T Level in Science - Level 3

IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2027/2028, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we'll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.

What is the T Level in Science course?

The T Level in Science is a two-year technical qualification for school leavers who enjoy practical science and want to prepare for a career in science, laboratory work or research.

You will develop a strong foundation in biology, chemistry and physics before specialising in laboratory science, where you will learn the techniques, procedures and practice used in professional laboratories.

As part of the qualification, you will complete an industry placement of at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days). This gives you the opportunity to apply your scientific knowledge in a real workplace, develop practical skills, and gain valuable work experience in the science sector.

What are T Levels?

If you're academically minded but have a skilled career route in mind, a T Level will give you a head start into your chosen industry.

T Levels are two-year qualifications that have been designed in partnership with businesses and industry-leading employers so you can develop the skills and knowledge required to kick-start your career straight from college.

• 80/20 Learning - 80% college-based, 20% on a relevant work placement
• Employer endorsed - designed with employers to provide the skills that industry needs
• 1 T Level = 3 A Levels - T Levels are nationally-recognised qualifications, equivalent to 3 A Levels.

As an alternative next-step after GCSEs, a T Level also includes a mandatory 45-day (315 hours) work placement with a reputable employer within your chosen industry.

The qualification splits into core content and specialist content:

• Core content - develop your general understanding of the industry
• Specialist content - covers different topics depending on the pathway you choose.

In 2026, our T Level students achieved a 99.3% pass rate, with more than 75% gaining an overall grade of a distinction or merit.

You can find out more about T Levels by visiting our dedicated T Level information page.

Who should study the T Level in Science qualification?

The T Level in Science is ideal for school leavers who:

• Enjoy biology, chemistry and physics
• Are interested in practical experiments
• Want to understand how science is applied in the workplace
• Wish to develop practical laboratory and scientific investigation skills
• Aspire to gain real-world experience through an industry placement with a science employer.

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What will you learn on the T Level in Science course?

The T Level in Science is structured across two years. You will study core science in Year 1 before developing specialist laboratory science knowledge and skills in Year 2.
Year 1: Core science

• Biology: biological molecules, cell structure, microbiology and immunology
• Chemistry: chemical reactions, rates of reaction, formulae and equations
• Physics: particles and radiation, electricity, magnetism and electromagnetism, waves and gas laws
• Units, quantities and scientific calculations
• Health and safety in the laboratory
• Ethical considerations in scientific research
• Employer Set Project: working on a real scientific problem set by employers.

Year 2: Laboratory Science specialism

• Laboratory techniques and standard operating procedures
• Chemical calculations, organic chemistry and enthalpy
• Metabolic pathways and genetic applications
• Electronics used in scientific equipment
• Data analysis and scientific reporting
• Good laboratory practice and good manufacturing practice
• Health and safety legislation.

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Industry placement

Across the two years, you will need to complete an exciting 45-day (315 hours) industry placement with a science employer. Throughout the summer before you start your first year and your first term, a dedicated work placement advisor is available to support you with building links with suitable employers so you can secure your placement.

This is a great opportunity that will not only give you experience in an external business, but enhance your technical skills and create relationships that could result in an apprenticeship or employment once you've completed your T Level.

When does the T Level in Science course start?

This course starts in September 2027.

How is the T Level in Science course delivered?

The course includes:

• Classroom learning: develop your understanding of biology, chemistry, and physics
• Practical laboratory work: learn laboratory techniques, standard operating procedures and health and safety in the laboratory
• Specialist study: build technical knowledge in laboratory science, including data analysis, scientific reporting and electronics in scientific equipment
• Employer Set Project: apply your learning to a real scientific problem set by employers
• Industry placement: complete at least 315 hours with a science employer to gain valuable workplace experience.

This combination of academic learning and practical experience helps prepare you for further study, higher and degree apprenticeships and science-related career opportunities.