US and China for the total number of tech companies valued at more than £1 billion (Source: WEF, 2021).
Employment areas with high demand in the digital and computing sector include:
- Software development
- Programming
- Cybersecurity
- Web design
- Data analytics
- Online content production and social media
- Cloud technologies
- Virtual reality
- Machine learning
- Games design
- IT support and consultancy
What can I do next?
On successful completion of a T level, students can progress to:
- skilled employment
- higher or degree level apprenticeships
- higher level technical study, including higher education (university); for example BSc Computing, BSc Digital Media Design Development, BA Virtual Reality Design
What will I be doing?
This is a two-year programme with 80% in college and 20% on work placement. In college, you will learn core knowledge and occupational specialist knowledge and skills (detailed below). Your work placement will total a minimum of 45 days within the digital sector.
This qualification is a full-time college course, and you will need to be available for college sessions and your industry placement – 5 days a week, Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (this may vary).
Homework and independent study will also be set for completion by deadlines.
Core knowledge
- Problem solving
- Programming (including python)
- Emerging issues and impact of digital
- Legislation and regulatory requirements
- Business context
- Data
Digital environments - Security
Employer-set project
- Planning
- Application
- Selecting relevant techniques and resources
- Maths skills
- English skills
- Digital skills
- Project Outcome
- Review
Occupational Specialist
Occupation specialist project: Software Development
- Analysing a problem and aligning to user needs
- Legal and regulatory requirements
- Discovery and application of reliable sources of knowledge
- Design
- Creating solutions in a social and collaborative environment
- Implement a solution using at least two appropriate languages
- Testing
- Change, maintain and support software
Industry Placement
A 45-day placement within the digital sector
How will I be assessed?
During the two years you will sit two examination papers and complete two live projects. All of these are assessed by external examiners. Your progress on your work placement will be supported and monitored by your tutor.
Entry requirements
- English and maths GCSE at grade 5 minimum
- A minimum of 3 other GCSEs at grade 4 or above
- A satisfactory reference from your school
- A digital-related qualification is desirable
If you would like help understanding our entry requirements, give our Information Team a call on 01992 411411.
What do I need to bring?
There is a small cost for essential course equipment such as a memory stick and for optional trips that take place during the year. The cost of equipment is not expected to exceed £90 and financial support is available if required.
Fee Information
Free to Home students under 19 on 31 August 2023.
If you are a Home student aged 19 or over on 31 August 2023, you may be liable to pay approximately £2,500 tuition fee for a Level 2 qualification and approximately £5,000 for a Level 3 qualification (these were the tuition fees for 2022/2023 and could be subject to change for 2023/2024).
If you are aged 19-23 you may also be entitled to free tuition if the course you choose is on a government-approved list and the qualification is your first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
If you are aged over 24 and you have not achieved a full Level 3 qualification you may be entitled to free tuition if the qualification is listed on the Government Free courses for jobs list. Similarly, if you already hold a Level 3 qualification (or above) and meet the Adult Education Budgets definition of unemployed or are in receipt of low wage, you may also be entitled to free tuition.
You may also be required to pay an administration fee, exam fees, kit fee and an Awarding Body Registration fee if applicable.
For these costs please contact our Information Centre on 01992 411411 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
These fees are indicative of the 2024-25 costs and may be subject to change
Additional Costs
You may be required to pay a trip and resources fee.
