Fancy a career as a software developer? We are super excited to be one of the first colleges in the country to deliver a T-Level qualification in this industry. If you want to find out exactly what we have on offer and why studying software development at Access Creative College is the perfect way to get started in this field then read on!
What are T-Levels?
T-Levels, short for Technical Levels, are a type of qualification introduced as part of a government initiative to reform technical education for students aged 16 to 19. They are designed to provide young people with the practical skills and knowledge needed for specific industries to bridge the gap between academic education and the workforce.
T-Level courses are designed in collaboration with employers so you can get real, hands-on work experience alongside your studies. This will help you to fast-track your future by building relationships with some of the biggest names in the industry. How does that sound? If you need a little more information read our full breakdown of T-Levels.
Where can you study software development?
At ACC Bristol and ACC Norwich, we are running an exciting new T-Level course in Software Development. One of the main aims of this course is to teach you how to programme in languages, such as C#, Java and Python, as well as HTML and CSS, all of which are crucial for understanding the software industry. So, if you’re local to Bristol and Norwich, why not pop to one of our open days to find out more?
What will you study on our software development course?
As well as teaching you all of the core programming knowledge to succeed in this industry, we will also deep dive into:
- Problem-solving and algorithms
- Programming
- Data Science
- Physical, virtual and cloud computing systems
- VR, AI and other emerging technologies.
On top of this, you will have the opportunity to complete a 45-day industry placement with a local digital company as part of their software development team. This is an amazing way to gain industry experience and learn even more in a real working environment. Throughout the course, you will be working on projects which are directly relevant to industry demands, ensuring that you are prepared to tackle real-world challenges with confidence, ease and expertise.
To top it all off, we have put together a list of learner incentives which you will have access to while you are studying with us. This list has been created to give you the best possible chance to refine and develop your skills:
- Access to personal devices gives you the option to work from home
- Access to specialist software so that you can develop software/games from home
- A BCS membership allows you to grow even more professionally
- A personal AWS web server to help develop your projects
- A top industry mentor who will advise you on your projects and guide your personal development
- Industry placement of 315 hours
- Access to specialist games/software development labs
- The chance to participate and compete in esports teams
- The opportunity for further development with professional qualifications (Google, CISCO etc)
- An automatic interview for any Level 4 digital apprenticeships which are available at that time.
We truly believe that everything we have on offer is unmatched in the UK, and we know for sure that you will finish your time at Access Creative College confident, knowledgeable and ready for whatever your future career may bring!
What can you do after completing your T-Level?
Once you have finished this T-Level course, you will have 168 UCAS points under your belt meaning you could go onto further studies at the university of your choice. How about an apprenticeship instead? You could apply for a Level 4 apprenticeship to experience even more of that great blend of hands-on employer experience and study. Or, if you feel that you are ready to enter the world of work, you can jump straight into it and begin your coding career straight away!
What jobs are in Software Development?
Our T-Level in Software Development is designed to allow progression into multiple different pathways in the digital and tech industries. Some possible career options include:
- Software Developer/Engineer
- Web Developer
- Network Engineer
- Test Engineer/ Software Tester
- Pen Tester
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Games Developer
- IT Technician
- Data Scientist
- AI Developer
- Mobile Apps Developer
- Content Manager
- UI/UX Designer
- Information Architect
- Accessibility Specialist
And believe us when we say, this list is just the start! With your new, highly sought-after skills, there will be so many options out there to choose from.
We truly believe that everything we have on offer is unmatched in the UK, and we know for sure that you’ll finish your time at ACC confident, knowledgeable and ready for whatever your future career may bring.
Is a career in Software Development a good choice?
Whether a career in software development is a good choice depends entirely on your personal goals. If you have a passion for technology and enjoy problem-solving then it can be a fulfilling and successful career path to go down. Software development is a rapidly growing field with a high demand for a skilled workforce, working in various environments, from startups to large corporations. ACC’s T-Level course will equip you with all of the skills and resources needed to have a successful career in this industry.
If you have a willingness to learn and an interest in software development, apply now! To enrol on this course you will need at least 4 GCSEs, including Level 4 Maths and English. Don’t worry, if your grade predictions don’t quite match the requirements, feel free to get in touch with one of our advisors who will discuss all of your available options.