T Levels

Life after GCSEs just got more exciting with T Level qualifications!

Study a high-quality T Level in construction, digital, education & care, science, management & admin healthcare and engineering with us.

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Immersive Space by Igloo Vision

As part of a multi-million-pound redevelopment programme at its Bede Campus, the college was looking to upgrade facilities to offer unparalleled learning opportunities through the latest innovative technologies – which is exactly why it turned to Igloo immersive technology. Watch our video to find out more.

Coming soon

New capital investment from the Department of Education’s T-level Capital Fund (TLCF) will create new state-of-the-art facilities at the college’s Bede Campus to expand T Level provision into media, broadcast and TV and radio production.

Get career ready with our T Level courses

T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

T Level in Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction

T Level in Digital Production, Design & Development

T Level in Health (Adult Nursing)

T Level in Education & Care

T Level in Laboratory Science

T Level in Engineering & Manufacturing

T Level in Management and Administration

T Level in Media Broadcast and Production

Your questions answered...

Who are T Levels for?

T Levels are the perfect route for you if you know what job you want to do and you feel you are ready for the world of work. You can commit to an intensive course and substantial work placement to develop the skills employers are looking for.

What will a T Level offer me?

T Levels are vocational qualifications designed with leading employers. You will gain a high-quality, nationally-recognised technical qualification with a substantial work placement with an employer to experience a real career. You will gain UCAS tariff points and could progress to university, a higher apprenticeship or a highly-skilled career.

What will I achieve with a T Level?

T Levels include three elements: A technical qualification (core theory for an industry area and specialist occupation skills), an industry placement and a minimum standard in maths and English (if you haven't already achieved this).

What is an industry placement?

As part of your T Level you will take part in a substantial industry placement with an employer, to develop your practical and technical skills for an occupation or career. An industry placement lasts around 45 days, undertaken as a block or as individual days.

How is a T Level assessed?

You will receive an overall grade for your T Level qualification. This will include a split of the individual technical element grades. You will also need to meet the minimum requirements for maths and English, have completed an industrial placement and any other essential requirements.

Brickwork and construction at Sunderland College

What's different about T Levels?

Studying a T Level, which is equivalent to 3 A-Levels, will provide you with more classroom learning than an apprenticeship and a bigger time commitment than a full-time vocational course to help you step straight into your dream career.

All your questions answered...

What are T Levels?

T Levels are a new qualification designed to give you a head start towards the future you want. They follow GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A Levels.

The 2-year qualification brings classroom and work placement together, on a course designed with employers and businesses.

When do T Levels begin?

The qualification is being delivered from September 2020 onwards, at selected colleges and schools.

When can I apply?

Applications at our college are open now! Apply online and we will be in touch soon.

What subjects can I study?

You can study a T Level in construction, digital, education & care, management & admin healthcare and engineering with us.

How long is the industry placement?

An industry placement lasts around 45 days, undertaken as a block or as individual days. The specific length of the placement and when it will take place will differ depending on your T Level.

Is it the right path for me?

T Levels are ideal if you have completed your GCSEs and want to get the knowledge and experience needed to get a skilled job.

Can I go to university after a T Level?

Yes, you can. T Levels get you work ready, but you can continue studying with a higher apprenticeship or degree.

Will they be recognised by employers?

T Levels are designed with businesses and employers, to make sure you have the skills and knowledge they are looking for in an employee.

What qualifications do I need to be able to study a T Level?

The entry requirements depend on the T Level you choose to study, take a look at our course information pages which have all the information you need.

Why would I choose an unpaid T Level over a paid apprenticeship?

T Levels give you the opportunity to experience an industry while you continue your studies, with the opportunity to specialise later. While gaining practical experience, you also achieve the qualifications needed to move into a higher level of study, if you choose to later. Apprenticeships are paid, work-based training for those who know what occupation they want to pursue.

What our students say:

Declan Urwin, T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning:

“A real benefit of my placement has been learning how an architect and engineering practice operates. Being taught by industry experts has also been extremely helpful in showcasing what it’s like to work in architecture. In future, I want to pursue a career in architecture, and my placement at BDN has well and truly cemented my decision.”

Josh Nesbitt, T Level Digital Production, Design and Development:

“I have developed my confidence and my communication skills through my placement which will benefit me in the future for a career in IT.”

Robbie, T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning:

“I would recommend studying T Levels as they open a lot of opportunities and pathways for your career. I have been able to go out on sites, use various equipment and experience different areas and techniques of construction which has helped give me a have a better understanding of the industry.”

What our employers say:

Amy Porter, CSR Manager at ENGIE:

“We’re delighted to be supporting Reanna in her training by giving her the opportunity to get real, hands-on, experience at one of our newest developments. What she’ll learn by being part of the team, and learning from her colleagues, will be invaluable for her in the future."

Ashleigh Coombes, Admin and Customer Services Manager at Tolent Living:

“Tolent believes in investing in the future of construction and this hasn’t changed with COVID-19. The industry has not stopped during the pandemic and Tolent continues to be awarded new schemes.

“Therefore, we must continue to invest in the professionals of the future to ensure there is not a skills shortage. "

Take your skills to the next level!

Imagine being able to study for a career that combines real work experience with learning at college. That’s what you get with T Levels!

With 80% classroom-based learning and 20% industrial placement, you can start preparing for your future and take it to the next level.

Developed with employers, they will give you a head start in developing the job-specific skills and knowledge you’ll need to progress to your dream career!

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