Science - T Level
Summary
Some of the most intriguing and exciting questions about humans and the universe still remain unanswered. If you're curious to know what they are and how to play your part in figuring them out, chances are you'll make an incredible scientist. And there's probably no better way today to start solving some of these challenges than the Science T Level. Why? Because you'll learn the ropes in the best possible way, first immersing yourself in the theory of lab work before putting everything you've learned to the test working alongside scientists - at college and in commercial and hospital settings where you'll make a real difference to the world around us.
Science has never played a more important role in our world. Scientists are in huge demand and the rewards aren't just measured in money - but also in your impact on humans and the planet. So what are you going to learn? We'll start by teaching you the basics of lab testing and analysis. You'll get a thorough grounding in the working practices that you'll soon be putting to good use yourself, on your 45-day industry placement in state-of-the-art lab environments.
If you're fascinated by the world around us and have a deep curiosity for researching and testing, you're going to love the Science T Level. There are endless career opportunities beyond the T Level, or you can specialise on a higher or degree apprenticeship when you'll spend most of your time working and getting paid with one day a week refining your knowledge in a study setting. Or maybe you'll use what you've learned during your Science T Level and apply it to a totally different field. Science is closely aligned to digital technologies, engineering, health and maths, and your T Level will stimulate your curiosity about the wider world and how you can make a difference to it. What are you waiting for? Come and join us. Awaken your curiosity on the Science T Level here at B&FC.
Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs grade 4+ (or equivalent) including English and Maths OR Level 2 qualification in related subject and English and Maths at grade 4 or above.
Plus
- A successful discussion with a tutor
- The ability to study independently
- A genuine interest in the subject
- Good communication skills
- Hardworking approach towards the industry
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The Lancashire Enterprise Partnership regularly reviews industry and developments as part of a UK-wide analysis, and helps guide colleges and universities to create graduates at all levels based on that data.
The Partnership forecasts Lancashire will need 3,300 new scientists each year for the next decade to keep up with the pace of change. These developments span many exciting and evolving areas including hydrogen energy, sustainability, food science and microbiology.
Science is at the cutting edge of technology changing all our lives.
T Level students will become the technical face of science:
- Researching answers to some of the planet's biggest questions as a laboratory scientist
- Focusing on green and sustainable energy
- Working as a physician associate in NHS, carrying out x-ray procedures, or analysing patient samples
- Specialising in climate change and environmental monitoring
Related roles include:
- Pathology scientist
- Pharmacy technician
- Forensic scientist
- Veterinary nurse
- Zoologist
- Technical support scientist
- Metrology technician
- Food technician
This T Level will support students in progressing to a related Higher-Level Apprenticeship or course of study at a higher level.
B&FC offer a range of degree apprenticeships beyond this Science T Level, and we're working with employers to help deliver them.
Key information
Qualification obtained
T Level Technical Qualification in ScienceFees 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 the equipment and resources you need, and field trips are provided by B&FC at no extra cost.
Regulation and Accreditation
Accrediting Institution: N/A
Awarding Body: NCFE
Regulatory Body: Ofsted
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
Every T Level offers an extended industry-relevant work placement of at least 45 days (approximately 9 weeks). We will work with you to help you ind a placement which matches your career aspirations.
It might be you already have a position or company in mind, in which case we will do everything we can to secure this for you.
Don't worry if you're not sure what you want to do, our experienced placement team will find a role that works for you.
How will I learn?
Where this T Level is different to other Level 3 science courses is that in addition to a rigorous approach to the theory and practice of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, you'll also have an intense focus on putting these lessons into action in the workplace, taking a close look at how laboratories work and the rigorous practices you need to follow in these strictly controlled environments to support pioneering research.
What you learn on this T Level mirrors what you'd typically experience during induction on your first job as a scientist.
The course has been designed to give you that insider's guide to what it's like working in your future role, so you'll fit right in when the time comes. During the 2-year programme, students will develop the core knowledge and skills that are needed for entry to a range of science occupations.
All 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 including the structure of cells, tissues and large molecules, genetics, microbiology and immunology
They will also learn about topics specific to science:
- Understanding the science sector
- Further science knowledge, including cell cycle and cellular respiration, enzyme and protein structure, pathogens, classification of biological materials, kinetic changes and relevant analytical techniques
- Scientific methodology
- Experimental equipment and techniques
- Ethics of science
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?
T Level students are assessed in several ways which include coursework, unseen exams and an employer set project which will test students critical thinking and problem solving skills.
As well as testing the depth and breadth of their knowledge and practical abilities at Level 3, these various assessments are also designed to prepare students for study at Level 4 and above.