T Level Health and Science Technical Laboratory Specialism – C7891

Developed by top experts in the field, this two-year health and science T level gets you set with all the specific skills you need to work as a technical laboratory assistant or in other health and science jobs. Plus, it opens doors for higher apprenticeships or degrees.

For most of the time (around 80%), you’ll be in class, diving into key scientific principles and important rules that cover everything in health and science. The rest (20%) is where the fun starts—a significant work placement where you’ll dive into a project set by your employer. This is where you’ll really get to see what it’s like to work in a laboratory in a real work environment.

Year 1

Year one: your introduction to the world of essential health and science and the contexts, theories and principles that underpin the entire industry.

Your folders fill up quickly with core scientific concepts and key regulations. Your notes detail good scientific/clinical practice, how to manage information and the all-important health and safety protocols.

You and your classmates need subject dividers for
1. ethics
2. scientific methodology
3. data handling and processing
4. experimental equipment and techniques

Along with these you learn a broad of traditional science (biology, chemistry and physics), and you’ll also explore your options, the roles and pathways, employers and businesses you could work for in the science sector.

Year 2

Enter year two and the elements of technical laboratory services really kick in. You, your classmates and your tutors perform a range of scientific techniques to collect experimental data in a laboratory setting, complying with regulations and requirements.

As you learn more about planning, reviewing, implementing and suggesting improvements to scientific tasks relevant to a laboratory setting, your confidence grows. You feel excited about identifying and resolving issues with scientific equipment or data errors. The idea of being a real-life lab technician becomes truly manageable.

A vital part of year two is your 45-day industry placement, where you settle into your roles and responsibilities and build your lab-tech toolkit. You’re able to put your knowledge and skills into practice in a real-life setting, be part of the team and work on your employer-set project and working towards the following outcomes:
1. Performing a range of appropriate scientific techniques to collect experimental data in a laboratory setting, complying with regulations and requirements.
2. Planning, reviewing, implementing, and suggesting improvements to scientific tasks relevant to a laboratory setting.
3. Identifying and resolving issues with scientific equipment or data errors.

T levels are for people who are 16-18 on 31 August on the date that they start the course.
You need the following to be accepted on the Health and Science T level:

5 GCSEs including maths and English and double science at grade 5 or higher
one reference (this is usually from your school).
90% attendance at school (or your last place or work/ study) – this is desirable.

There are several formal assessments during the two years: external exams, controlled assessments, practical summary assignments and an employer-led set project. 

Together, the assessments generate an overall grade of pass, merit, distinction or distinction*.

At the end of your T level, you receive a nationally recognised certificate with a clear breakdown of your achievements. The T level can be worth up to 168 UCAS points.

Tuition fees

Tuition Fees (16-18): £0.00

Additional Costs

There are no tuition fees to study a T Level if you start before you are 19 years old but there will be material costs that will need to be paid at the start of the course. The College may be able to support you with this.

You will need to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to work with children and vulnerable adults, which is an additional cost of £44.

This is a professional programme and all settings expect staff to wear a uniform. All T level health and science students will wear a uniform in both college and placement. There will also be a need to purchase a laboratory coat and safety goggles, which are available from the college. In terms of cost, lab coats are £19.20* and goggles are £12*.

Further details on uniform requirements are available from the workplace coordinator or programme lead.

*prices correct December 2020 but may be subject to change.

Material Fees

£30.00

Disclaimer

If the course is longer than one year the total fees are for the first year only and further fees may apply in future years. All fees are based on a ‘home’ learner status. Please contact us for information on overseas fees.

For more information, please see our course fee disclaimers page.

Learn more about fees

A T level in health and science means you’re absolutely qualified to have a fulfilling career in technical laboratory services. You could also decide to take your learning further and do a higher level apprenticeship or a degree.

A chat with our independent careers advisors will help you figure out your next step. They have all the information, advice and guidance you need to kickstart your career.

Apply online via the College website, or if your school uses the Positive Steps @16 (PS16) application system please apply through this and speak to your careers advisor if you are unsure. You will need details of your qualifications, a reference, and a personal statement to complete your application. Once your application has been successfully processed, you will be sent a conditional offer and be invited to an interview at the College to meet key staff, learn more about your chosen course of study and tour the facilities. You will then need to confirm your acceptance of the course offered to you.