T Level + 3 A Levels — What are my chances for Engineering at a Russell Group uni?
Hey everyone,
Just looking for a bit of advice or insight. I’m currently doing a T Level in Engineering and manufacturing (Maintenance, Installation & Repair), and I’m also planning to take 3 A Levels (Maths, Further Maths, and Physics) as a private candidate in 2025–26.
I moved to the UK at the end of 2019 and didn’t speak English at the time, which affected my early academic performance (GCSEs). I still managed to get a 6 in GCSE Maths and 4 in English Language, which seem to be the minimum requirements listed by most unis for engineering courses. My schools (both Level 2 and Level 3) were significantly below national average performance, and I’ve worked hard to improve every year since.
By the time I apply, I’m hoping to have:
A distinction overall (with an A in the core) in my T level.
A* in maths, A in physics, and A in further maths.
I’ve also sorted out my predicted grades and UCAS reference for the A Levels.
Just wondering if you think I’ve still got a shot at getting into a good Russell Group uni with these qualifications? (considering my poor GCSE background)
Just looking for a bit of advice or insight. I’m currently doing a T Level in Engineering and manufacturing (Maintenance, Installation & Repair), and I’m also planning to take 3 A Levels (Maths, Further Maths, and Physics) as a private candidate in 2025–26.
I moved to the UK at the end of 2019 and didn’t speak English at the time, which affected my early academic performance (GCSEs). I still managed to get a 6 in GCSE Maths and 4 in English Language, which seem to be the minimum requirements listed by most unis for engineering courses. My schools (both Level 2 and Level 3) were significantly below national average performance, and I’ve worked hard to improve every year since.
By the time I apply, I’m hoping to have:
A distinction overall (with an A in the core) in my T level.
A* in maths, A in physics, and A in further maths.
I’ve also sorted out my predicted grades and UCAS reference for the A Levels.
Just wondering if you think I’ve still got a shot at getting into a good Russell Group uni with these qualifications? (considering my poor GCSE background)
Reply 1
Yes you do. All but a handful will accept T levels. For example here is Southampton's requirements ( just use the drop down menus to change from A levels). You'll see they do also require the A level maths:
https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/university-of-southampton-s27/courses/mechanical-engineeringaerospace-engineering-meng-hon-2025-2819066d899c
And the rest will accept your A levels (very impressive!). Some may not accept your GCSE results and you would need to think carefully about the most competitive places such as Oxbridge and a couple of London Universities, Bath. They may accept extenuating circumstances however the competitive nature of their courses may mean that you miss out.
Don't just limit yourself to Russell group though. Unis such as Loughborough and Bath are not Russell but excellent. The Russell group name is not everything.
For further research, look at courses here:
https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/search/course?utf8=%E2%9C%93&c%5Bq%5D=engineering&c%5Bacademic_years%5D=2025
https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/university-of-southampton-s27/courses/mechanical-engineeringaerospace-engineering-meng-hon-2025-2819066d899c
And the rest will accept your A levels (very impressive!). Some may not accept your GCSE results and you would need to think carefully about the most competitive places such as Oxbridge and a couple of London Universities, Bath. They may accept extenuating circumstances however the competitive nature of their courses may mean that you miss out.
Don't just limit yourself to Russell group though. Unis such as Loughborough and Bath are not Russell but excellent. The Russell group name is not everything.
For further research, look at courses here:
https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/search/course?utf8=%E2%9C%93&c%5Bq%5D=engineering&c%5Bacademic_years%5D=2025
(edited 10 months ago)
Reply 2
berkodef
OP
2
Original post
by totallyfineYes you do. All but a handful will accept T levels. For example here is Southampton's requirements ( just use the drop down menus to change from A levels). You'll see they do also require the A level maths:
https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/university-of-southampton-s27/courses/mechanical-engineeringaerospace-engineering-meng-hon-2025-2819066d899c
And the rest will accept your A levels (very impressive!). Some may not accept your GCSE results and you would need to think carefully about the most competitive places such as Oxbridge and a couple of London Universities, Bath. They may accept extenuating circumstances however the competitive nature of their courses may mean that you miss out.
Don't just limit yourself to Russell group though. Unis such as Loughborough and Bath are not Russell but excellent. The Russell group name is not everything.
For further research, look at courses here:
https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/search/course?utf8=%E2%9C%93&c%5Bq%5D=engineering&c%5Bacademic_years%5D=2025
https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/university-of-southampton-s27/courses/mechanical-engineeringaerospace-engineering-meng-hon-2025-2819066d899c
And the rest will accept your A levels (very impressive!). Some may not accept your GCSE results and you would need to think carefully about the most competitive places such as Oxbridge and a couple of London Universities, Bath. They may accept extenuating circumstances however the competitive nature of their courses may mean that you miss out.
Don't just limit yourself to Russell group though. Unis such as Loughborough and Bath are not Russell but excellent. The Russell group name is not everything.
For further research, look at courses here:
https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/search/course?utf8=%E2%9C%93&c%5Bq%5D=engineering&c%5Bacademic_years%5D=2025
Thanks a lot for the detailed reply, this is super helpful! I’ve been looking into the Southampton course too, and it’s reassuring to see they accept T Levels alongside A Level Maths. I’ll definitely explore other unis as well. My GCSEs aren’t really strong, so I was a bit concerned about how much they’d affect my chances.
Now I know that A Level Maths is typically the required qualification alongside a T Level in Engineering, but I’m also taking A Level Physics and Further Maths as a private candidate. I was wondering if these additional A Levels could help strengthen my application and show my academic ability to more competitive universities, despite my GCSEs not being strong.
And, do you think a strong personal statement, reference, and predicted grades could also help offset the GCSE issue, or is it a hard cutoff?
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