Leeds City College

How do T Levels work?

T Levels are a great option after GCSEs as they blend education with experience. If you already know what industry you want to work in, you can get a head start in your career by choosing a qualification that gets you work experience with an employer. The classroom learning gives you the knowledge you need to succeed, and your work placement gives you the essential skills that you will use in your future career.

What does a normal week look like?

It depends! You will usually spend 4 days a week in college and the fifth day will be spent on your placement. Or your placement could take place all in one go, so you would spend 5 days in college for some of the school year and then 45 days (or 9 weeks) in the workplace. Or it could be a mix of both. Typically you will undertake your industry placement in the second year of your two year course, so that you have a good understanding before you enter into the workplace. Your first year will usually take place entirely in the classroom.

How are T Levels assessed? Do you have to do exams?

Usually T Levels are assessed by a combination of exams and coursework: whether you do more exams or more coursework depends on which T Level you take. The project you complete during your industry placement will also contribute to your final grade. Each T Level page on our website explains how the course is assessed.

How are T Levels marked?

T Levels are a nationally recognised qualification. On completion, you will receive a certificate with your overall grade, which is marked as pass, merit, distinction or distinction*.

Your overall grade is made up of the core component, which covers the knowledge and understanding of your subject, and the occupational specialism, which covers the skills you need to succeed in your chosen career. The occupational specialism component is an employer-set project, designed by a group of national employers in your industry.

How does the industry placement work? Is it beneficial?

Absolutely. Employers will give you meaningful, real-life projects to work on during your placement. The placement will be designed to progress your practical skills and support your studies, and give you genuine experience of working in that industry. Your placement will last at least 315 hours, which is around 45 days – but some employers offer longer placements.

T Levels are designed with employers, so that you know your skills will be valued by businesses in the future. This practical exposure looks great on your CV, improves your employability and gives you valuable insight into how the industry works. You may also build a professional network and meet people that could help your career in the future. Some employers even hire their T Level placement students after they’ve completed their studies!

How do you find an industry placement?

Leeds City College will help you every step of the way. You typically undertake your industry placement in the second year of your course, so we will organise an information session in your first year to talk you through the process.

We work with local businesses to understand their needs so that we can match you to a suitable placement. Once you have found an employer that you would like to work with, and they’re already offering a placement, you can apply for it. Alternatively, we can support you to contact them directly and request a placement.

Employers want to hear from motivated students; they want to ensure that they are making an investment in the future of their business and industry, so we will help you demonstrate your value through your application. This is also a great opportunity to learn essential skills for the future, such as writing a CV and attending an interview – don’t worry, we will help you prepare for this!

Do I need specific GCSEs to get onto T Levels?

Entry requirements for T Levels depend on the individual course, but most of our T Level options require students to have 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or 5, or above. Some T Levels require specific GCSEs, such as maths or science.

However, we will always consider individual circumstances, so if you are worried you will not get the grades required, we will talk you through your options. There may be an option to retake your maths or English GCSEs while studying your T Level if you do not achieve Grade 4.

Can I get to university?

Yes! T Levels are designed to prepare you for employment, and they can also help you reach university. Your T Level grade can be converted into UCAS points (see table below). While not all universities accept T Levels, over 140 higher education providers do accept them, including 17 out of 24 Russell Group universities.  For a full list of universities currently accepting T Levels, please see here.

Whether a T Level is accepted depends on each university and the individual course you would be applying for. In 2022, 71% of T Level students who  applied to university were accepted.

Do T Levels get UCAS points?

Yes, your T Level can be converted into UCAS points. One T Level is the equivalent to three A levels, and like A levels, your final grade reflects how many UCAS points you have earned. For example, a T Level Distinction* is equal to three A*s at A Level.

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

What can I do after a T Level?

While T Levels are designed to prepare you for work, you can also go to university with a T Level. You may choose to go straight into employment, using the skills you’ve already developed in your studies. Or you may choose to pursue an apprenticeship, earning money while you continue to study – depending on your field of study, you could pursue a higher or degree level apprenticeship.

What are the advantages of T Levels over A levels?

T Levels are designed with input from employers and businesses, and tailored to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills necessary for success in your selected profession. T Levels are a perfect choice for people who already know what career they want after their studies, and who would benefit from developing practical skills and real-world experience. A levels are a more traditionally academic route where you choose a few different subjects to study, and they are concentrated on theory, rather than practice.

What are the advantages of T Levels over apprenticeships?

T Levels have a more classroom-based approach to learning, whereas apprenticeships have the majority of their training ‘on the job’. Therefore T Levels may offer a more academic option than apprenticeships, whilst still providing the benefit of work experience. T Levels also provide UCAS points to access university courses.

What else can I study?

While T Levels are a great choice if you already know what career you want to go into, A levels allow you to study a range of subjects (usually three). Apprenticeships see you in paid employment while you study, where you will work for an employer for 80% of your time, and complete off-the-job training for the remainder. Vocational courses are full-time study options, specialising in your chosen subject – while learning essential theory and gaining valuable practical skills which will help you pursue your dream career.

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At Leeds City College we offer the following T Levels:

Student stories

“I was given the opportunity to reach out to different companies and find my own placement, and it was great to have some support with my application, which gave me the confidence to find something I was passionate about.”
Jess, Digital & IT T Level

“In our course, often we learn things in a high level of detail, meaning that we get access to more advanced technical knowledge than is available on other Level 3 courses.”
Flynn, Digital & IT T Level

“It has genuinely been really good. I’ve gained so much experience from it and I feel like I’ve developed a huge range of communication skills that I didn’t necessarily have before.”
Jessica, Health T Level

10 reasons to choose a T Level

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T Levels: how you’ll learn

T Levels: what you’ll gain

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T Levels Education with Experience