Quick facts
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Qualification type |
Gateway Qualification Level 1 in Essential Digital Skills |
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Duration |
1 year |
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Study times |
You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
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Entry requirements |
A range of GCSE passes grade 2 or above (to include Mathematics or English at the minimum of Grade 2), or an equivalent qualification. Current WSC learners with an appropriate Entry Level qualification and either GCSE Mathematics or English at the minimum of Grade 2. |
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Campus |
West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
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Work placements |
Yes |
Is it for me?
If you have an interest in Digital Technologies, this course is a great introduction to an ever-growing innovative industry.
This course will give you a good general introduction to digital technologies and provide the basic skills required to progress into a wide range of courses and pathways, including Games Design, Social Media and Journalism, Film and Media, Software Development, IT support, and eSports. Vital skills such as resilience and time keeping will also be integrated into the course.
What you'll learn
Mandatory units:
- Essential Digital Skills
Additional units may include:
- Computing Project
- Games Design Project
- Film and Media Project
Equipment required for the course
Learners will be required to bring stationery (notepad, pen/pencil and ruler) Headphones and a storage device (Hard drive/memory stick). A home computer is not required but would be helpful to work at home.
Work experience placements
During each year of the course, learners with take part in at least 40 hours of work experience. This will build on the skills developed in the classroom, give an insight into professional practices within the industry and will provide valuable evidence for a learner's CV and skills portfolio.
Assessment
Assessment will be through a combination of written assessments, practical work, professional discussions and one mandatory online external exams.
Example careers
- Data Scientist
- Cyber Security Specialist
- Solutions Architect
- Web Developer
- Games Designer
- App Developer
- Business Analyst
- Forensic Computer Analyst
- IT Project Manager
- Producer
- Director
- Casting Director
- Set Runner Camera
- Operator
- Journalist
Days & times
Starting September 2025