T Levels

What are T Levels?

Designed to give you a head start towards the future you want, T Levels are a brand new qualification that will take your education to the next level. They will combine classroom theory, practical learning and an industry placement to make sure learners have real experience of the workplace.

T levels will provide the knowledge and experience needed to open the door into skilled employment, further study or a higher apprenticeship.

They’ll offer learners a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 45 days. You will spend 80% of your time in the classroom and 20% of your time on a 45-day placement to equip you with the knowledge and skills companies are looking for.

You can study the following T Levels at Dudley College:

FAQs

Can I go to university after studying a T Level?

Yes, you can. T Levels prepare you to progress into a skilled job, but you can also choose to take further technical training, such as a higher apprenticeship or degree, if you don’t want to move straight into a job.

Your T Level will be worth UCAS points and will be recognised by universities and other education providers. View the table below to find out more about the UCAS tariff allocation for T Levels and how they compare to A levels:

UCAS Tariff points	T Level overall grade	A Level
168	Distinction* (A* on the core and distinction in the occupational specialism)	AAA*
144	Distinction	AAA
120	Merit	BBB
96	Pass (C or above on the core)	CCC
72	Pass (D or E on the core)	DDD

How T Levels will work with other post-16 choices?

T Levels are a new choice following GCSEs that will take your education to the next level. They are offered alongside the following qualifications:

Apprenticeships for learners who wish to learn a specific occupation ‘on the job’
A levels for learners who wish to continue academic education
Vocational qualifications for learners who wish to learn in a practical way about a specific career path

Why would I choose an unpaid T Level over a paid Apprenticeship?

T Levels give you the opportunity to experience an industry while you continue your studies, with the opportunity to specialise later. While gaining practical experience, you also achieve the qualifications needed to move into a higher level of study, if you choose to later. Apprenticeships are paid, work-based training for those who know what occupation they want to pursue.

How long is the industry placement?

An industry placement lasts around 45 days, undertaken as a block or as individual days. The specific length of the placement and when it will take place will differ depending on your T Level.

How long does a T Level take?

Two years of full-time study.

How are T Levels graded?

Students who successfully complete a T Level will receive an overall grade of pass, merit, distinction or distinction*, along with a nationally recognised certificate to show their overall grade and a breakdown of their results.

A T Level entails the following, which students must complete to achieve a grade:

A technical qualification, which will cover:
Core theory, concepts and skills for the student’s chosen industry area
A specialist skills and knowledge for an occupation or career relevant to the student’s interest
Direct, hands-on experience in an industry placement with an employer in a relevant field
A minimum standard in maths and English (if students have not already achieved them)

Are T Levels recognised by employers?

T Levels have been designed with leading businesses and employers to give you the knowledge and skills you need. When you pass your T Level, you will get a nationally recognised certificate showing the overall grade you achieved – pass, merit, distinction or distinction*. It will also give details of what you learned on the course to help you move into skilled employment or a higher apprenticeship.