T-Levels

College 16 - 19
an upward shot of a young smiling female leaning against a metal railing. Above her the sky is blue
What are t-levels?

T-Levels are new 2-year courses which are taken after GCSEs and are broadly equivalent in size to 3 A Levels. Launched in September 2021, these courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and education providers so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for entry into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or related technical study through further or higher education.

T-Levels offer students practical and knowledge-based learning at a school or college and on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours – approximately 45 days.

T-level courses
T-Level qualifications
Level 1: Art, Design & Media

Level 1: Art, Design & Media

Overview

What will I study?

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for those with an interest in art, design and media to explore materials, methods and processes that support many art and design activities and to begin to develop related skills in drawing, painting, textiles, graphics and photography. All students complete all subject areas in the first two terms culminating in a final major project in a chosen specialism. Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful completion of this course you can progress onto our Level 2 Art & Design course (providing you achieve a merit as a minimum).
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course, you will need to have achieved 2 GCSEs grades 1 or above. On completion of this course you will be awarded a UAL Awarding Body Level 1 Award in Art & Design.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.
Level 1: Art, Design & Media
Level 2: Art & Design

Level 2: Art & Design

Overview

What will I study?

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for those with an interest in art, design and media to explore materials, methods and processes that support many art and design activities, and to begin to develop related skills in drawing, painting, textiles, graphics and photography. All students complete all subject areas in the first two terms culminating in a final major project in a chosen specialism. You will learn about the following:
  • An introductory experience to some of the materials, methods, processes and technical skills that support art and design activity.
  • An introductory understanding of the context in which art and design activity is located.
  • An opportunity to test their interest in art and design activity.
  • Development of an awareness of the value of research to support art and design activity.
  • An introduction to drawing skills necessary to support creative activity in art and design.
  • An understanding of the role of communication skills in the development of ideas.
  • An opportunity to use the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in previous units to identify, research and produce a personal art and design project
Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and Maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

This course will allow progression to a Level 3 course in Art, study an Apprenticeship or straight into employment in a variety of creative roles.
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course, you will need to have achieved 4 GCSEs grades 3 or above. On completion of this course you will be awarded a UAL Awarding Body Level 2 Award in Art & Design.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.
Level 2: Art & Design
Level 3: Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication

Level 3: Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication

Overview

What will I study?

This two year course provides a varied, but focused, programme giving students the skills, experience and knowledge to progress to Higher Education and a career in the Creative Industries. Year 1 – Diploma These qualifications provide an opportunity for students aspiring to a career in the creative industries and arts to:
  • Explore, develop, and test their creativity within a stimulating and demanding structure.
  • Develop transferable skills, making them versatile and employable.
  • Understand and apply ethical and sustainable design principles.
  • Build a rich contextual knowledge of their creative practice
UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication includes three mandatory units:
  • The Creative Process
  • Developing Creative Practice
  • Responding to a Set Brief
First-Year Focus:
  • Introduction to a wide range of practical approaches and specialist disciplines.
  • Encouragement to experiment with materials and techniques.
  • Development of creative thinking, idea generation, and confident visual communication skills.
  Year 2 Extended Diploma AL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication includes three mandatory units:
  • Researching a Specialist Industry Practice
  • Specialist Technical Skills Development
  • Specialist Creative Outcome
Second-Year Focus:
  • Emphasis on developing skills within a chosen specialist pathway:
  • Art – Painting, sculpture, printmaking, etc.
  • Communication – Graphics, photography, illustration, etc.
  • Design – Ceramics, textiles, etc.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to:
  • Apply to study at Higher Education to undertake the Foundation Studies, the HND or BA Hons degree
  • To pursue career opportunities within the creative industries
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course. your will need 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including Art & Design or an art based GCSE (e.g. design tech, photography, textiles and crafts) and including a GCSE in either English or maths. Upon completion you will be awarded UAL Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Practice (Art, Design, Communication).

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for two academic years.
Level 3: Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication
Level 3: Foundation Studies: Art & Design (Post A Level)

Level 3: Foundation Studies: Art & Design (Post A Level)

Overview

What will I study?

This course will encourage you to develop creative and manipulative skills in response to media in both 2D and 3D studies. During this course you will cover the following areas:
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
  • 3D Design
  • Graphic Design
  • History of Art and Design
  • Photography
  • Digital Imaging
  • 2D Mixed Media
  • Textiles
  • Ceramics
  • Fashion
There are regular study visits for location-based work and to visit galleries and exhibitions including Liverpool, Manchester, and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

The course is intended as a foundation to prepare students for university and to build a broader portfolio of work for employment in the creative sector.
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will need to be at least 18 years of age by the end of the first term of entry and have achieved one of the following:
  • 5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above including English & maths and an art related subject, plus an A Level in an art-related subject at grade C or above, or an equivalent Level 3 diploma.
  • If you are a mature student without the required formal qualifications, you may be exempt from these requirements but you will be required to present a portfolio of good quality work across specialisms.
On successful completion of this course you will gain a UAL Diploma in Foundation Studies: Art & Design qualification.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.
Level 3: Foundation Studies: Art & Design (Post A Level)

T Level in Construction Design, Surveying and Planning

Overview

What will I study?

  • Health and safety, law and sustainability in construction
  • Building technology, measurement and surveying techniques
  • Design principles and digital technology in the built environment
  • Project management, commercial business and relationship management
  • Construction science, mathematical techniques and data analysis
  • Problem solving through client briefs and live project work
  • Communication, collaboration and critical thinking skills
  • Research, literacy and numeracy development for industry applications.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

Successful completion of this course opens the door to a range of exciting opportunities, including progression into highly skilled employment, Apprenticeships or further study at a higher level, such as university. Whether you choose to specialise in design, surveying or a related field, this qualification provides a strong foundation for a successful career in the construction industry.
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

You will need 5 GCSE’s (grade 5 and above) including maths, English and science. On successful completion of this programme, you will gain a T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning. (Equivalent to 3 A Levels)

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for 2 academic years
T Level in Construction Design, Surveying and Planning

T Level in Digital Software Development

Overview

What will I study?

Technology is evolving fast and this course will prepare you for a future in the digital industry by giving you the advanced skills and industry knowledge needed for a successful career in software development, coding and digital solutions. Through a mix of practical projects, industry placements and technical training, you’ll develop the skills to design, build and maintain digital systems—setting you up for skilled employment or further study in this exciting field   What you will study:  
  • Core principles of the digital industry, including business, data analysis and cybersecurity
  • Software design, testing & maintenance
  • Problem solving and defining user requirements
  • Collaboration & Digital Project Management
  • Work experience and industry visits to leading digital organisations
  • Practical projects to develop skills for skilled employment
  This T Level qualification is designed for aspiring software developers, digital creators and tech innovators who want to make a real impact in the digital world. Whether you aim to go straight into skilled employment, an apprenticeship, or university, this course gives you the knowledge, experience and confidence to succeed.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll have a range of exciting opportunities to consider:
  • Progress to university or further higher education (HNC/HND) at Macclesfield College, building on your skills and knowledge.
  • Explore career pathways in sought after roles such as software engineer, web developer, data analyst or database administrator, where you can apply your expertise in the digital industry.
  • Undertake an Apprenticeship, gaining experience while continuing to develop your professional skills in the workplace.
This opens a world of possibilities to shape your future in the dynamic and ever evolving digital sector.
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

You will need 5 GCSE’s (grade 4 and above) including maths and English. On successful completion of this programme, you will gain a T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development. (Equivalent to 3 A Levels).

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for 2 academic years.
T Level in Digital Software Development

T Level in Education and Childcare

Overview

What will I study?

Year 1: Core Components
  • Child development & learning
  • Safeguarding, health & safety and well-being
  • Supporting education (observation, assessment, SEND, EAL, equality & diversity)
  • Behaviour management & working with others
  • Reflective practice & core skills
Year 2: Early Years Educator Specialism
  • Supporting play, development & early education
  • Building relationships with children
  • Planning & providing care and learning opportunities
  • Safeguarding & promoting well-being
  • Working in partnership with parents, carers & professionals

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful completion of this course students can progress into various rewarding Early Years, Childcare and Education roles, in the statutory, voluntary and private sector such as:
  • EYP in a day nursery or pre-school
  • EYP in a nursery school or reception class in a primary school
  • Becoming a nanny
  • Working on a cruise ship as a childcare worker
  • Working abroad as a childcare worker rep for a travel company
Students are also able to progress on to;
  • A higher or degree level apprenticeships
  • Higher level technical study including higher education.
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

You will need 5 GCSE’s (grade 4 and above) including maths and English. On successful completion of this programme, you will gain T Level in Education and Childcare. (Equivalent to 3 A Levels).

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full time programme for 2 academic years.
T Level in Education and Childcare

T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Overview

What will I study?

This T Level qualification is made up of two main parts:  
  • Core Component (Mandatory)
This part covers essential knowledge and understanding relevant to all areas of engineering and manufacturing, including:
  • Materials and their uses
  • Manufacturing methods and processes
  • Engineering mathematics and science
  • Design principles and drawing interpretation
  • Quality assurance and health & safety
  • Project and production planning
  • Sustainability in engineering
Assessment: This is externally assessed through written exams and an employer set project.    
  • Occupational Specialism: Machining and Toolmaking Technologies
This specialist component develops the practical skills needed to work in machining and toolmaking roles. You’ll cover:
  • Safe use of hand tools and machinery
  • Operation of lathes, milling machines and CNC equipment
  • Producing precise components to specification
  • Working with technical drawings
  • Assembly and inspection techniques
Assessment: This is internally assessed through practical tasks and project work. Additional: Students will complete industry placement for a minimum of 315 hours (45 days) during the programme.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful completion of this course, students can progress into various rewarding roles within the Engineering sector, including:
  • A role such as a Machinist, Toolmaker, Engineering Technician or CAD Operator
  • An advanced or higher apprenticeship in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering
  • Higher Education, including HNCs, HNDs or degrees in related fields
Possible sectors include:
  • Aerospace, automotive, precision engineering and advanced manufacturing
  • Product design and development
  • Engineering maintenance and quality control
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

You will need 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Science and a 6 in Maths. On successful completion of this course you will gain a T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control. (Equivalent to 3 A Levels)

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for two academic years.
T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

T Level in Health

Overview

What will I study?

1. Core Component (mandatory): Covers key knowledge and principles in health, including:
  • Health and social care settings
  • Safety, safeguarding, and regulations
  • Managing data and clinical practice
  • Core science concepts (anatomy, microbiology, immunology)
  • Person-centred care and wellbeing
2. Occupational Specialism: Develops skills for employment or further study in the following specialism: Supporting the Adult Nursing team

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful completion of this course, students can progress into various rewarding roles within the health and social care sector, including:
  • Healthcare Assistant in hospitals, GP practices or community settings
  • Maternity Support Worker within midwifery teams
  • Care Worker in residential homes or domiciliary care
  • Mental Health or Social Support roles in community and voluntary sectors
  • Support roles in rehabilitation, palliative care or public health services
Students can also progress onto:
  • Higher Education qualifications such as HNC/HND in Health and Social Care
  • Higher or degree level apprenticeships in Nursing, Midwifery or Social Work
  • Careers in hospitals, primary care trusts, social care settings and community health services
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

You will need 5 GCSE’s (grade 4 and above) including English, maths and science. On successful completion of this programme, you will gain a T Level in Health (Equivalent to 3 A Levels)

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for 2 academic years.
T Level in Health
T-Level qualifications
T-level programmes will consist of 3 components:
An institute-approved
technical qualification
An industry placement
A minimum standard of
Maths & English
Students watch a demonstration of a wall being built
What is an industry placement?

Industry placements give students an opportunity to develop their practical and technical skills in a role directly relevant to their vocational course. They also give employers the chance to ensure that young people are developing the skills and experience that industry needs. You’ll spend 80% of your time in the classroom and 20% on a 315 hour industry placement with an employer to give you the skills and knowledge companies look for.

Benefits of completing a t-level
Equivalent to 3 A Levels

T-Levels are an alternative to A levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. Equivalent in size to 3 A levels, a T-Level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships.

45 day industry placement

Each T-Level includes an in-depth industry placement that lasts at least 45 days. Students get valuable experience in the workplace; employers get early sight of the new talent in their industry.

80% classroom, 20% work

T-Level students spend 80% of the course in their learning environment, gaining the skills that employers need. The other 20% is a meaningful industry placement, where they put these skills into action.

Supported by business

T-Levels were designed with leading businesses and are now supported by employers of all sizes to give students the workplace skills they need to succeed.

Hundreds of employers – including Lloyds Banking Group, Nestlé, Yorkshire Water, Persimmon Homes and NHS Trusts across England – have hosted T-Level students on industry placements.

Many employers retain T-Level students on completion of their course and support progression within their business onto an apprenticeship or into another role.

What can you learn?

Students can already apply for 16 T-Level courses. Over the next few years a total of more than 20 T-Level subjects will become available.

Eventually there will be something for everyone. The current T-Level courses that Macclesfield College offer are:

T-Level UCAS tariff points

T-Levels will provide several progression options for students. These include skilled employment, an apprenticeship and higher education.

To help T-Level students progress into higher education, UCAS tariff points will be allocated to T-Levels.

UCAS points will only be allocated to the overall T-Level grade. Students must achieve at least an overall pass grade to receive UCAS points.

Need Further
information?
For further information, advice and guidance call The Learner Experience Team
UCAS Points table
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
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