T Level in Architectural Design and Surveying


  • Start Date: 01/09/2026
  • Course is for: School Leaver
  • Course Length: 2 Years
  • Funding Support Funding Support:
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This technical qualification is intended for students who want to progress to a career in the construction sector, with a focus on design and surveying. If you’re interested in working in civil engineering, surveying or town planning then this course is for you.

Our T-Level in Architectural Design and Surveying has been developed in collaboration with employers, professional bodies, universities and businesses so the content meets the needs of the industry and will prepare you for the workplace.

You will develop a strong set of transferable core skills that will equip you for a career in the construction sector or to go on to do a higher-level apprenticeship or degree.

You’ll explore the science behind building design by looking at different construction methods, design principles and processes and surveying and planning.

You’ll also study the construction industry and its role in the economy as well as the importance of sustainability, environmental impact and corporate social responsibility.

As new technology emerges, the construction sector is continuously evolving and you’ll gain an understanding of digital engineering techniques and the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT).

Using mathematical techniques you’ll solve construction problem and make accurate and appropriate measurements.

You’ll be taught key principles for working in the industry including project management, budgeting and resource allocation, procurement, and risk management.

As well as studying essential topics such as health and safety, building regulations and standards, relationship management and customer service. This will help keep you abreast of the continuous evolution of new technology, software and processes.

Work Experience & Employer Partners

T-Level courses require you to undertake 315 hours of work placement putting into practice what you’ve learnt in the classroom.

Working with some of the region’s key employers, you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to work in both office based construction design and planning environments as well as on a construction site.

A highly motivated team of industry specialists with a wealth of knowledge across a wide range of vocational trades will make up your teaching team.

Our aim is to work with you to support you to develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours to succeed in the construction environment.

If you have the right attitude and commitment, we can support you to become who you want to be.

The T Level is a full-time two-year programme.

Core components will be assessed through two externally set exams and an employer set project.

There’ll also be a skills-related project which you’ll be assessed on.

UCAS tariff points will be allocated and will be equivalent in value to three A Levels.

This will be dependent on the overall grade achieved.

5 GCSEs at 5 or above, ideally including English, Maths and Science.

You will also need to be able to commit to an industry placement of at least 45 days and it would be beneficial to do some research into possible employers who could be willing to provide you with an industry placement for the programme.

You could progress to a university level course or apprenticeship in a relevant industry area.

Alterantively you could secure one of the following roles in the construction sector:

  • Surveying Technician
  • Civil Engineering Design Technician
  • Construction Design Coordinator
  • Civil Engineering Technician
  • Architectural Technologist
  • Transport Planning Technician

Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.

We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.

Our specialist teams can help with:

  • Learning difficulties
  • Physical and sensory disabilities
  • Dyslexia, dyspraxia, neurodiversity or other specific learning difficulties
  • Mental health and well being
  • Exam access arrangements
  • Money, finance and bursary advice
  • Careers advice, job and university applications

See here for more information, pop into one of our enrolment events, or call us on 0191 490 4627.

After this course, you can progress onto PlanBEE apprenticeship or university.

This course is free to those aged under 19 years old.

Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.

For one to one advice, contact our friendly team who will assess your individual circumstances and give you the right information.

You can contact them on 0191 490 4600, [email protected] or via Live Chat. Or pop along to one of our Enrolment Events.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A QUALIFICATION IN T LEVEL IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND SURVEYING?

  • Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers and Consultants
  • CAD, Drawing and Architectural Technicians
  • Building and Civil Engineering Technicians

Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Median Salary
£32,626

Average Qualifications
Level 4 NVQ; Intermediate, DipHE, DipFE

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Knowledge

Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Median Salary
£39,724

Average Qualifications
Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

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Knowledge

Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Median Salary
£33,407

Average Qualifications
Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

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Pathways

Engineering
People in these occupations use scientific principles to solve practical problems across a variety of engineering disciplines: civil, chemical, mechanical, etc.

Skills

Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Skills

Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Skills

Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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School Leaver Course Guide 2026/2027

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

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