T Levels explained

The industry placement is the whole point

Every T Level includes an industry placement of at least 315 hours — roughly 45 days — with a real employer. That is the single biggest difference between a T Level and A levels, and it is why employers take the qualification seriously.

You spend around 1,100–1,300 hours in the classroom across the two years, with about 20% of your total time on placement. Students frequently end up with a job offer, an apprenticeship offer, or a reference from the employer they were placed with — which is exactly what makes the next step easier.

What a T Level is worth in UCAS points

T Levels are graded Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction*, and sit in the UCAS Tariff like any other Level 3 qualification.

Source: UCAS Tariff. Universities set their own entry requirements and do not have to use Tariff points — always check the individual course page.

Where a T Level takes you

T Level FAQs

What is a T Level?

A T Level is a two-year technical qualification taken after GCSEs in England, broadly equivalent in size to three A levels. You study one subject area in depth and complete an industry placement of at least 315 hours — around 45 days — with a real employer. T Levels were designed with employers and are approved by Skills England.

How many UCAS points is a T Level worth?

A T Level carries up to 168 UCAS Tariff points. Distinction* is 168 points, Distinction 144, Merit 120, a Pass with C or above on the core 96, and a Pass with D or E on the core 72. For comparison, 168 points is equivalent to three A* grades at A level and 144 to three A grades.

Do universities accept T Levels?

Many do. T Levels are in the UCAS Tariff and a large number of universities, including Russell Group members, accept them for relevant courses. Universities set their own entry requirements, so always check the specific course page — some competitive courses such as medicine still require particular A level subjects.

What T Level subjects are there?

There are over 20 T Levels across agriculture and animal care, business and administration, construction, creative and design, digital, education and early years, engineering and manufacturing, health and science, legal, finance and accounting, and sales and marketing. Social Care and Sport T Levels arrive in September 2028.

What are the entry requirements for a T Level?

Colleges set their own requirements, but most ask for around four or five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, often including English and maths. If you're not quite there yet, many providers offer a T Level Foundation Year to get you ready. Entry requirements vary by subject — engineering and science usually ask for more than others.

Are T Levels better than A levels?

Neither is better — they suit different people. T Levels suit you if you already know the broad career area you want and learn well by doing, because you get real workplace time built in. A levels suit you if you're unsure what you want, or you're aiming at competitive academic degrees, because three separate subjects keep more doors open.

Is a T Level the same as an apprenticeship?

No. A T Level is mostly classroom-based — roughly 80% study and 20% industry placement — and you are a student, not paid. An apprenticeship is roughly 80% on-the-job and 20% classroom, and you are employed and paid from day one. Both are built on the same employer-designed standards.

Can I do a T Level and A levels at the same time?

Generally no. A T Level is the size of three A levels and fills a full timetable, so you take one or the other. Some colleges allow a T Level alongside a single extra qualification such as an EPQ, but you should confirm this with the college directly before enrolling.

What happens after a T Level?

Three routes: skilled employment (many students are offered a job by their placement employer), a higher or degree apprenticeship at Level 4 to 6, or university using your UCAS points. Because you finish with real workplace experience, you're often a stronger apprenticeship applicant than someone with A levels alone.