T Level Science


  • Start Date: 01/09/2025
  • Course is for: School Leaver
  • Course Length: 2 Years
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This exciting two year, full-time course has been designed in partnership with employers to prepare you with the knowledge and skills to support your progression into a rewarding career in laboratory science – an essential field that underpins innovation in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and more.

Industry-Relevant Experience

We are committed to ensuring you are ahead of the jobs market when you leave us. As part of your T Level qualification, you will undertake a high-quality, structured and outcomes-focused industry placement, with a minimum of 45 days in a range of labs across the North East.

Your placement will provide you with an opportunity to contribute to the organisation and develop a host of new skills to help you take your next step.

The core content is divided into two sections: The Health and Science Sector and Science Concepts with an optional Laboratory Sciences specialism.

The Health and Science Sector

  • Covers working practices
  • Health and safety
  • Environmental regulations
  • Data management
  • Ethics
  • Scientific methodology
  • The use of experimental equipment.

Science Concepts

  • Foundation knowledge in biology, chemistry, and physics
  • Project management
  • Research and innovation
  • Teamwork and communication
  • Problem-solving and reflective evaluation

Occupational Specialism: Laboratory Sciences

Students selecting the Laboratory Sciences specialism will:

  • Perform scientific techniques to collect experimental data, ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Plan, review, and improve scientific tasks, applying scientific knowledge and evaluating outcomes.
  • Identify and resolve issues with equipment or data errors, using analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Take part in hands-on experience with techniques such as chromatography, titration, aseptic culturing, and microscopy, alongside data analysis and reporting.

Assessment
You’ll be assessed in the following ways:
  • Written examinations which are externally marked for Core A and Core B in year 1
  • Employer set project which is externally marked in year 1
  • Occupational assessments in lab science in year 2
  • A range of assessments that highlight the knowledge and skills you’ve learnt into practical assignments.

You’ll be taught by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers who are always available to support you. Each member of the team maintains up-to-date industry knowledge and skills by returning to practice at least once a year. All of your teachers are experts in level 3 and 4 science, with extensive industry experience working in laboratory settings.

This course includes a 45 day industry placement – this is the main aspect that sets this course apart from study programmes.

You will get an introduction to the science sector through undertaking substantial work experience with some of our partner employers such as Gateshead NHS Trust Pathology Labs, NewMedica Eye Care and privately run research and manufacturing labs.

Students on the T Level Science will make use of facilities at the Baltic campus including our libraries, clinical practice rooms and classroom environments.

We have three brand new laboratories kitted out with the latest scientific equipment which you will use on a regular basis.

You will have access to our Careers and Guidance team to help you with your university application and to help you prepare for interviews and assessments. You will also have access to our student wellbeing team who can support you with your mental health and wellbeing.

After successfully completing this course, you could progress onto a number of including: Higher Level Apprenticeship. University Degree – study biomedical sciences, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, criminology or even education. Be qualified to apply for a job in industry. Whichever route you choose, our teachers and dedicated Careers Team will provide one to one support to help you to make a decision that’s tailored to your skills and is best for you.
Five GCSE grades at 5 or above, including English Language, a science and maths. We will consider applications from individuals wit functions skills level 2 in maths and English, but you may be asked to complete an initial assessment.
Once you have applied using the APPLY NOW button, we will invite you to come and see us for an informal chat to see if you are suitable for this course.
We love to hear about why our students are passionate about science and studying at Gateshead College!
Apply using the apply now button on this page.
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