T Level – Design, Survey and Planning for Construction (Building Services Design Structure)

Building Services Design is a specialised area of engineering that focuses on creating safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient environments within buildings and infrastructure. This course equips learners with the essential knowledge and practical skills to design, plan, and manage the systems that make buildings and civil structures functional and sustainable.

In addition to building services, the course introduces core principles of Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Road and Highway Engineering, and Bridge Design — enabling learners to understand how various engineering disciplines integrate within the built environment.

Throughout the course, learners will study the design and operation of mechanical, electrical, and public health systems, alongside the fundamentals of structure, form, and construction. Emphasis is placed on energy efficiency, sustainability, and compliance with current building regulations and environmental standards. Learners will also gain hands-on experience using industry-standard CAD and BIM software to develop coordinated design solutions.

You will study key areas such as:
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems design
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
- Power, lighting, and renewable energy solutions
- Water supply, drainage, and fire protection systems
- Structural Engineering: analysis and design of load-bearing structures
- Architectural Engineering: integrating building aesthetics with engineering functionality
- Road and Highway Engineering: design principles, materials, and safety standards
- Bridge Design: structural design and load analysis for various bridge types
- Sustainable and low-carbon design practices
- Building Information Modelling (BIM) and CAD design integration
- Health, safety, and regulatory compliance.

You must have achieved 5 GCSE's grade 9-4 including English or Maths, and successfully completed the Jump Start to T Levels programme.

This qualification will be studied via blended learning, taking the very best classroom-based activity and combining it with the very best digital and remote learning and delivery from our industry experts.

Your time in college will be spent learning in our brand-new purpose built Openshaw construction centre, in industry standard workshops and classrooms.

Some of your learning time will be project-led, bringing together your theory, knowledge and practical skills into an individual or group project, such as a community action project.

You'll be assessed through two examination papers, paper 1 (Science and Building Technology) and paper 2 (Construction Industry and Sustainability), and an employer set project.

There is also a single synoptic assessment for the Occupational Specialist Component, which is an extended ‘design, development and implementation' project. This qualification will be studied via “blended learning”, taking the very best classroom-based activity and combining it with the very best digital and remote learning and delivery from our industry experts.

Upon completion, you can progress to higher education or apprenticeships in Building Services Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural or Architectural Engineering, or Transport Infrastructure Design.

This course also prepares students for entry-level roles such as Building Services Design Technician, Structural Design Assistant, CAD/BIM Technician, or Junior Civil Engineer.

If you need help with affording college, there are a number of different finance and funding options available to you. You might be eligible for special bursary support or extra help from the government. Have a look at our fees, finance & funding page to find out all the information you need.

Do you have a burning question about this course, or would you like to know more about the qualification you'll receive and how it will help your career?

Our course enquiries team is on hand to help you understand any details and answer any questions – whether it's about applying for the course or finding out about finance. Just get in touch here!