Digital Systems and Data – Level 2 Foundation Certificate

This is a high-quality qualification that prepares you for progression to a variety of Level 3 Digital Technologies options upon completion, such as our T Level. (Please visit our Level 3 course pages for more information.)  If, for one reason or another, you did not manage to meet our entry requirements of at least a GCSE grade 4 or better in both English and Maths to enrol directly on our Level 3 courses, then this course is for you. 

You will need at least a grade 4 in either English Language or Maths, plus three other GCSE subjects at grade 3 or better.  

In exceptional circumstances where you may not meet the entry requirements, staff will be able to make professional decisions to guide you appropriately.

You will need to retake to improve your English Language or Maths to a grade 4 or higher alongside this course. This will help you to progress to a Level 3 course of your choice, with natural progression to one of our T level courses that suit your career choice. 

This is a practical oriented course, where you will be challenged to apply your knowledge to solve real computing problems in business or society in the following areas:

1. Data analytics to identify trends, patterns and effective communication with target audience.
2. Design, configuration and applying cybersecurity principles to networked computers to ensure Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability (C.I.A.) of data and services.
3. Design, test, deploy and review programming solutions that meet client requirements.
4. Implementation of the build, operating and decommissioning of hardware and software systems lifecycles in accordance with the client requirements.
5. Apply diagnostics and escalation to relevant support levels when dealing with technical problems and review outcomes for continuous improvement.
6. Evaluation of reliability of digital sources to gain in-depth understanding of digital technologies.

Teaching and learning will stretch you to gain knowledge of data analysis, programming, networking and cybersecurity. Your lessons will involve group tasks and presentations responding to client requirements. You will be challenged to carry out individual research from credible sources to investigate emerging digital technologies. A variety of practical, pair work and individual activities form part of your learning in your lessons. You will be expected to feedback and monitor your own progress in line with your aspirational target. 

You do not need to bring any hardware or software for learning as these are provided in our computing labs. We advise that you have your own laptop or desktop at home for completing assessments, research and other activities to enhance your learning.  Where costs for trips are required, you will be notified in advance to discuss this with your next of kin. 

The course assessments involve applied learning (practical activities) across digital systems and data contexts. You will be expected to demonstrate work-related behaviours such as attention to detail, persistence and reliability. 

Upon successful completion of this course, you may choose one of the following Level 3 pathways:

1. Digital T levels – Software Development, Cyber Security or Data Analytics
2. A-levels – you can choose any options, ideally with computing as the key subject.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk