T Levels FAQ: Everything you need to know about T Levels

A T Level is a technical-based qualification which has been developed in collaboration with businesses and employers, to ensure that the course content meets the needs of the industry and prepares students for careers in their chosen field.

T Levels were designed to meet the needs of many industries that require a highly skilled and practical workforce, including healthcare and IT.

T Levels are an option alongside BTECs and A Levels for 16-18 year olds after finishing their GCSEs.

A T Level is equivalent to 3 A Levels. A T Level Distinction* is equal to 3 A Levels at A*. The main difference is that with a T Level you will study one subject in lots of detail, whereas A Levels allow you to choose from a range of subjects.  

Yes you can! A growing list of universities and education providers accept T Level qualifications, including local ones such of University of Gloucestershire, University of West England, Cardiff University and Bath Spa University. See the full list of universities that accept T Levels.  

After a T Level you have lots of options. The course will prepare you for work, further training, or study. You could continue studying an HNC, HND or new HTQ at college, or consider studying at university.  

GC students who progress from a further education course onto a full-time higher education course could be entitled to a bursary of up to £1000 in the first year, and up to £500 in the second year. You can find out more by contacting Student Services. 

The choice is yours! Both types of course are industry or subject specific, and help you develop a great range of practical and transferable skills. Level 3 BTECs are also advanced courses equivalent to 3 A Levels. The main difference between a BTEC and a T Level is the work placement. Whilst BTECs can still offer work experience, they are mainly focused on helping you develop key skills during practical work at college.  

T Levels are a great choice if you’re clear about the career you want, or the area you’d like to work in. They combine classroom study with a long work placement, which is at least 45 days of your course. They are also equivalent to 3 A Levels, which means you can gain UCAS points to apply for further study.  

T Level courses last two years. The work placement is a key part of your learning and will run for at least 45 days. Work placements take place with an external employer, in an industry that is relevant to your course. It’s a great opportunity for you to support projects, take the lead and enhance your skills.  

With a growing list of local and national employers for our T Levels, our Employability Team work to help you find a placement. This year our students have worked with the likes of Kier Construction, Cotswold BMW, Bamboo Technology Group, SLG, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Gloucester Food Dock, to name a few!

You can apply for a T Level as soon as our applications open in the autumn. Some of our courses fill up quickly, so we always recommend applying as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance of securing a place.  

T Levels are a great choice if you know the industry you want to work in, as they’ll give you a mix of industry-specific technical knowledge and practical skills, as well as that all-important work experience. This can help prepare you for work, further training, or study – meaning that a lot of opportunities are available to you!