What is a T Level?

What are T Levels?

T Levels can be taken after GCSEs instead of A Levels or other level 3 qualifications. They are 2-year courses which launched in September 2020. They have been developed by education and industry so that students who study them will be ready for the world of work in the industry they have chosen.

T Levels offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days). This is about 20% of the course and will give students the chance to put their new skills and knowledge into practice in the workplace.

T Levels are ideal if you have finished your GCSEs and want the knowledge and experience to get straight into employment, an apprenticeship or higher education.

During your classroom study you will be learning core theory which develops your academic knowledge. One T Level is equivalent to 3 A Levels and like A Levels, they also carry UCAS tariff points so you can apply for higher education.

They are a nationally recognised qualification that can help prepare you for your career and/or studying at a higher level.

What's the difference between T Levels and an apprenticeship?

T Levels differs from an apprenticeship because an apprenticeship is usually 80% on the-job and 20% in the classroom and is more suited to those who know what occupation they want to pursue, want to earn a wage, and learn at the same time and are ready to enter the workforce at age 16.

Whereas studying for a T Level is 80% in the classroom and 20% in work and are for people who know the type of industry they want to go in but not the exact job they want.

What T Level subjects can I study?

There are now over 20 T Level subjects to choose from, covering everything from agriculture to craft and design and engineering to science, including:

• accounting
• agriculture
• land Management and production 
• animal care and management 
• building services engineering for construction
• catering (From September 2025)
• craft and design 
• design and development for engineering and manufacturing 
• design, surveying and planning for construction 
• digital business services 
• digital production, design and development 
• digital support services education and early years 
• engineering, manufacturing, processing and control 
• finance 
• health 
• healthcare science 
• legal services 
• maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing
• management and administration 
• marketing (from september 2025) 
• media, broadcast and production
• onsite construction 
• science

Other subject areas are in the process of being developed such as hair and beauty, animal care and agriculture. The development of T-Levels is very fast, with businesses wanting to give students industry experience, so keep an eye out for new T Level courses in a variety of subjects.

What's next?

What can I do after a T Level?

T Levels will provide several progression options to students. These include skilled employment, an apprenticeship and higher education.

Documents to download

Download: What is a T Level? (PDF)

Download: What is a T Level? SEND (PDF)

Download: What is a T Level? SEND InPrint (PDF)