Do Universities Accept T Levels? What You Need to Know

Yes, many UK universities accept T Levels for undergraduate courses. Acceptance is increasing as the qualification becomes more established.

In fact, during the 2024 UCAS admissions cycle, 83% of T Level applicants secured a place at university.

In this blog, we’ll break down exactly how T Levels work. We’ll look at which universities accept them, what degrees they can lead to, and how they compare to A Levels. Whether you’re deciding what to study after GCSEs or wondering about university options, here’s what you need to know.

What is a T Level?

T Levels are two-year technical qualifications introduced in England in 2020. They are designed in collaboration with employers. T Levels aim to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical skills. Each T Level is equivalent to three A Levels and includes:

• 80% classroom-based learning
• 20% industry placement (a minimum of 45 days)
• A focus on a specific sector, such as digital, health, construction, education, or science.

The goal is to prepare students for skilled employment, higher apprenticeships, or university-level study.

Why choose T Levels over A Levels?

T Levels are ideal for students who prefer hands-on, practical learning. Instead of studying three subjects, you focus on one industry-specific area.

If you already have a career path in mind, a T Level could give you a more direct route into that field. Examples include early years education, software development, or healthcare.

T Levels are also co-designed with employers like Fujitsu, NHS, and Accenture. That means the curriculum stays relevant to the real world of work.

Are T Levels better than A Levels?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your learning style and goals. Here’s a quick comparison:

In terms of career progression, T Levels may offer faster access to apprenticeships or jobs in technical fields. A Levels may be better for academic subjects or competitive courses like medicine or law at university.

Which universities accept T Levels?

As of 2025, over 140 UK universities accept T Levels, including many members of the University Alliance and MillionPlus groups. Some well-known institutions that accept T Levels (for relevant courses) include:

• University of Exeter
• Manchester Metropolitan University
• University of Birmingham
• Nottingham Trent University
• University of Bristol
• University of Salford
• University of Portsmouth
• University of Hertfordshire

However, acceptance is not universal. Some universities only accept T Levels for certain subjects. For example, a T Level in Health may be accepted for Nursing or Midwifery, but not for Psychology or English Literature.

Always check the entry requirements on the UCAS website or the university’s official page.

Which degrees can you do with a T Level?

T Levels are designed to lead into relevant undergraduate degrees. Here are some common T Level subjects and degree paths:

• Animal Care and Management T Level: Animal Science, Zoology, Veterinary Nursing, Wildlife Conservation, Agriculture
• Business Management and Finance T Level: Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Marketing, Economics, Human Resource Management
• Construction T Level: Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying, Project Management
• Craft and Design T Level: Product Design, Furniture Design, Industrial Design, Textile Design, 3D Design
• Digital T Level: Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, IT Management, Digital Media
• Education and Early Years T Level: Primary Education, Early Years Studies, Childhood and Youth Studies
• Engineering and Manufacturing T Level: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
• Health and Healthcare Science T Level: Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Biomedical Science, Public Health
• Media, Broadcast and Production T Level: Media Production, Film and Television Studies, Broadcast Journalism, Creative Media, Digital Media.

That said, T Levels are not ideal for traditional academic degrees in humanities or arts. Courses such as English Literature, Philosophy, or History still favour A Levels.

Learn more: How to Choose Which College Course You Should Take

What do universities look for in T Level applicants?

When applying to university with a T Level, admissions teams consider several key factors. While each course and institution may have specific criteria, most universities look for:

Strong overall performance

Universities typically expect applicants to achieve a Merit or Distinction in their T Level. Higher-ranked institutions and competitive courses may require a Distinction.

Relevant subject alignment

Your T Level should closely match the subject area of the degree you’re applying for. For example, a T Level in Digital Production is suitable for Computer Science or IT-related degrees. It would not be suitable for History or Law.

Completed industry placement

The work placement component is a core part of the T Level. Most universities will expect you to have fully completed your placement. They may view relevant industry experience as a strong advantage, especially for vocational degrees like Nursing, Engineering, or Education.

A well-written personal statement

You’ll need to clearly explain why you're applying for the course. Explain how your T Level has prepared you and what career goals you have. Showing real-world understanding of your subject area and genuine motivation can help set you apart.

Minimum GCSE requirements

Many universities also ask for at least grade 4/C in GCSE English and Maths. For STEM or teaching degrees, some may require higher grades or additional subjects at GCSE level.

Can you get into Russell Group universities with T Levels?

Some Russell Group universities accept T Levels for certain courses. Acceptance varies by subject and institution. For example, the University of Exeter may accept T Levels for engineering, computer science, or healthcare.

However, more academically traditional institutions, like Oxford and Cambridge, do not accept T Levels at this time. Always check the specific course entry requirements before applying.

How many UCAS points is a T Level?

T Level results are graded as Pass, Merit, Distinction, and Distinction* and carry the following UCAS points:

• Distinction* = 168 UCAS points (equivalent to 3 A*s at A Level)
• Distinction = 144 points
• Merit = 120 points
• Pass (C or above in core component) = 96 points
• Pass (D or E in core component) = 72 points.

Study T Levels at TMC

At The Manchester College, we offer a wide range of T Levels. Our T Levels are designed to get you ready for university or skilled employment. With dedicated industry placements, expert tutors, and strong employer partnerships, our T Level students graduate with real-world experience and real options.

Whether you're planning to go straight into work, take on an apprenticeship, or apply for university, TMC helps you build the right foundation.

Explore our T Level courses at The Manchester College and enrol today.