Overview
Digital Support Services (Cyber Security Pathway) T LevelT Levels are equivalent to three A Levels. They offer an alternative to A Levels, apprenticeships or other post GCSE courses and ensure that you gain the knowledge and skills you need to move into skilled work, an apprenticeship or further study.
The Digital Support Services T Level focuses heavily on how technology impacts businesses on both a local and global scale, how to plan digital projects using tools for project management and collaboration and testing hardware, software and data.
You’ll also learn about the huge numbers of digital environments, whether they are physical, virtual or cloud and the legal, ethical and moral implications of the technologies in use.
This pathway will support you in your journey to become cyber security aware through learning essential cyber security concepts, principles and best practices. You’ll utilise a range of security technologies, understand risk management and learn how to detect, respond to and recover from incidents effectively.
You’ll be learning through practical, hands-on training using our hardware to gain vital skills in supporting digital technologies. Our award-winning teaching staff will guide and support your learning journey through interactive demonstrations, practical activities and through the experiences they have gained in their respective industries.
You’ll get experience with hardware, software, networking and cybersecurity in our dedicated computer lab classrooms, utilising state-of-the-art hardware and technologies to prepare for the digital industry or higher education.
Our teaching staff will provide a blend of theory and practical sessions to help aid your learning, your technical ability and your interpersonal skills to help build up your confidence and prepare you for the next step!
This practical experience-based course will reinforce theoretical concepts, using our dedicated and standalone hardware, networking and security labs to help you gain the most out of your time with us.
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Need to know
Entry requirements:
Essential: 4 GCSEs grades 9-4 including English and Maths OR similar at Level 2 including English and Maths.
Desirable: A strong desire to undertake an industry placement within a digital field.
What qualification will I gain?
Digital Support Services T-Level.
How will I be assessed?
Year one will include two core component exams and an employer-set project-based exam. These are graded from A* – E.
Year two will include an occupational specialism synoptic project-based exam. This is graded as Distinction, Merit or Pass.
Industry placement
This course will help you boost your employment prospects by gaining extensive experience on a work placement in a real-world environment. The T Level requires you to complete a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days) on placement over the two years.
Course content
What will I study?
You will study:
- Business Context
- Culture
- Data
- Digital Analysis
- Digital Environments
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Learning Skills
- Legislation
- Project Planning
- Cyber Security
- Testing and Tools
Next steps
Course progression:
Year 1 – Core Modules:
- Introduction to Digital Support Services:
Provides an overview of the digital support services industry, including key concepts, roles, and responsibilities.
- Digital Skills Development:
Focuses on developing fundamental digital skills, including proficiency in software applications, digital communication tools, and problem-solving techniques.
- Customer Service Essentials:
Covers effective customer service principles and practices, with a focus on delivering support services in a digital environment.
Year 2 – Specialisation and Work Placement:
- Advanced Digital Tools and Technologies:
Delves deeper into specific digital tools and technologies commonly used in digital support services, such as customer relationship management (CRM) software, helpdesk systems, and remote support tools.
- Technical Support Techniques:
Focuses on advanced troubleshooting methodologies, remote assistance techniques, and strategies for effectively resolving technical issues for customers.
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals:
Explores the basics of cybersecurity, including data protection principles, common threats, and security best practices relevant to digital support services.
Work Placement/Internship:
Provides students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience through a work placement or internship in digital support roles. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their skills in a professional setting and develop industry-specific competencies.
Apprenticeships:
The T-Level in Digital Support Services provides students with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to gain an advanced digital apprenticeship. Higher education apprenticeships combine work-based learning with part-time study toward a higher education qualification, such as a foundation degree or bachelor’s degree. T Level graduates can explore apprenticeship opportunities in digital support roles or related fields, allowing them to earn a wage while furthering their education.
Higher Education:
Some universities and colleges offer HND or HNC programs in subjects like Computing, IT, or Digital Technology. T Level graduates can use their qualifications as a pathway to enter these higher education programs, which often offer more in-depth study and practical training in specific areas of digital technology.
Career progressions:
- Security Analyst: £25,000 – £45,000 per year
- Security Engineer: £35,000 – £65,000 per year
- Incident Responder: £30,000 – £60,000 per year
- Security Consultant: £40,000 – £80,000 per year
- Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): £35,000 – £70,000 per year
- Security Architect: £50,000 – £90,000 per year
- Security Administrator: £25,000 – £50,000 per year
- Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst: £25,000 – £50,000 per year
- Cryptographer: £40,000 – £80,000 per year
- Security Awareness Trainer: £30,000 – £60,000 per year
- Digital Forensics Analyst: £35,000 – £70,000 per year
- Security Compliance Officer: £35,000 – £70,000 per year
Additional information
It is highly recommended that you have access to a computer at home capable of running Windows 10.
Trips and costs:
Each year we take students on a relevant trip costing £25, payable at the start of the course.
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Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.
Additional Learning Support
If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.
Any questions?
If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.
Accessibility
We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.
Additional formats
Course information sheets are also available in large print and audio formats. Call us on 01234 291000 to order your copy.