Digital Systems and Data (7553)

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Last Updated: 26 Oct 2026

The City & Guilds Level 3 V Level in Digital Systems and Data is a technical qualification designed for learners who want to develop and apply knowledge, understanding and skills in digital systems, data and digital solution design. It provides a broad foundation in digital technologies while allowing learners to explore specialist areas aligned to current work-place practice.

Subject to accreditation and regulatory approval, this qualification has been developed as part of the post-16 qualification reform in England and is available for first teaching from September 2027.

Key facts

Level 3 qualification.
Duration two years. 360 guided learning hours.
Specialist areas: Digital Systems and Cyber Security or Digital Solution Design and Development.
Mandatory prior learning: Not set by government or City & Guilds.
Available for first teaching from September 2027 (subject to accreditation and regulatory approval).
Designed for learners aged 16+.
First teaching September 2027.
Available for delivery in England.

This qualification combines classroom learning with practical, work-related activities that enable learners to apply digital knowledge and skills in realistic contexts. Providers should be prepared to deliver a blend of theory and hands-on learning using digital technologies, software, data and project-based activities, helping learners develop advanced technical, analytical and problem-solving skills aligned to their chosen specialist pathway.

This qualification is aimed at learners aged 16+ who are interested in digital technologies, data and digital innovation and want to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed for progression within the digital and technology sector.

It is suitable for learners who are considering higher education, higher technical study and apprenticeships who may want to:

Progress to higher education in computing, cyber security, software development, data science or related subjects;
Progress to higher technical qualifications;
Move into a digital or technology apprenticeship;
; or
Develop transferable skills and workplace behaviours that support further study and career progression.

Available to deliver in the following:

England

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form.

General Information

What Is Involved In Studying This Course?

Learners will develop and apply knowledge, understanding and skills in digital systems, data and solution design. They will learn how digital systems function, how data is managed and used, how risks are identified and addressed, and how digital solutions can be designed to meet user and organisational needs.

Core knowledge and understanding include:

Data handling, analysis and interpretation to support decision-making;
Digital systems and infrastructure;
Cyber and security protocols, systems and detection; and
Responsible and ethical use of technology.

Learners apply and extend their learning through one of two optional areas:

Prepare, configure and assure readiness of digital systems to meet user needs; or
Design and create a digital solution to meet defined user needs.

What Careers Can This Lead To?

This qualification supports progression to higher education, higher technical training and apprenticeships that can lead to careers across the digital and technology sector, including:

Cyber security and digital infrastructure;
Software and digital solution development;
Data and analytics;
IT operations and technical support; or
Digital business, transformation and technology services.

What Is Involved With Delivering This Course?

This qualification applies the Core Knowledge and Understanding (CKUs) and Work Related Purposes (WRPs) provided in the Nationally Set Content for Digital Systems and Data and is aimed at learners aged 16. It was developed with the involvement of employers and subject matter experts from small, medium and large organisations to ensure it meets learner needs.

Level 3

Level 3 V Level in Digital Systems and Data (7553-03)

Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2030

Level 3 V Level in Digital Systems and Data

Accreditation No: Data unavailable This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
Last Certification: 31/08/2033 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
Qualification fees in the UK: Please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

There are no documents available.

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form.

Explore our wider maths & English offer

Our maths & English qualifications underpin our apprenticeships and technical qualifications. They build learners’ confidence with the core skills required for employment, including the capacity to problem solve and use technology effectively. They are also key to triggering conditions of funding.

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Digital Systems and Data (7553)