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    About the course

    T level Science is aimed at students who are interested in pursuing a career in laboratory science. Year one includes essential knowledge and skills to work in science or healthcare including how the industry works, core scientific concepts and key regulations including managing information, health and safety and good scientific/clinical practice.

    In Year 2 you will specialise in Laboratory Sciences understanding how to design and perform practical experiments, keep good records and solve problems.

    Alongside your work at college you will have a extended industry placement of 315 hours (around 45 days) which enables you to gain important experience of a workplace and also develop the key skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.

    Entry requirements

    5 GCSE’s grade 4 and above including:

    4 in English

    4 in maths

    For Separate sciences: 5 or above in one science, 4 or above in the other two sciences 

    For Combined science: grade 5-4 or above

    How much does it cost?

    Free to those aged 16-18

    This course is not currently available for 19+ learners.

    There is a range of financial support that you may be entitled to, including Learner Support funds, grants and bursaries.

    Awarding Body

    NCFE

    Why study?

    Learners will undertake a range of practical experiments in our laboratories and will also have use of our immersive room and VR technology to enhance their learning.

    Edcuational visits will be planned to:

    • Anglia Ruskin University Science Festival
    • Princess Alexandra Hospital Laboratories
    • UK University and Apprenticeship Fair

    We will also have guest speakers who are currently working in the following job roles:

    • Biochemist
    • Biological Scientist
    • Pharmacist
    • Environmental Scientist
    • Medical Laboratory Assistant
    • Clinical Engineer

    Where will this course take me?

    You could become a:

    • Laboratory Technician
    • Biochemist
    • Biological Scientist
    • Medical Laboratory Assistant
    • Pharmacist

    Core modules

    Year 1 is Core Components A and B and consists of following modules:

    Core A

    • A1 Working within the health and science sector
    • A2 The science sector
    • A3 Health, safety and environmental regulations in the health and science sector
    • A4 Application of safety, health and environmental practices in the workplace
    • A5 Managing information and data within the health and science sector
    • A6 Data handling and processing
    • A7 Ethics
    • A8 Good scientific and clinical practice
    • A9 Scientific methodology
    • A10 Experimental equipment and techniques

    Core B

    • Core Science Concepts
    • Further Science Concepts

    Year 2 is Occupational Specialism – Laboratory Sciences and consists of the following modules:

    • Perform a range of appropriate scientific techniques to collect experimental data in a laboratory setting, complying with regulations and requirements
    • Plan, review, implement and suggest improvements to scientific tasks relevant to a laboratory setting
    • Identify and resolve issues with scientific equipment or data errors

    Optional modules

    There are no optional modules, though learners are expected to find their own extended industry placement and could use this opportunity to find an area of science they are interested in.

    How will I be assessed?

    • Year 1 – Employer Set Project in May and Core A and B exams in June
    • Year 2 – Occupational Specialism Assessments based on the Laboratory Sciences Modules above.
    • Mandatory Work Placement – 315 hours in total. Learners are expected to secure this work placement and will be supported by our dedicated work placement officer.

    Will I have to provide anything?

    Lab Coat and Goggles – Approx cost £40

    Trips and Visits – Approx cost £30

    I'm interested. What should I do now?

    Call 01279 868100 and talk to an Admissions Adviser
    Ask Us a question about this course
    apply

    T Levels Q&A

    WHAT ARE T LEVELS?

    T Levels are new technical courses which will follow GCSEs and will be equivalent to 3 A Levels. They are Level 3 course that span approximately 1800 hours over 2 years. These courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work.

    T Levels will offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days). They will provide the knowledge and experience needed to open the door into skilled employment, further study or an apprenticeship.

    WHO ARE THEY FOR?

    T Levels are ideal for learners who are looking for a more technical route into skilled employment, further study or an apprenticeship.

    T Levels are a technical alternative to A Levels and prepare learners for technical careers.

    STRUCTURE OF A T LEVEL

    T Levels will include the following compulsory elements:

    • a technical qualification, which will include core theory, concepts and skills for an industry area and specialist skills and knowledge for an occupation or career
    • an industry placement with an employer
    • a minimum standard in maths and English if learners have not already achieved them

    T LEVELS AND INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS

    T Levels include 315 hours (approximately 45 days) of industry placement with an employer. Around 80% of time will be spent in the classroom and 20% on placement. This differs to an Apprenticeship, which is typically 80% in the workplace and 20% in the classroom.

    Industry placements can be undertaken as a block, as individual days, or a combination of the two.