What Are T Levels?
T Levels are a new and exciting qualification, designed to bridge the gap between education and employment.
This approach to learning combines classroom study with extended industry placements of up to 45 days.
With 89% of T Level students succeeding in acquiring the qualification, T Levels provide students with the practical skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen career.
In this blog, we'll discuss T Levels, exploring their benefits, how they compare to other qualifications, and the opportunities they offer for young people.
What is a T Level qualification?
T Levels are a new type of technical qualification in England, designed to give students the practical skills and knowledge they need for work or further study. They combine classroom learning with an industry placement of at least 45 days.
T Levels are designed to meet the needs of employers, ensuring students are well-prepared for the workplace.
When were T levels introduced
T Levels began in September 2020. To start, there were only a few subjects available, however, now there are over 20!
What does T Level stand for?
T Level stands for Technical Level. They’re considered technical because they focus on providing students with the specific skills and knowledge required for skilled employment in a particular industry.
This includes a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning, often involving the use of industry-standard tools and equipment.
T Levels also cover a wide range of technical subjects, such as engineering, construction, digital technology, and healthcare, equipping students with the specialised knowledge needed to succeed in these sectors.
How do T Levels compare to other qualifications?
T Levels are designed to streamline the post-16 technical education landscape in England by providing a clearer and more structured career-focussed pathway for students, so they know exactly what to apply for.
What is a T Level equivalent to?
T Levels are equivalent to three A Levels. This means they’re a high-quality qualification that can lead to skilled employment, higher education, or apprenticeships.
What’s the difference between A Levels and T Levels?
While both A-Levels and T-Levels are respected post-16 qualifications, they offer distinct pathways for students. Use the table below to determine the key differences between the two.
| Feature | A-Levels | T Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Academic | Technical, career based skills |
| Subject Choice | 3 subjects to meet uni requirements | One specialised subject to meet uni requirements |
| Learning Style | Primarily theoretical | Blend of theory and practical, with industry placement |
| Pathways | Primarily university | University, apprenticeships, or skilled employment |
| Equivalent | 90 UCAS points + | 3 A Levels, 90 UCAS points + |
Are T Levels better than A Levels?
A Levels are more traditional, academic qualifications that focus on theoretical knowledge and critical thinking skills. T Levels, on the other hand, offer a more practical approach, combining classroom learning with significant industry placements.
T Levels are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for specific careers and industries, making them a great option for those who want to enter the workforce directly or pursue further technical education.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your career aspirations and learning style.
Are T Levels harder than A levels
The difficulty of T Levels compared to A Levels is subjective and depends on each learner's strengths and learning styles.
A Levels traditionally focus on theoretical knowledge and analytical skills. As such if you aren’t suited to academic learning they might be slightly more difficult.
T-Levels can be demanding, but they offer a balance of theoretical learning and practical experience through industry placements which can be better suited to those who learn through being hands-on. Ultimately, the challenge of each depends on each learner's preferences.
How many T Levels can you take
You can only take one T Level at a time. They’re designed as a full-time two-year course that combines classroom learning with a significant industry placement. You’ll still get a qualification equivalent to 3 A Levels at the end!
What are the advantages of T Levels?
T Levels offer several advantages:
Practical experience: they provide significant industry placements, giving students hands-on experience and a better understanding of real-world work environments.
Employer-led: T Levels are designed in collaboration with employers, such as Lloyds Banking Group, ensuring that the curriculum meets industry needs and prepares students for skilled employment.
Read how Lloyds Banking Group supports our T Level students.
Clear career pathways: They offer clear pathways to skilled employment, apprenticeships, or further study at university, particularly in technical industries.
Equivalence to A-Levels: T Levels are equivalent to three A-Levels, demonstrating their high academic standard and direct route to uni.
By providing a strong foundation of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, T Levels can help students achieve their career goals.
How are T Levels marked?
T Levels are assessed through a combination of exams, coursework, and the successful completion of an industry placement. Students receive an overall grade, ranging from a Pass to a Distinction*.
This grade reflects their performance in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the course. A Distinction* is the highest grade you can get and is equivalent to three A*s at A-level in terms of UCAS points.
What subject areas do T Levels cover?
Here at TMC, we offer T Level courses in the following subjects:
- Animal Care and Management
- Business Management and Finance
- Construction
- Craft and Design
- Digital
- Education and Early Years
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Health and Healthcare Science
- Media, Broadcast and Production
Are T Levels recognised by universities?
Many universities now accept T Levels as part of their entry requirements. However, it's important to check the specific requirements of the universities and courses you're interested in, as acceptance may vary depending on the subject and the course entry requirements.
Which unis accept T Levels?
Currently, around 150 unis across the UK recognise T Levels!
Do T Levels give UCAS points?
Yes, T Levels do give UCAS points. You can use the UCAS points to apply to university.
| UCAS tariff points | T-level overall grade | A-level equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 168 | Distinction* | A* A* A* |
| 144 | Distinction | AAA |
| 120 | Merit | BBB |
| 96 | Pass (C) | CCC |
| 72 | Pass (D or E) | DDD |
What are the T Level entry requirements?
Typically, to be eligible for a T Level, you'll need to meet the following requirements:
- Age 16 or older.
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths. However, specific requirements can vary between course subjects and providers.
It's important to check with individual colleges and training providers to get the most accurate and up-to-date entry requirements for specific T Level courses.
What ages are T Levels for?
T Levels are typically for students aged 16-18. You can start at 17, even if this means you would complete the course when you are 19.
Do many people study T Levels?
There were 16,085 T Level entrants in the 2023/24 academic year! This number is steadily increasing as more and more students and providers recognise the value of T Levels and they become more mainstream.
What’s the difference between T Levels and apprenticeships?
Although they have similarities, apprenticeships are more work based. The purpose of apprenticeships is to prepare learners for direct entry into the workforce.
T Levels are more study based, designed to support those who want to enter the workforce and/or higher education.
| Feature | T Levels | Apprenticeships |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Environment | Combination of classroom and industry placement | Primarily on-the-job training |
| Focus | Broader industry knowledge and skills | Specific job role and skills |
| Salary | No salary during the course | Paid employment |
| Progression | Further study or skilled employment | Direct entry into the workforce |
Do you get paid for T Levels?
No, you don't get paid for T Levels. Unlike apprenticeships, T Levels are more focused on classroom learning, with elements of work experience.
Apprenticeships are more focused on on-the-job learning, with slight elements of classroom learning, which is why apprentices are compensated for their work efforts. While you'll gain valuable work experience through your industry placement with a T Level, you won't receive a salary.
Do you have to study the same subject as T Levels for uni?
No, you don't have to study the same subject as your T Level at university. If you change your mind on the course subject, you can apply for a uni course doing a different subject using your UCAS points.
However, soe uni courses that are highly specialised may require a specific qualification to meet entry requirements, so it’s always best to check your desired university course first.
If you’re certain that you want to study a specialised course for uni, like medicine, but don’t have the right T Level/other qualifications, you can study an access course.
Are young people guaranteed a job at the end of their T Level?
While they’re designed to prepare students for the world of work and offer valuable industry experience, they don’t guarantee employment.
However, T Levels do provide a strong foundation for future careers and many T Level students gain employment after their industry placement.
Read more about our exciting industry connections: T Level Students Join Business Industry Day with Barclays.
Where can I study a T Level qualification in Manchester?
With a wide range of subjects on offer, experienced tutors, and strong industry links, at TMC, we provide students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in their T Level and beyond.
Located in the heart of Manchester surrounded by many exciting growing industries, we offer students access to a vibrant city with plenty of opportunities for work experience and development!
If you want the best T Level experience a college has to offer, explore our T Levels and enrol today!