Science (Technical Laboratory Sciences) T Level [Y1]

You can only apply for one course type on an application.

Applying for A-Levels and/or V-Levels? You can choose to study three A-Levels or create a mixed programme combining A-Levels with other qualifications, including the new V-Levels. You will select the courses from a list of relevant subjects when you apply.

Applying for T-Levels? T-Levels are full-time courses that allow you to focus on one subject.

Applying for Vocational courses? Our technical and professional vocational courses are full-time programmes focusing on one subject. You can apply for up to two courses in the same application.

We accept applications to more than one campus; however once you have attended an interview session and received an offer from us, you will need to confirm your first-choice course and the campus you want to study at.

Science helps us understand the world, solve problems, and develop ideas that can change lives.

On this two-year Science T-Level, you’ll explore biology, chemistry, and physics while developing the practical laboratory skills used across the science sector. You’ll plan investigations, carry out experiments, analyse results, and learn how scientific evidence is used to make informed decisions.

You’ll also complete a substantial industry placement. With thousands of employer connections across Sussex, we’ll help you find an opportunity that matches your interests and ambitions. It’s your chance to experience a real scientific workplace and see how the knowledge and techniques you develop at college are applied beyond the classroom.

If you’re curious, analytical, and enjoy finding out how things work, this course could be your first step towards a future in laboratory science, biomedical science, healthcare, research, environmental science, or another science-based career.

Why choose this course?

Develop practical scientific skills
Plan investigations, use laboratory equipment, carry out experiments, and analyse real scientific data.

Explore all three sciences
Build your knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics and discover how they connect in professional settings.

Gain real workplace experience
Complete a minimum of 315 hours with an employer and see how scientific teams operate in the working world.

Learn through realistic projects
Apply your knowledge to scientific scenarios involving research, practical experimentation, problem-solving, data analysis, and presentation.

Prepare for your next step
Progress towards university, a higher apprenticeship, or skilled employment in the science sector.

Keep your options open
Explore different areas of science before deciding where you would like your knowledge and skills to take you.

You’ll study a core component covering biology, chemistry, physics, and the wider science sector. You’ll then develop specialist practical skills through the Laboratory Sciences occupational specialism.

Core biology

Topics include:

? Cells and tissues

? Biological molecules

? Enzymes and proteins

? DNA and RNA

? The cell cycle

? Exchange and transport systems

? Ecosystems

? Cellular respiration

? Pathogens and immunology

Core chemistry

Topics include:

? Materials and their chemical properties

? Rates of reaction

? Energy changes

? Acids, bases, and chemical change

? Chemical analysis

? Scientific formulae and equations

Core physics

Topics include:

? Particles and radiation

? Electricity

? Magnetism and electromagnetism

? Waves

? Gas laws

? Pressure, fluids, and viscosity

? Scientific units and quantities

The science sector

You’ll also learn about:

? Working in the science sector

? Good scientific practice

? Health and safety

? Ethics and professional conduct

? Quality standards and regulation

? Sustainability and innovation

? Scientific organisations and careers

Laboratory Sciences specialism

This is where you’ll bring your scientific knowledge and practical skills together.

You’ll learn how to:

? Research and plan scientific investigations

? Select appropriate laboratory methods and equipment

? Prepare risk assessments and work safely

? Carry out scientific techniques accurately

? Collect and record reliable experimental data

? Analyse results using mathematical and digital tools

? Produce scientific reports

? Present evidence and explain your conclusions

? Evaluate your methods and identify improvements

? Work professionally as part of a scientific team

Industry placement

You’ll spend a minimum of 315 hours with an employer, developing your skills in a real working environment.

Your placement will help you understand professional standards, experience how scientific teams work, and begin building the confidence and contacts that could support your future career.

Placements may take place in laboratories, healthcare settings, research organisations, manufacturing, quality assurance, environmental organisations, or other science-related workplaces. Specific opportunities will depend on employer availability and suitability.

You’ll be assessed through a combination of written examinations and practical, project-based work.

The core component makes up 50% of the technical qualification and includes:

? A chemistry examination

? A biology examination

? A physics examination

? An employer-set project

The employer-set project will ask you to apply your knowledge and skills to a realistic scientific brief. It includes research, project planning, practical experimentation, data analysis, reflection, and presentation.

Your Laboratory Sciences occupational specialism makes up the remaining 50%. You’ll complete an extended practical project involving:

? A review of scientific literature

? A practical laboratory plan

? Scientific reporting

? An experimental practical assessment

? A data analysis report

This means you’ll be assessed on what you know and how confidently and accurately you can apply it in practical, workplace-related situations.

This course can prepare you for higher education, a higher or degree apprenticeship, or skilled employment within the science sector.

You could progress towards areas such as:

? Laboratory science

? Biomedical science

? Medical laboratory work

? Research and development

? Clinical testing and trials

? Environmental science

? Quality control and quality assurance

? Scientific data analysis

? Product development

? Scientific manufacturing

? Teaching, communication, and outreach

Possible progression routes include:

Higher education
Study a degree, Higher National Certificate, or Higher National Diploma in an area such as biomedical science, applied science, environmental science, food science and nutrition, or agricultural science.

Apprenticeships
Progress to a higher or degree apprenticeship in laboratory science, healthcare science, research, quality assurance, or another related area.

Employment
Begin developing your career in a laboratory, research organisation, healthcare setting, scientific manufacturer, environmental organisation, or another science-based workplace.

Entry requirements vary between universities, apprenticeship providers, and employers, so you should check these carefully when planning your next step.