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.