T Level Digital Support and Security

What will you study and other information about T Level Digital

• What will I study? Year 1 – Core Knowledge

  The Digital Support and Security T Level gives you the skills and knowledge to start a career in IT, networking, or cybersecurity. 

  Over two years, you’ll cover a wide range of digital and cyber topics that give you both the theory and the practical skills to succeed in the industry. The course is split into two parts: the Core Knowledge (Year 1) and your Cyber Security specialism (Year 2).

  In your first year, you will develop a strong foundation in digital and IT systems. You will study:

  • Digital Environments
  • How IT systems are built, managed, and maintained
  • Hardware, software, networks, and cloud-based services
  • Data and Digital Systems
  • How data is collected, managed, and used by businesses
  • Data formats, data protection, and the role of digital systems in decision making
  • Security
  • Principles of cybersecurity and how to defend systems
  • Common cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and methods of attack
  • Business Context
  • How organisations use digital technologies to achieve their goals
  • How digital fits into the bigger picture of modern business
  • Legislation, Regulations, and Ethics
  • The key laws and regulations that govern IT (e.g. GDPR, Data Protection Act, Computer Misuse Act)
  • Ethical issues and professional responsibilities when working with technology
  • Problem Solving
  • Approaches to identifying and analysing digital problems
  • Designing and evaluating solutions
  • Planning, Testing, and Quality Assurance
  • Using digital tools and project management methods
  • Testing solutions to ensure reliability and quality outcomes
  • Emerging Issues and Technologies
  • Current trends in the digital sector
• Specialism: Cyber Security (Year 2)

  In your second year, you will focus on the Cyber Security pathway, developing more advanced and practical skills, including:

  • Threat Analysis
  • Understanding different types of cyber threats and attacks
  • Identifying vulnerabilities in systems and networks
  • Risk Assessment and Mitigation
  • Analysing risks to digital systems
  • Applying appropriate security controls to reduce threats
  • Security Solutions
  • Installing and configuring firewalls, anti-malware, and intrusion detection systems
  • Securing networks and digital environments
  • Access Management
  • Managing user permissions, authentication, and encryption
  • Ensuring that only the right people have access to the right information
  • Incident Response
  • Monitoring systems for unusual activity
  • Investigating security incidents and breaches
  • Implementing responses to minimise damage and restore systems
  • Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
  • Planning for cyber incidents and ensuring systems remain resilient
  • Strategies for data backup, recovery, and maintaining operations during a cyber event
  • Supporting Organisations and Users
  • Advising businesses and individuals on best practices for staying secure
  • Communicating technical issues in clear, accessible ways

  By the end of the T Level, you will have:

  A strong understanding of digital systems and environments

  Specialist cyber security knowledge and skills

  Practical experience through your industry placement

  The ability to problem solve, protect systems, and respond to cyber incidents

  This combination of theory, practice, and workplace experience means you will be fully prepared to enter the digital sector or progress to higher education.

• Equipment and Financial contributions

  While Blackpool Sixth provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for the T Level in Digital Support and Security, students are encouraged to have access to certain personal equipment to enhance their learning experience:

  • A Windows laptop with a minimum of 4GB of RAM (not a MacBook): A personal device with internet access to complete coursework, research, and participate in online learning platforms.

  • Software Tools: Students may be required to install specific software for coursework and projects. Details will be provided at the start of the course.
  • Textbooks: The core textbook for the course is the Hodder T Level in Digital Support Services. A link to purchase this will be provided upon enrolment.

  These resources are integrated into the curriculum to enhance learning and provide students with the skills needed to excel in the digital sector.

  While Blackpool Sixth strives to minimise additional costs, there are some financial contributions students may need to consider:

  Optional Educational Visits: Throughout the two-year course, there may be opportunities to participate in non-essential educational visits, such as trips to universities, conferences, and businesses. Participation in these visits is optional and may require additional costs.

  Industry Placement Expenses: Students are required to complete a minimum of 315 hours of work experience in Year 2. While the college coordinates these placements, students may incur costs related to travel or other expenses associated with their placements.

  We offer a range of financial support to eligible students, which may include assistance with meals, transport, and course-related costs. The level of support is based on household financial circumstances. 

• Field trips, projects and employability opportunities

  Studying the T Level in Digital Support and Security (Cyber Security Pathway) at Blackpool Sixth is about more than classroom learning. Students will have a number of opportunities to further develop their skills and knowledge whilst studying on the T-Level.  You’ll take part in a range of activities that prepare you for the workplace and bring your studies to life.

• Field Trips and Visits

  Visits to local and national employers to see how IT and cyber security are applied in real organisations

  Opportunities to attend digital and cyber careers events, such as Skills Shows and Tech Fairs

  Engage in events like Cyber Education Week, hosted by the Lancashire Cyber Partnership, featuring activities such as cyber challenges, password management sessions, and code-breaking exercises. 

  Opportunities to visit institutions like Lancaster University, known for its strong cyber education programs, to explore higher education pathways in cybersecurity. 

  Guest speakers from the industry, including IT support specialists, network engineers, and cyber professionals

  Other opportunities include various visits to universities and local and national businesses

• Projects and Practical Experience
  • Work with the college’s own Student Tech Support Team, where you help resolve technical issues around campus, under the supervision of Blackpool Sixth Form.
  • Join the Digital Academy, where you can explore coding further, experiment with software tools, and push your technical skills
  • The Employer-Set Project in Year 1 will challenge you to solve real-world IT and digital problems designed with employers
  • Cyber security simulation tasks such as investigating mock security breaches, analysing threats, and designing protective measures
  • Group projects to develop teamwork, communication, and project management skills alongside your technical learning
• Employability Opportunities
  • A minimum of 315 hours of industry placement, giving you first-hand experience in a real workplace
  • Links with local businesses and organisations, creating opportunities for placements, mentoring, and networking
  • Development of professional skills employers value: communication, problem-solving, resilience, and adaptability
  • Guidance with CV writing, interview preparation, and progression routes into apprenticeships, employment, or university