Still unsure what a T Level course is, or whether it’s the right option for you? We explain all the key information you’ll need to make an informed decision about this course type.
What are T Levels?
T Levels are a new two-year qualification for 16- to 19-year-olds that follows GCSEs.
Equivalent to A Levels, they have been created in collaboration with over 250 businesses and are designed to give young people a head start towards the future they want.
What does a T Level include?
80% College: The majority of the T Level is based at College where students are taught by experienced subject experts in an interactive and hands-on learning environment. At College, they’ll gain in-depth knowledge into their chosen specialism and will develop industry-relevant skills.
20% work placement: The T Level includes a 45-day work placement with a local employer, which can be organised to fit any schedule. The placement gives students the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience, whilst further developing their skills and knowledge employers need.
T Level in Digital Support and Security student, Stan, completed part of his workplace experience with Pitman Training.
He said: “In my work experience, I would sort out technical problems, focus on
people if they needed help with their computers and set up monitors. I also used their productivity suite to book people into appointments on the website.”
What T Level subjects are available?
T Levels are available across a variety of T Level routes nationally, and many of these are offered across East Kent Colleges Group’s family of Colleges.
Here, at EKC Dover College, we currently offer T Levels in:
- Engineering (Design and Development)
- Engineering (Manufacturing, Processing and Control)
What are the entry requirements?
The entry requirements are a minimum of six GCSEs at grades 9 to 5 or equivalent, ideally including English and Mathematics.
How are T Levels graded?
Students who successfully complete a T Level will be awarded an overall grade of Pass, Merit, Distinction, or Distinction*, and receive a nationally recognised certificate.
To achieve one of the above grades, students must complete their technical qualification (comprised of a ‘core’ component and one or more ‘occupational specialism’ components) and work placement and meet the minimum requirements for English and Mathematics (if they have not done so already).
Is a T Level worth the same number of UCAS Tariff Points as an A Level?
One T Level is equivalent to three A Levels and is worth the same number of UCAS Tariff points overall.
For example, if a student achieves a Distinction* in their T Level, it is equivalent to achieving three A*s at A Level. The T Level and the three A Levels are both worth 168 UCAS Tariff points.
The table below shows how much each T Level grade is worth in UCAS Tariff points, and the equivalent A Level grades:
| UCAS Tariff points | T Level Overall Grade | A Level Grades |
| 168 | Distinction* (A* on the ‘core’ and distinction in the ‘occupational specialism’) | A*A*A* |
| 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 you do after a T Level?
After completing a T Level, students can enter:
- Employment
- University
- Degree Apprenticeship
- Traineeship
- Other further study
Want to Know More?
Explore your options and apply here.
More articles
EKC Dover College hosts Creative Career Fair at new Bench Street Arts Campus
What we love about Travel and Tourism at EKC Dover College
