Design, Surveying and Planning - T Level

Summary

This T Level explores the design, construction and operation phases of the building life cycle alongside the role of technology and sustainability.

It has been developed specifically with a view to employment in the sector and combines classroom-based learning, with an extended 45-day work placement which will allow students to gain a genuine insight into working in the construction industry.

You will boost your knowledge of topics such as design principles, project management and health and safety and learn about the commercial side of construction, including stakeholder management, business structures and entrepreneurship.

Additionally, techniques such as drawings, costings and surveying will be taught on the course as well as more modern innovations such as computer aided design (CAD) and 3D Modelling.

You will also learn about new technologies and sustainability and gain an understanding of how these will shape the buildings of the future.

This course is ideal for anyone who is looking to develop a managerial career in the construction industry, this T level opens doors into a wide range of planning, engineering and design roles.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
02 Sep 2026	Bispham Campus	2 Years	Apply now

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This qualification is ideal if you want to specialise at university, or go direct into employment or a higher apprenticeship as, for example, a building engineering technician, civil engineering technician or construction supervisor.

The Design, Surveying and Planning T Level is recognised by many professional organisations as an entry qualification for student membership.

There are many pathways available following successful completion of your Design, Surveying and Planning T Level.

Options to consider include:

Applying to university
Taking on the two-year Level 4 HNC Construction and the Built Environment, recognised by industry employers and professional organisations and delivered at B&FC's Bispham Campus one day a week
Exploring opportunities to specialise with a Higher Apprenticeship

Employment Opportunities

Career opportunities exist in both contracting and professional areas of the construction industry and tutors will provide students with advice and guidance in their career progression.

Typical career paths associated with this T Level include:

Architecture and Design
Building Control
Building Services Engineering
Building Surveying
Civil Engineering
Clerk of Work
Construction Management
Estate Agency
Estimating
Land Surveying
Quantity Surveying
Structural Engineering

Key information

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs grade 4 or above including English and Maths, along with the following:

A successful interview with a tutor
The ability to study independently
A genuine interest in the subject
Good communication skills
Hardworking approach towards the industry

Qualification obtained

T Level Technical Qualification in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

Fees and funding

Courses for learners who are 16-18 years old at the start of their course and resident in the UK are fully funded. You may also be entitled to further financial help to support your studies depending on your personal circumstances. For more details of these, please visit our page on Finance Support for School Leavers.

If you are not a UK resident, we will confirm whether funding is available when we process your application. If not, you may be liable for course fees.

Extra costs and equipment

All construction students must adhere to health and safety legislation when in our workshops, which will require purchasing and wearing the following items for practical activities:

Safety boots
Safety helmet
Hi-vis vest
Work trousers
Safety glasses
Gloves

All the above items can be purchased from local suppliers for a total cost of approximately £45. If you have issues funding these items, please speak to your course tutor.

For class-based learning you will also need to bring paper, pens and a folder, in which to keep all your revision and notes.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Pearson

Regulatory Body: Ofsted

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

Essential skills: English and Maths

All school leavers at B&FC are encouraged to continue developing their English and maths skills as higher ability in both these subjects is linked to long-term career success and increased earning potential - irrespective of how well you performed at GCSE. If, however, you achieve a GCSE Grade 3 or less in either subject, you will also have the opportunity to work towards re-sitting these to enhance your paper-based qualifications. This won’t delay your career journey because you will be undertaking this programme of study at the same time as your chosen subject.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

You will be required to complete an industry placement with an employer, which will last for a minimum of 45 working days (approximately 315 hours).

Placements are managed by an appointed workplace coordinator within the curriculum area who maintains liaisons with employers, performs visits and logs required documents such as insurance and diligence checks.

You are required to source your own placements with support from the college.

If necessary, B&FC can support you with travel to and from your work placement.

Trips and site visits will be offered as part of the course and may be partly subsidised by the college.

How will I learn?

Learning and teaching methods can differ from each module.

You will be supported with presentations, report writing and drawing skills both manually and using computer aided design (CAD) software.

Facilities and resources are regularly updated to improve your experience in college and to match the needs of the course.

Interactive resources will be available on Canvas, the college's online learning system.

You will be expected to attend lectures, maintaining excellent attendance and punctuality, use independent self-study skills and complete the industry placement in a professional manner.

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed using a variety of methods, this will include: discussions, role play, observations, presentations, video creation, sketches and written assignments.

Some core units will be set by the Pearson, the awarding body.

Pearson set assessments involve simulated projects to complete in a specified time-frame.

The core content focuses on your knowledge and understanding of contexts, concepts, theories, principles and core skills relevant to the T Level.

This could include, where appropriate, assessment of knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the route and the pathway to the construction industry.

Students who pass all the elements of their T Level will get a nationally recognised certificate showing an overall grade of pass, merit or distinction.

It will also set out the details of what students have achieved on the course.

The T Level certificate will include:

An overall pass grade for the T Level, shown as pass, merit or distinction
A separate grade for the occupational specialism, shown as pass, merit or distinction
A separate grade for the core component, using A* to E
Grades for maths and English qualifications
Details of the industry placement

Assessment Methods