All learning, teaching and support is now online. COVID-19 FAQs. - What are T Levels?
- Which T Levels are available?
- Who will get the most from T Levels?
- What are the T Level entry requirements?
- What are the differences between T Levels and A Levels?
- UCAS Tariff for T Levels
- Careers for T Level students
- Why have T Levels been introduced?
- Find out more
What are T Levels?
T Levels are a new technical qualification, which became effective from September 2020.
Here’s what you need to know:
- A T Level takes two years and is equivalent to 3 A Levels
- T Levels are worth UCAS points (needed for university)
- T Levels bring classroom and industry placements together
- T Levels are designed with businesses to give students the inside track for your future career
T Levels are studied five days a week, with 80% of your time in the classroom and the other 20% on a relevant industry placement, getting real on-the-job experience.
Each T Level is made up of:
- Core industry skills and knowledge
- Specialist skills and knowledge relevant to your chosen career
- A minimum 315-hour (45 day) industry placement with an employer
- Relevant maths, English and digital skills
You will be assessed by exams for the core skills and practical skills tests for the occupational (career) specialisms.
T Levels are career-focused, with a significant industry placement allowing you to develop the knowledge and skills you need to compete for the best university places, higher/degree apprenticeships and highly skilled careers.
T Levels are for young people who are academically strong and ambitious to get ahead in high-level technical occupations (next level skills for next level jobs). They provide the chance to learn what a real career is like while studying.
Which T Levels are available?
B&FC will be offering the following eight T Levels for 2021:
- Building Services Engineering for Construction
- Design, Surveying and Planning (Construction)
- Digital Production, Design and Development
- Digital Support Services
- Education and Childcare
- Health: Adult Nursing
- Onsite Construction
- Science
These T Levels are also expected to be offered by B&FC in 2022:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Management and Administration
What are the T Level entry requirements?
You will need 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths.
If you choose the Primary Teaching route of the Education and Childcare T Level, you'll also need a science-related subject.
What are the differences between T Levels and A Levels?
T Levels and A Levels have exactly the same entry requirements and both lead straight to university.
If you have a specific career goal, a T Level will give you the experience and skills needed to get a head start into your chosen area.
T Levels lead to a nationally-recognised qualification showing specific learning outcomes with an overall grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction.
They equip young people to progress to university, highly skilled employment or a higher/degree apprenticeship.
UCAS Tariff for T Levels
The tariff allocates points to each qualification grade so you can easily work out what you need for a particular course. The table below shows how T Levels equate to A Levels.
| UCAS Tariff points | T Level overall grade | A Level grades |
| 168 | Distinction* | A*A*A* |
| 144 | Distinction | AAA |
| 120 | Merit | BBB |
| 96 | Pass (C or above on the core) | CCC |
| 72 | Pass (D or E on the core) | DDD |
The table above is based on achieving the same grade for each A Level. However, UCAS tariff totals can be achieved through different A Level grade combinations based on the following A Level grade points: A*=56; A=48; B=40; C=32; D=24; E=16.
Careers for T Level students
T Levels are a great option for students with a career in mind who want to experience the workplace while learning essential skills for the job of your dreams - or higher education.
Here are the T Levels and your likely career paths:
Building Services Engineering for Construction
- Plumber Heating and Ventilation Engineer
- Facilities Manager - Building Services
- Electrician
- Engineering Site Manager
Design, Surveying and Planning (Construction)
- Architectural Designer
- Building Surveyor
- Civil Engineer
- Estate Agent
- Land Surveyor
- Quantity Surveyor
- Structural Engineer
Digital Production, Design and Development
- Software Developer
- Game Developer
- Software Tester
- Application Developer
- Web Developer
Digital Support and Network Engineering
- Network Engineer
- Network Support Analyst
- Architecture Analyst
- IT Support Engineer
- Desktop Support
- Technical Architect
- IT Manager
Education
- Support Worker
- Early Learning and Childcare Practitioner
- Teacher
- Nursery Manager
- Teaching Assistant
- Education Welfare Officer
Health: Adult Nursing
- Adult Nurse
- Healthcare Assistant
- Other allied health roles
Onsite Construction
- Bricklayer
- Site/Bench Carpenter
- Painter and Decorator
- Plasterer
- Construction Site Manager
- Quantity Surveyor
Science
- Pathology Scientist
- Pharmacy Technician
- Forensic Scientist
- Physicians Associate
- Veterinary Nurse
- Zoologist
Why have T Levels been introduced?
T Levels are a big part of the government’s plan to transform UK education. They will provide the knowledge and skills employers need in order to secure the successful future of the UK economy.
Find out more
- Read B&FC's T Levels brochure
- Call 01253 504343
- Email info@blackpool.ac.uk
