Vocational qualifications
Applied Generals and Tech levels
In England, vocational qualifications that contribute towards school performance measures have been reformed, and are now classified as either Applied Generals or Tech levels. The largest provider of vocational qualifications is Pearson, with the BTEC qualification, but AQA, City & Guilds, OCR, and other boards all offer vocational qualifications in these categories.
Changes to these qualifications include:
- Size: Applied General qualifications must require at least 150 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). Tech level qualifications must require at least 300 GLH.
- Content: a qualification specification must state the specific content students must pass to achieve it. Mandatory content, and the associated contribution to the overall grade, must make up at least 60% of an Applied General, and 40% of a Tech level
- Assessment: Applied Generals must have at least 40% external assessment. Tech levels must have 30% external assessment. Students will also be given one opportunity to resit.
- Synoptic assessment: the qualification must assess that a student can use all of the skills, techniques, concepts, theories, and knowledge they have learnt.
- Grading: all vocational qualifications must be graded using three grading points or more, such as distinction/merit/pass.
Further information on vocational qualifications and performance measures can be found on the Department for Education website.
We've produced a
to help consider the impact these vocational reforms may have, and to assist students and advisers when entering qualifications in Apply.
If you have any queries about Applied General and Tech level qualifications, please email us at qualsinfo@ucas.ac.uk.
T Levels
As set out in the Technical and Further Education Act 2017, T Levels are designed to support entry to skilled employment in technical occupations and progression to higher education options, including higher technical qualifications, higher apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships, and degrees.
T Levels are not qualifications in their own right, but composite technical study programmes, delivered in a classroom setting, and incorporating five key components:
- an approved technical qualification (the ‘core’)
- a substantial work placement with an external employer, lasting between 45 and 60 days
- maths, English, and digital requirements. Students will have to achieve a minimum of Level 2 maths and English in order to achieve a T Level
- occupational specialism(s), which may include additional qualification(s) or a license to practice
- employability, enrichment, and pastoral (EEP) elements
It is expected that T Levels will consist of 1,800 learning hours, and be delivered over two years.
T Levels will cover 11 technical education routes. The first T Levels (digital; construction; education, and childcare) are due to be first taught in 2020, with further subjects planned for 2021 (legal, finance and accounting; health and science; engineering and manufacturing), and a further rollout by 2023.
The Department for Education published the Government response to the consultation on the implementation of T Levels in May 2018. UCAS is monitoring the development of T Levels, and will update this page as more information becomes available.
Read more here.