The next level qualification – starting September 2023
If you’ve finished your GCSEs and are looking for a way to build your skills and pick up the experiences you need to launch your career, then T Levels are a great option for you. With a blend of classroom-based learning with on-the-job experience, T Levels help you learn a combination of theory and practical skills to give you a head start on your career journey. These courses are perfect for students who know what industry or area they want to work in and who are looking for a combination of practical experience and study.
T Levels follow on from GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A Levels. They carry UCAS tariff points, too, meaning you can progress into university after your course! You can find more information about the way the programmes are structured in our handy downloadable T Level brochures.
In September 2023, North Hertfordshire College is running a select number of T Level courses in the following subjects at Level 3:
What are T Levels?
T Level courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and experiences needed to open doors to your future – whether that’s going straight from the course into skilled employment, taking part in higher study, or completing a Higher Apprenticeship.
The courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses to meet industry needs and to set you up with the skills you need for a successful career. Plus, T Levels carry UCAS points, meaning you can go on to study a degree in your subject area afterwards!
You can study for a T Level qualification once you’ve finished your GCSEs – be sure to check our course profiles for specific entry requirements.
Gain real work experience through industry placements
As part of your T Level, you’ll take part in a placement that’s at least 45 days long, so that you can apply your theoretical knowledge to the test in a real work environment. This not only helps you gain experience in a role directly relevant to your course but also gives employers the chance to check you’ve learnt the skills and experience your industry needs – win-win!
Some placements might be longer than 45 days, depending on what is needed for your particular specialism. This placement can either be done in one block, or through multiple placements over your time at the College.
At NHC, we’re proud to have a strong network of employer connections across a wide variety of industries, helping you build your network and gain experience that is relevant to your career goals.
Student Experiences
Curious about where your T Level can take you? Hear directly from students who have studied T Levels themselves about how you can take the next step.
With the option to go into employment, higher education or apprenticeships, there are so many possibilities open to you and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve created handy brochures for each of our T Level subjects that we’re running in 2023 – click the link below to download a brochure for the courses you’re interested in!
Downloadable brochures:
The T Level curriculum has been developed in collaboration with businesses and employers to make sure that the content you learn is relevant to the industry and sets you up to start your career after your course.
T Level programmes include:
- a core study programme for 2 years
- an extended work placement of a minimum of 45 days
- learning specialist, career-specific units
- boosting maths, English, and digital skills
- the application of theory in real work environments
- developing skills, knowledge, and behaviours to help you step straight into work.
There are many options open to you after you finish your T Level programme. These include:
- Finding a job in a skilled occupation
- Taking part in a higher or degree-level apprenticeship
- Studying at a higher level on another technical programme
- Studying for a degree at university.
You should have a minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 9/A* – 4/C, including Maths and English. Each subject may have specific requirements on other subjects needed at GCSE.
Please check the specific course profile for the T Level that you’re interested in studying for more information about entry requirements!
Assessment for T Levels will take place through:
- Exams
- Coursework
- Workplace observations
- Employer project
- End Point Assessment (EPA)
The grading of your T Level will depend on your subject. You will receive different grades for each part of the T Level.
You’ll also receive a nationally recognised certificate that shows your overall grade, plus a breakdown of what you’ve achieved through your course. This certificate can be shown to your future employers to demonstrate that you’ve taken part in an industry placement, met the requirements for English and maths, and any other achievements on the programme.
You’ll also be allocated UCAS points depending on the grade you achieve in your T Levels, which can then help you apply for a higher education course, if you want.
For students looking to progress to university after their T Levels, the UCAS tariff applies as follows:
|
UCAS points |
Grade |
A level equivalent |
|
168 |
Distinction* |
A*A*A* |
|
144 |
Distinction |
AAA |
|
120 |
Merit |
BBB |
|
96 |
Pass |
CCC |
|
72 |
Pass |
DDD |
Are you an employer looking to offer a placement?
The industry placement is a core component of the T Level programme, and we’re looking to connect with employers and businesses who can provide our students with the opportunity to shine.
Check out our designated employer information page, the T Level Toolkit for Employers, for more information about how the placements work and for support in starting your placement journey.