Digital and Data Analysis Foundation Certificate Level 2

Quick facts

Is it for me?

Are you interested in digital technology, data and solving problems? This course gives you the chance to build practical skills and confidence in these areas before choosing your next step.
You'll learn through applied activities based on work-related situations. You'll work with data, configure digital systems, develop and test code, and use reliable information to support recommendations.
You don't need to have studied digital technology before. The course is designed for students who want to strengthen their skills at Level 2 before progressing to further study.

What you'll learn

You'll develop knowledge and practical skills across five areas:

• Data analysis: Clean and prepare datasets, identify patterns, create charts and tables, and communicate what the data shows.
• Digital systems and security: Configure systems, manage access and authentication, identify security risks, and recommend protective actions.
• Programming: Plan, develop and test a coded solution to meet a brief, using logical steps to find and correct errors.
• Hardware and software: Plan and configure components, check that they work together, and carry out routine maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Digital research: Check whether digital sources are reliable, compare information, reference sources and use evidence to make recommendations.

You'll also practice problem solving, planning, numeracy, communication and organising digital information. You'll learn to check automated and AI-generated outputs rather than relying on them without review.

Equipment required for the course

You will have access to specialist computer facilities and the software required to complete your studies while at college. 

We recommend having access to a laptop or desktop computer and internet connection at home so that you can continue working on projects and assignments outside of lessons, but this is not mandatory 

You won't need to purchase specialist software for the course. Where possible, we use industry-standard, educational or freely available software and online tools. 

Work experience placements

Developing an understanding of the workplace is an important part of your study programme and we will encourage you to undertake a work experience placement. 

During your course, you'll have opportunities to develop your employability skills and learn about careers within the digital sector. 

This could include employer-led projects, industry talks, workplace visits, careers activities, live briefs and other opportunities to work with digital professionals. 

You'll apply your knowledge to realistic workplace scenarios throughout the course, helping you understand how the skills you're developing are used within different organisations. 

Assessment

You'll be assessed through a combination of external examinations and internal assessments. This gives you the opportunity to demonstrate what you know and how you can apply your skills in different ways.

External examinations will assess your understanding of important digital and data concepts. Through internal assessments, you'll apply your learning to practical, work-related tasks, such as analysing data, configuring digital systems and developing solutions to meet a brief. You'll also use evidence to support recommendations and communicate your findings clearly.

Further study

This course gives you a broad foundation in digital technology and data, helping you plan your next step with confidence. You can build on what you learn through further study or training, including:

• Digital Creative Industries Level 3
• BTEC Extended Diploma in Esports Level 3
• T-Level Cyber Security
• T-Level Software Development
• A Levels, including Computer Science
• Apprenticeships in related areas

You'll be able to explore subjects such as data analytics, software development, digital support and security, and decide which areas you'd like to specialise in.

Example careers

Digital skills are used across almost every industry, from healthcare and finance to gaming, retail and engineering. The knowledge and practical experience you gain on this course can help you explore a range of future career paths, including:

• Data Analyst
• IT Support Technician
• Network Support Technician
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Junior Software Developer
• Database Administrator
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Web Developer
• Digital Forensics Analyst
• Systems Analyst

These roles usually require further study, training or workplace experience after Level 2. This course gives you a chance to discover which areas interest you and build a foundation for your next step.

Discover more

Digital technology and data shape the way organisations work, solve problems and make decisions. From keeping information secure to using data to spot patterns, digital skills are in demand across a wide range of industries.

On this course, you'll get hands-on experience with data analysis, programming, digital systems and cyber security. You'll learn to question information, test ideas and explain your recommendations clearly, while building confidence in using technology to solve practical problems.

The course gives you the chance to explore different areas of the digital sector before choosing where you'd like to take your learning next. If you're curious about technology and want to build a strong foundation for further study, this could be the start of your next step.

Days & times

Starting September 2027