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Facts about T Levels: what's involved in studying them, how they are assessed, and how long they take to complete.

What are T Levels?

T Levels are two-year courses equivalent to three A levels. They launched in September 2020 to students in England. This means that after their GCSEs, students now have the option to study either T levels, A levels, a Level 3 apprenticeship or another equivalent qualification. 

Following GCSEs, students have the option to study one of the following pathways:

  • T Levels
  • apprenticeship
  • A levels

T Levels are based on the same standards as apprenticeships, designed by employers, and will offer around 1,800 hours of study over two years. This will include a 45-day work placement, so T Levels will be more suited to students who know what occupation or industry they want to move into.

T Levels include compulsory elements:

  • a technical qualification which includes core skills, theory, and concepts for the industry area
  • specialist occupational skills and knowledge of the career
  • an industry placement with an employer
  • a minimum standard in maths and English, if students haven’t already achieved this

How are T Levels graded?

Students who complete a T Level will receive an overall grade of pass, merit, distinction or distinction* and will be awarded with a nationally recognised certificate showing a breakdown of what they’ve achieved. It will also confirm that a student has met the minimum requirements for maths and English qualifications.


Are T Levels included in the UCAS Tariff?

Students who want to progress into higher education will be able to see how UCAS Tariff points are allocated to their T 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

If you do not achieve the full T Level qualification, but have achieved either the Core or Occupational Specialism, you may still be accepted by your university or college. Universities and colleges have been provided with a range of information to help understand the skills developed as part of a T Level.


What T Level subjects are available?

Agriculture, environmental and animal care

  • Agriculture, Land Management and Production
  • Animal Care and Management (September 2024 onwards)

Business and administration

  • Management and Administration

Catering and hospitality

  • Catering (September 2025 onwards)

Construction

  • Building Services Engineering for Construction
  • Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
  • Onsite Construction

Creative and design

  • Craft and Design (September 2024 onwards)
  • Media, Broadcast and Production (September 2024 onwards)

Digital

  • Digital Business Services
  • Digital Production, Design and Development
  • Digital Support Services

Education and early years

  • Education and Early Years

Engineering and manufacturing

  • Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Health and science

  • Health
  • Healthcare Science
  • Science

Legal, finance and accounting

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Legal Services

Sales, marketing and procurement

  • Marketing (September 2025 onwards)

Find out more on the GOV.UK T Levels website.