University of Sunderland supports the progression of T Level students into higher education

In 2021, the University of Sunderland was the first higher education provider in the north-east of England to publish a positive endorsement of T Level qualifications.

The University worked closely with the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP) to share information and support the exchange of knowledge related to T Level awareness for University staff delivering information, advice and guidance to sixth forms and colleges.

T Levels now feature alongside A Levels and BTECs, as mainstream Level 3 qualifications, whenever possible, in the University’s student recruitment presentations and resources such as our course prospectus.

The University has also made a concerted effort to ensure that academic staff think about specific T Level pre-requisites on an annual basis when setting entry criteria – believing it is important to embed T Levels into its everyday language. Academic staff consistently reference this qualification, signalling that the University understands its academic rigour and the skills that T Levels can develop.

In September 2023, the University had 22 T-Level students enrol onto degree courses with almost half studying Primary Education. So far, this academic year, the University’s Schools and Colleges Liaison Team have welcomed over 85 T Level students to its Sunderland campuses, including groups from colleges within the north-east and north-west of England. The subject interest within these groups ranges from computing to nursing, and animation to primary education.

Student feedback on the taster days was overwhelmingly positive, with comments including, “It’s made me realise that this uni could be an option for me” and “It's given me a wider view on the university experience and I am considering applying.”

Meanwhile, 100% of T Level students attending an on-campus Nursing and Biomedical Science taster day said the visit enhanced their knowledge of the courses available.

Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland, Sir David Bell, said: “T Levels now have an important place in the suite of qualifications that enable students to enter higher education. At the University of Sunderland, we are delighted to promote them as a great qualification to pursue across a wide range of subjects."