Getting into university with a T Level
If you’re a T level student considering university, you may have heard all sorts of things about how universities view your qualification. Let’s sort out some of the facts from the fiction. You can download this as a PDF tip sheet here: Getting into University with a T Level (PDF).
The University recognises the T level qualification and the increasing number of T level programmes available. We have updated our undergraduate course webpages to include T level qualifications within our entrance requirements. This includes our standard offers and any subject requirement equivalencies.
The table below provides more detail on our T level acceptance. You can also download our T level requirements as a PDF.
| All T levels accepted | Many of our undergraduate courses are available to study via any T level course qualification. Look at our course webpages to check the standard offer for a T level applicant. |
| Specific T level requirements (including additional study requirements) |
Some of our courses require applicants to study specific T levels. This is common in modern foreign language, engineering, geology, nursing and many science-based subjects. Look at our course webpages to see which specific T levels are required for the course you’re interested in. |
| T levels not accepted | Some of our undergraduate courses do not currently accept any T level qualifications. These include: Medicine, Medical Sciences, Biochemistry, Sport and Exercise Science, Psychology, and Neuroscience. |
Frequently asked questions
How are T levels different from A levels and BTECs?
A levels are traditionally available in more academic subjects. T levels and BTECs are traditionally available in subjects that relate to broad job sectors. However, T levels are a newer qualification that include an in-depth industry placement lasting at least 45 days. Please note that T levels are gradually replacing BTECs in many subject areas.
T levels and BTECs are assessed through a range of methods, including coursework, projects and exams. A levels are assessed through exams taken at the end of the course.
Are T levels equivalent to A levels or BTECs?
One T level is roughly equivalent to three A levels. This is also roughly equivalent to a BTEC Extended Diploma. These are all Level 3 qualifications that usually take two years to complete.
T levels are full-time programmes, with 80% of your time in the classroom and 20% of your time in the workplace. Therefore, it’s not usually possible to study other qualifications alongside them.
Do many students go to university with a T level?
T levels are designed to build skills for the workplace, so many students progress into work or apprenticeships afterwards. However, a significant proportion of students choose to progress to university. As T levels become more established, universities are updating their admissions policies and entry requirements to indicate what T level qualifications and grades they accept.
Do all universities accept T levels?
As of January 2024, nearly 150 universities accept T levels. This includes 17 Russell Group universities, like the University of Exeter. This number is likely to grow in the coming years, as T levels become more established and more courses become available.
At the University of Exeter, we recognise the increasing number of T level programmes available. From 2024 entry, we’ve updated our undergraduate course pages to include T levels within our entrance requirements. We update our webpages every year to ensure our information is up to date for the current cohort.
It’s essential to check entry requirements for the specific course you’re interested in, as some courses have specific requirements linked to subjects or topics. If you’re ever unsure about whether your T level is accepted by a specific course or university, contact them and ask. Our Admissions team is happy to help with such queries.
What T level grades do I need to get into university?
This varies between different universities and degree courses. T levels and A levels are graded differently. However, they equate to each other as follows:
| T-Level | A-Level |
|---|---|
| Distinction* | A*A*A* |
| Distinction | AAA |
| Merit | BBB |
| Pass with C or above in core | CCC |
| Pass with D or E in core | DDD |
The UCAS tariff gives each A level and T level grade a particular number of points. However, not all universities use the tariff – the University of Exeter does not, for instance. Again, it’s important to check the exact entry requirements for your desired course.
At the University of Exeter, our typical T level offers range from Merit to Distinction*. However, it’s important to check our undergraduate course pages for up-to-date and specific information.
Like many universities, we also make contextual offers. This means that if you meet certain eligibility criteria, we may make an offer which is lower than our typical entry requirements.
Does it matter what T level subject I’ve studied?
Again, this varies between different degree courses.
T levels come in over 20 different subject areas. However, that doesn’t mean that T level students are limited to just those subject areas at university. There are many university courses that don’t have subject-specific requirements.
At the University of Exeter, many of our programmes will accept any T level subjects. Some require specific T level courses. Others, such as Modern Languages courses, may require a specific A level subject in addition to your T level. Some of our programmes don’t accept any T level qualifications. All of this information can be found on our undergraduate course pages.
Will a T level prepare me well for university study?
This can depend on what T level you’re studying and what university course you want to do.
Degrees are assessed in a variety of ways, including coursework and practical work. This is similar to T levels, so in that sense, you may be well prepared.
The good news is that universities will usually support you with academic skills, regardless of what your educational background is. The University of Exeter Study Zone offers resources, drop-ins and workshops to help with academic writing, referencing, revision and more.
