struggling to understand college

im 16 hoping to go to college this september, and i applied for a "level 3 diploma in art and design" which is 2 years and i would like to do psychology on top of that, which i believe is 1 a-level. would this be equivalent to 4 a-levels or just 2 as i do not understand what a level 3 diploma is.

however, i do have another course that i could choose instead of these, which is a T level in construction. it says it's for 2 years and is equivalent to 3 a-levels. but, my friends have told me that i shouldn't be doing a T level. is that correct? what is a T level?

it would be great if someone could help

Reply 1

McGinger

T levels are vocational qualifications, designed for those aiming at apprenticeships and employment.

Whilst some Unis will accept them for degree subjects, most don't - or they require an extra A level, typically Maths, on top. Schools/colleges that describe T levels as ' the same as 3 A levels' are being disingenuous - the hours of study may be the same but the qualifications themselves are not 'the same' and if you choose T levels you are heading away from a typical Uni pathway.

Think carefully about what you want to do after Sixth Form - and why 'construction' appeals to you. Is it because its practical. immediately useful in terms of work? If you have any thoughts about going to Uni, a T level in Construction is not going to get you there.

Reply 2

paarmis

Original post by McGinger

T levels are vocational qualifications, designed for those aiming at apprenticeships and employment.
Whilst some Unis will accept them for degree subjects, most don't - or they require an extra A level, typically Maths, on top. Schools/colleges that describe T levels as ' the same as 3 A levels' are being disingenuous - the hours of study may be the same but the qualifications themselves are not 'the same' and if you choose T levels you are heading away from a typical Uni pathway.
Think carefully about what you want to do after Sixth Form - and why 'construction' appeals to you. Is it because its practical. immediately useful in terms of work? If you have any thoughts about going to Uni, a T level in Construction is not going to get you there.

i want to continue with architecture/ construction design in uni so is that not possible? the course focuses on theory in the first year and more practical stuff such as measuring and designing

Reply 3

McGinger

Original post by paarmis

i want to continue with architecture/ construction design in uni so is that not possible? the course focuses on theory in the first year and more practical stuff such as measuring and designing

You need to look at the sort of degree course you might want to do on University websites - and look at the 'entry requirements'.. This will list the A levels - or A level/BTEC combination - each Uni wants for that course.

Examples :
Architecture BArch | Undergraduate study | Loughborough University (lboro.ac.uk)
Architectural Technology and Design - BSc(Hons) - UWE Bristol: Courses
BSc (Hons) Construction Management | University of Portsmouth
Construction Site Management (Apprenticeship) - BSc (Hons) - 2024/25 Entry | Birmingham City University (bcu.ac.uk)
Construction apprenticeship opportunities at Morgan Sindall Construction | Morgan Sindall Construction

Reply 4

paarmis

Original post by McGinger

You need to look at the sort of degree course you might want to do on University websites - and look at the 'entry requirements'.. This will list the A levels - or A level/BTEC combination - each Uni wants for that course.
Examples :
Architecture BArch | Undergraduate study | Loughborough University (lboro.ac.uk)
Architectural Technology and Design - BSc(Hons) - UWE Bristol: Courses
BSc (Hons) Construction Management | University of Portsmouth
Construction Site Management (Apprenticeship) - BSc (Hons) - 2024/25 Entry | Birmingham City University (bcu.ac.uk)
Construction apprenticeship opportunities at Morgan Sindall Construction | Morgan Sindall Construction

thanks! so would you think the t level alone is worth it? should i take a level art instead?

Reply 5

McGinger

Original post by paarmis

thanks! so would you think the t level alone is worth it? should i take a level art instead?

Have you actually looked at the entry requirements to any courses ...?

Reply 6

paarmis

Original post by McGinger

Have you actually looked at the entry requirements to any courses ...?

yes the ones i looked at said you can apply with T Levels, however you said that it won't get me to uni so i'm a bit confused, apologies

Reply 7

McGinger

Original post by paarmis

yes the ones i looked at said you can apply with T Levels, however you said that it won't get me to uni so i'm a bit confused, apologies

"Whilst some Unis will accept them for degree subjects, most don't "
You have found some that will.
How is that confusing.

Reply 8

paarmis

ok thanks, so the university of loughborough accepts at least 3 alevels or the t level in construction. does that mean i could do either? considering i do the diploma level 3 in art

Reply 9

McGinger

Original post by paarmis

ok thanks, so the university of loughborough accepts at least 3 alevels or the t level in construction. does that mean i could do either? considering i do the diploma level 3 in art

Email them and ask.

Reply 10

Nora12345678910

Original post by paarmis

ok thanks, so the university of loughborough accepts at least 3 alevels or the t level in construction. does that mean i could do either? considering i do the diploma level 3 in art