T-Levels vs. A-Levels: Which One Is Right For You?

Confused about what to do after completing GCSEs? Well, you must have heard from many that taking up A-levels is a perfect choice. But is that so? There are many other options that you can take up after completing the GCSEs. You might have heard about T-level and must be confused about which one to choose. 

Quick Takeaways

• A-levels are the advanced academic qualification you generally take after completing GCSEs at your sixth form.
• T-levels will help you to get more industry experience and are generally equal to three A-levels.
• Which one is for you depends upon your capabilities and future goals. If you already know which career you want to enter and what you want to do, then T-levels are the qualification that you must do.
• On the other hand, if you are not sure and want to keep your options open then you must take up A-levels. 

However, we still encourage you to read till the end to understand both qualifications properly.

What are A-levels?

A-levels are the advanced academic qualification you generally take after completing GCSEs at your sixth form. They are the qualifications that help you to get into the university. As the name suggests, they are the qualifications that help you understand the content of the subjects at an advanced level. You generally need to take three A-levels at your sixth form or at sixth form college. However, some students may think of taking 4 or even 5 A-levels. You will need to get your A-levels for getting into the university.

What are T-levels?

T-levels are the recent vocational qualification that are created in 2020. These qualifications are generally equal to three A-levels and are usually taken one at a single time. T-levels will help you to get more industrial experience of around 3 months during the course study. It is the qualification that helps to bridge the gap between BTECs and apprenticeships. In fact, in 2021, the government stated that T-levels will be replacing BTECs by 2024. 

What should you choose A-levels or T-levels?

Deciding which one to choose will depend upon two factors-

• Your future goals
• Your capability of taking up exams

If your future goal is to get directly into the workforce after sixth forms, then you must take T-levels. However, if you are interested in getting into university, then you must select the A-levels. Similarly, if you are able to meet the exam pressure then you can choose to take up the A-levels and on the other hand, if you love to do coursework, then you can choose to take the T-level. Though below we have given the benefits and drawbacks of both qualifications so that it will be easy for you to understand.

Pros and Cons of doing A-levels

Following are the advantages and disadvantages of doing A-levels

Pros

• The biggest benefit of doing A-levels is that it will help you to get prepare for higher study.
• As you need to take three different A-levels it will help you to keep your options open.
• A-levels are acceptable all over the UK. They will also be accepted by employers when they go for future jobs.

Cons

• As you will have to study three different subjects, you will not be able to focus on any one subject. 
• They will not help you to gain the necessary experience that is required for the career.

• As you need to study three different A-levels, then you will have to give more time in studying them.
• They are mostly evaluated on how you have done during your exams. This means that if you are good at a course work then this is not for you.

Pros and Cons of doing T-levels

Following are the advantages and disadvantages of doing T-levels

Pros

• You will get practical knowledge related to the field you want to enter. It will help you to gain industrial experience.
• It will help to bridge the gap between the BTECs and the Apprenticeship.
• As you will need to study only one subject, you will get to learn the subject in depth.

Cons

• It will restrict you from getting into higher studies. This is because many universities do not allow you to enter with this qualification. 
• If you are not sure which career you want to enter, then taking up this qualification is not worth it. 

Are T-Levels harder than A-Levels?

As we have already discussed the benefits and the drawbacks of taking both qualifications, now it is the time to see which one is harder. This will depend upon the person itself. You can see the following points to understand which one is harder for you –

• If you can easily handle the pressure of studying three different subjects at a single time then you will not find it difficult. However, if you can not handle the pressure then you will find A-levels to be hard.
• If you can not handle the pressure of the exams, then you will find A-levels to be harder. Taking up T-levels will be an easy choice for you if you love to do your coursework.

Conclusion

After completing GCSEs is tough to decide whether to take A-level or T-level in your sixth form. Deciding which one you should do will depend upon your capabilities and what you want to do in the future. If you already know which career path you want to enter, then you must choose to take T-levels as it will help you to gain industrial experience. Whereas if you are not sure and want to keep your options open, then you must choose to take A-levels.