T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Support and Security (Cybersecurity)

• About the Course

  The T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Support and Security (Cybersecurity) is a two-year program, equivalent to three A-levels, designed to prepare students for a career in the digital industry. It combines 80% classroom-based learning with a mandatory 315-hour (45-day) industry placement, providing practical, hands-on experience.

  Students acquire core knowledge of data, digital systems, legislation, and security principles, before specialising in cybersecurity, where they learn to apply controls, manage risks, and respond to incidents. This curriculum, developed with employers, equips learners with the necessary skills for skilled employment, an apprenticeship, or higher education in the field.

  What will I learn

  The T Level in Digital Support and Security (Cybersecurity) curriculum is structured around a common core component in the first year, followed by an occupational specialism in cybersecurity in the second year, alongside a mandatory industry placement across both years.

  Year 1: Core Knowledge and Employer-Set Project 

  The first year focuses on building foundational knowledge of the entire digital industry and developing core skills through classroom learning and an employer-set project. 

  • Core Content: Students develop an understanding of:
  • Business Context: How digital technologies impact business environments.
  • Data and Digital Environments: The characteristics of data, cloud storage, physical/virtual environments, and data access management.
  • Security & Legislation: The technical, physical, and human aspects of internet security, including legal and regulatory obligations like GDPR.
  • Problem Solving & Fault Analysis: A logical approach to identifying and resolving technical issues.
  • Project Planning & Tools: Planning digital projects and using project management and collaboration tools.
  • Ethical Implications: The moral implications and emerging issues related to digital technology.
  • Employer-Set Project: Students apply their knowledge to a real-life problem posed by industry leaders, which is part of their assessment.

  Year 2: Occupational Specialism and Industry Placement 

  The second year focuses on the occupational specialism in cybersecurity, involving hands-on, practical learning and an extended industry placement. 

  • Cybersecurity Specialism: Students acquire specific skills to enter roles like Cybersecurity Technician or IT Security Co-ordinator. Learning includes:
  • Security Controls: Applying procedures and controls to maintain an organisation's digital security and data.
  • Risk Management: Undertaking security risk assessments and proposing remediation advice.
  • Incident Response: Learning to monitor, log, and respond to security incidents while preserving evidence.
  • Vulnerability Management: Evaluating vulnerability assessments and managing access control methods.
  • Network Security: Installing, configuring, and testing physical and virtual networks, including the use of firewalls.
  • Industry Placement: A mandatory minimum of 315 hours (45 days) in a real workplace, allowing students to put their classroom knowledge into practice and develop professional judgement and technical fluency.
• Entry Requirements
  At least 4 GCSEs at 9-4 including English and Maths.
• Progression

  Upon completion, graduates have three primary progression routes: skilled employment, higher apprenticeships, or higher education. The T Level carries UCAS points equivalent to three A-levels, making it a valid pathway to university. 

  • Skilled Employment: Direct entry into various roles within the digital sector, including:
  • Cybersecurity Administrator/Analyst
  • Incident Response Technician
  • Junior Penetration Tester or Junior SOC Analyst
  • IT Support Engineer or Infrastructure Technician
  • Network Support Analyst
  • Higher/Degree Apprenticeships: Progression to advanced apprenticeships where students can combine work with study to gain further qualifications, such as:
  • Cybersecurity Technician (Level 3) or Technologist (Level 4)
  • IT Solutions Technician (Level 3)
  • Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (Degree Level 6)
  • Higher Education: Entry into relevant university degree programs, such as:
  • BSc (Hons) in Cybersecurity or Information Security Management
  • BSc (Hons) in Computer Science or Software Engineering

  Higher National Diploma (HND) in Digital Technologies 

• Assessment Method

  Assessment for the T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Support and Security (Cybersecurity) is a combination of examinations, projects, and practical assessments. The final grade is an overall Pass, Merit, Distinction, or Distinction*. 

  • Core Component (Year 1): Assessed through a combination of:
  • Two written examinations (Core 1 and Core 2) to test core knowledge and understanding.
  • A practical Employer-Set Project (ESP), which requires students to apply their core skills to a realistic industry scenario.
  • Occupational Specialism Component (Year 2):
  • Assessed via a skills-based synoptic project/controlled assessment completed under supervised conditions. This practical assessment focuses specifically on the cybersecurity skills developed in year two.
  • Industry Placement:
  • The minimum 315 hours of industry placement must be completed to pass the overall T Level, but it is not graded. The experience contributes to developing professional behaviours and technical fluency. 

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