V Level in Digital Systems and Data

Before you submit your application

Before submitting your application to Wilberforce Sixth Form College, please make sure you have included the following information:

Personal details – including your home address, personal email address (not a school email), contact number and current school.

Next of Kin details - please add parent/guardian contact details including email address.

Predicted grades – please include a full list of all your predicted grades.

What happens after you apply?

Once you have submitted your application, we will contact you using the personal email address provided.

If you decide you would like to change your course choices, there is no need to submit a new application. You can discuss and change your choices at your interview.

You only need to attend one interview, even if you would like to change your course choices or are interested in studying multiple courses.

If you have any questions or need any help with your application, please contact liaison@wilberforce.ac.uk.

You will explore how digital systems operate and how data is collected, prepared, analysed and used to solve problems. Topics will include computer hardware and software, networking and system architecture, data cleaning and interpretation, data bias, cyber security, access and authentication, digital solution design, and planning, developing and testing basic programming solutions. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level and is intended to be combined with other A Levels or V Levels.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

You will learn how hardware, software, networks and system architecture work together. You will collect, clean, analyse and interpret data, consider data quality and bias, and design digital solutions around user needs. You will also identify cyber threats, apply access and authentication controls, escalate security concerns and develop basic programming logic by planning, coding, testing and refining solutions to a brief.

WHO IS THE COURSE AIMED AT?

This course is aimed at students who are curious about how technology works and how organisations use data. It is ideal if you enjoy logical thinking, practical problem-solving and working with digital tools, and want a flexible qualification that can sit alongside subjects such as Mathematics, Business, Media, Science or another V Level.

Five GCSEs at grades 4–9, including English Language and Mathematics, with a grade 5 in either Mathematics and/or English. You should have an interest in digital technology, data and problem-solving. Final entry requirements will be confirmed following publication of the approved specification.

EXPERIENCES

You will work on practical digital briefs that may involve configuring systems, investigating network or security issues, preparing and analysing datasets, presenting findings, and designing and testing simple programmed solutions. You will develop confidence with data, documentation, logical problem-solving, teamwork and communicating technical information to different audiences.

PROGRESSION

Successful completion can support progression to higher education, digital apprenticeships or junior roles in technology and data. Relevant routes may include computing, data science, cyber security, software development, information technology, business information systems and digital support. Specific university and apprenticeship requirements should be checked carefully.

OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, you will understand how digital systems and networks operate, be able to prepare and interpret data, apply basic cyber-security controls, and plan, develop and test straightforward programming solutions. Combined with two other qualifications, it can provide a foundation for further study, apprenticeships or entry-level opportunities in digital support, data, cyber security and software development.