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Understanding T levels

Learn about T levels, what you can study and which degrees accept them.

We welcome applications from students who have a T Level qualification.

T levels are level 3 qualifications that you can study after your GCSEs. One T level takes two years of full-time study and is equivalent to 3 A levels. 

If you choose to study T levels you will be studying a technical pathway, while A levels are part of the academic pathway. Both pathways can lead to university study, so you can apply for a degree with one T level or three A levels.

See the latest T level subjects you can study on the Government website.

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Which uni courses can I study with my T level?

All of our courses list the entry requirements you need to apply. This includes T level grades and UCAS points, where these are accepted. Here's an example.

You should visit the course page for the degree you want to study and check the entry requirements section for details. You should also check the full entry requirements, in case you need to study a specific subject to apply. Each course includes a link to further entry requirement details.

Browse all our courses

What T level grade do I need to apply for university?

T level grades are pass, merit, distinction or distinction*. 

Your certificate will show one of these as the overall grade for your T level. Your overall grade is worked out by using the individual grade for the core part of your study (A*-E), and your grades for the subject specialisms (pass, merit or distinction). 

T level grades are worth UCAS points. The number of points you earn depends on your overall grade.

T level grades are worth:

  • Distinction*: 168 UCAS points (equivalent to AAA* at A level)
  • Distinction: 144 UCAS points (equivalent to AAA at A level)
  • Merit: 120 UCAS points (equivalent to BBB at A level)
  • Pass with C or above in core: 96 UCAS points (equivalent to CCC at A level)
  • Pass with D or E in core: 72 UCAS points (equivalent to DDD at A level)

Find your course

Whatever your passion, we'll help you go further: search our undergraduate degrees and find the course that suits you at Portsmouth. 

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Resources for parents

You can get more information about T levels by checking our parent's guide to T levels.

Find out more