Digital Systems and Data

What is Digital Systems and Data?

Digital Systems and Data is positioned as the applied use of systems, data and technologies to meet user needs, rather than as preparation for a specific occupational role or specialism. The emphasis is on understanding how digital systems function, how they are used, and how decisions are made when working with them in organisational contexts. You will develop and apply knowledge, understanding and skills in digital systems, data and solution design. You will interpret, analyse and apply digital concepts within defined contexts, and to use that understanding to inform decisions and solve problems. This course is a great gateway to further study and apprenticeships.

What will I study?

You will develop a wide range of practical digital skills including:

• How to prepare, analyse, interpret and present data from different sources to support conclusions and decision making
• How to apply security protocols and interpret system information to detect and escalate cyber security concerns
• How to design and create a digital solution to meet defined user needs
• Critical, analytical and logical thinking
• Problem solving and decision making
• Communication and collaboration

You will also complete an independent project to achieve a work-related purpose, you will analyse user needs and design and create a structured digital solution that addresses defined requirements, constraints and governance expectations. Your solution may include configurable, scripted, automated or low-code approaches.

Assessments

V Levels will generally consist of two forms of assessment: timetabled assessment, which will make up 40% of the overall marks, and other forms of assessment, which will account for the remaining 60%.   [Exact details for this qualification to be confirmed]

Throughout the course, we provide constant support to help develop your theoretical and practical programming skills, supported by detailed feedback and guidance from teachers with real world industry experience.

Trips, Visits and Enrichment

• Guest speakers from past computer science alumni
• Opportunities to attend university masterclasses and conferences
• Opportunities to visit relevant historical sites throughout the UK
• Participation in college enrichment and academic societies

What can it lead to?

This V Level aims to encourage motivation and interest in pursuing careers and further study related to digital systems and practices, by providing a broad and applied understanding of this, without requiring early occupational specialisation.

This course provides both a strong conceptual foundation for the subject and the basis for developing in-depth understanding of digital systems, data and digital solutions through applying knowledge and skills to achieve work-related purposes.

This combination of theory and practice will secure access to a wide range of higher-level study and training across multiple sectors, including those related to computing, information technology, data science and related digital disciplines.

Digital Systems students could branch into fields such as:

• Cyber Security
• Data Analysis
• Digital Device Repair
• Digital Support
• Information Communication
• IT Solutions
• Software Development

Why choose Digital Systems and Data?

You should study Digital Systems and Data V Level if you want a flexible, vocational qualification that is equal in size to one A Level and combines hands-on tech training with academic study. It provides a practical, sector-focused alternative if you want vocational learning but still prefer a classroom-based, modular study environment over heavy on-the-job work placements.