T-Levels vs A-Levels

Overview

T-Levels and A-Levels are both Level 3 qualifications taken after GCSEs, typically between ages 16 and 18. Both last two years and both can lead to university, apprenticeships, or employment. But the way they work is very different.

A-Levels are the traditional academic route — you pick three or four subjects and study them through a mix of lessons, coursework, and exams. T-Levels are newer (launched in 2020) and take a technical, industry-focused approach — you study one subject area in depth and spend a significant chunk of time on a real work placement.

Key differences at a glance

UCAS points compared

Both T-Levels and A-Levels carry UCAS tariff points, which universities use to set entry requirements. The maximum is the same for both: 168 points.

T-Level grades and UCAS points:

• Distinction* — 168 points (equivalent to 3 A*s at A-Level)
• Distinction — 144 points (equivalent to 3 As)
• Merit — 120 points (equivalent to 3 Bs)
• Pass — 72 points (equivalent to 3 Ds)

A-Level grades and UCAS points (per subject):

• A* — 56 points
• A — 48 points
• B — 40 points
• C — 32 points
• D — 24 points
• E — 16 points

The important thing to understand is that a single T-Level qualification carries the same UCAS weight as three full A-Levels. A T-Level Distinction* is worth the same as three A*s — 168 points.

Who should choose T-Levels

T-Levels are a strong choice if:

• You already know which industry you want to work in — digital, health, construction, education, or one of the other available routes
• You learn better through practical, hands-on work rather than sitting exams
• You want real workplace experience on your CV before you even start university or a job
• You want a direct route into a specific career or apprenticeship

The 315-hour industry placement is one of the biggest advantages of T-Levels. It gives you genuine professional experience that employers value, and it can sometimes lead directly to job offers or apprenticeship places. Read our full T-Levels guide for more detail on available subjects and entry requirements.

Who should choose A-Levels

A-Levels are a strong choice if:

• You want to keep your options open — A-Levels give you the widest range of university and career choices
• You prefer exam-based, academic study and enjoy studying subjects in depth
• You want the widest possible range of university courses open to you, including the most competitive programmes
• You enjoy studying multiple different subjects at the same time

It’s worth noting that some highly competitive university courses — particularly medicine, veterinary science, and many Oxbridge programmes — may still prefer or require specific A-Level subjects. Always check the entry requirements for your chosen course before deciding.

Can you do both?

No — T-Levels are a full-time, two-year programme that takes up the same amount of time as three A-Levels. You can’t study a T-Level and A-Levels at the same time.

Some students do take additional qualifications alongside their T-Level, such as a maths qualification, but this depends on the provider and the workload involved. In practice, the industry placement alone takes a significant amount of time.

If you start one and realise it’s not right for you, switching mid-course is possible but disruptive. The first year of a T-Level and the first year of A-Levels cover different ground, so transferring means catching up. The best approach is to research both options thoroughly before you start.