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T Level

Course Overview

Are you looking for a science course that focuses more on vocational skills than A levels, that will help you into skilled employment as a laboratory technician, higher study or apprenticeships?

A science course which includes an in-depth industry placement in the science sector? Yes? Then the T level in Science is the course for you.

Laboratory scientists apply specialist knowledge and understanding to carry out a range of vital technical activities to support science research and development in industry. This means a Laboratory Sciences qualification will open up a range of opportunities, giving you the practical and technical skills to build an exciting, and high level, career. This T level is a 2-year level 3 course, equivalent to 3 A levels but with a more vocational focus. In addition to classroom based lessons, the course includes 315 hours working with an employer on a relevant industry placement.

Occupational Specialism

Laboratory Sciences

Course Topics

Students will develop a general understanding of:

  • Health and Science
  • Working within the Health and Science sector
  • Health, safety and environmental regulations
  • Managing information and data
  • Principles of good scientific and clinical practice
  • Core science concepts.

Students will also learn about topics specific to science:

  • Understanding the science sector
  • Further science knowledge
  • Scientific methodology
  • Experimental equipment and techniques
  • Ethics of science.

Occupational specialist content:

  • Students will develop the relevant Laboratory Science knowledge and skills necessary
  • Perform a range of appropriate scientific techniques to collect experimental data in a laboratory setting, complying with regulations and requirements
  • Plan, review, implement and suggest improvements to scientific tasks relevant to a laboratory setting
  • Identify and resolve issues with scientific equipment or data errors.
  • The teaching and assessment of relevant Maths, English and Digital skills are embedded throughout the course.

Course Features

  • This T Level is an alternative to science-based A levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses.
  • A T Level is a nationally-recognised qualification that is worth the same number of UCAS points as 3 A levels.
  • This T Level focuses far more on science vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships.
  • This T Level includes an in-depth industry placement in the science sector where students get valuable experience in the workplace, and employers get early sight of new talent.
  • T Level students spend 80% of the course in the classroom, learning the skills that employers need. The other 20% is a meaningful industry placement, where they put these skills into action.

Testimonials

Progression Routes

This qualification will primarily prepare students to move into a skilled job but can also lead to further technical qualifications, higher apprenticeships or a degree course.

ASSESSMENT

  • Technical Qualification – 80% (100% External Assessment)
  • Industry Placement – 20%
  • Awarding Body: NCFE

The core knowledge and understanding is assessed through two externally marked exams, and the core skills through a compulsory practical employer-set project (315 hours minimum). The combined results from the exam papers and compulsory employer-set project determine the overall core component grade (A*- to E and U, in line with A-levels). In order to achieve a grade for the core component, students must have results for the core examinations and the employer-set project. Students are assessed on the occupational specialist content synoptically, through practical assignments graded on a three-point scale (including U): Distinction, Merit, and Pass, in line with BTEC qualifications.

Where Courses Become Careers

Students who achieve this qualification could progress to the following: employment as a laboratory technician; higher education (university science-based courses); science-based higher-level apprenticeships.

Make your mark

How SFC will help you to boost your CV by developing your skills and qualifications…

Students taking a T Level in Science will gain the skills, knowledge and experience needed to progress to highly skilled employment, higher level study or an apprenticeship. The Stoke 6th Graduate Attributes will be developed and enhanced during this course: resilience, independent learning, communication, problem solving skills and a lifelong love of learning will all be encouraged throughout the T Level in Laboratory Sciences.

industry placement

Industry placement is a mandatory part of the T Level course and full certification of the T Level will not be possible without completing the industry placement. The industry placement is substantially longer than the traditional work experience and so should be significantly beneficial to you and the employer. You are expected to gain substantial technical training as required through your industry placement.

Prospectus2024-0336

If you are unsure what course you think you should choose or what career you would like to aspire towards then contact Admissions:

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