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Construction

T Level – Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

A different side of construction: the design, planning and surveying that shapes what gets built. This two-year Level 3 is for students who want a professional, technical career in the built environment, as a surveyor, technician, planner or engineer. Alongside the classroom learning, you'll spend a minimum 315-hour placement with a real employer. Carries UCAS points and a direct route to university.

Next Open Event · 10th September 4:30pm to 7:00pm

Admissions

Entry Requirements

What You'll Need

  • Grade 5 in English and Maths, and Grade 4 in Science
  • A genuine interest in the design, planning and surveying side of construction
  • Successful interview with our team
The T Level has a higher entry bar than the trade courses because it is an academic, technical Level 3. If you don't have these grades yet, a trade route or the Level 3 Construction Support Technician apprenticeship may suit you better.

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Level 1 Level 1 Certificate Construction Skills CG

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What You'll Learn

Design It. Survey It. Plan It.

This T Level covers the professional side of construction: the science behind building design, surveying and planning; accurate measurement; construction methods; building regulations and standards; and how digital tools and the Internet of Things are changing the industry. You’ll build a real understanding of how construction works, from design principles through to project management, budgeting, procurement and risk.

You’ll choose one occupational specialism (surveying and design, civil engineering, building services design, or hazardous materials analysis and surveying) and complete a 315-hour industry placement related to it. The placement is where you apply what you have learned in a real workplace. Carries UCAS points, with a direct route into university or a higher apprenticeship.

Core Content

  • Health and safety
  • The science behind building design, surveying and planning
  • Accurate measurement, construction methods, building regulations and standards
  • Data management and information standards in construction
  • Digital engineering techniques and the Internet of Things in construction
  • Maths for construction problems, design principles and processes
  • The construction industry, sustainability, and business and corporate social responsibility

Occupational Specialism (choose one)

  • Surveying and design for construction and the built environment
  • Civil engineering
  • Building services design
  • Hazardous materials analysis and surveying
  • Plus a 315-hour industry placement related to your specialism
How You're Assessed

Assessment Methods

Coursework

Written assignments, research projects, and case studies that let you explore topics in depth.

Practical Assessment

Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.

Exams

Formal examinations to test your knowledge and understanding under timed conditions.

Two written exams, an employer set project, and a practical occupational specialism assessment.
Career Destinations

Where This Course Takes You

Bricklayers

Up to £43,088
/year

Bricklayers erect and repair brick, pre-cut stone and concrete block structures such as walls, paving, chimney stacks and tunnel lining.

Carpenters and Joiners

Up to £44,806
/year

Carpenters and joiners construct, erect, install and repair wooden structures and fittings used in internal and external frameworks and cut, shape, fit and assemble wood to make templates, jigs, scale models […]

Construction and Building Trades

Up to £40,091
/year

Job holders in this unit group undertake a variety of tasks in the construction, alteration, maintenance and repair of buildings, steeples, industrial chimneys and other tall structures, and of underwater […]

Construction and Building Trades Supervisors

Up to £54,826
/year

Construction and building trades supervisors oversee operations and directly supervise and coordinate the activities of workers in construction and building trades.

Your progression pathway

Before this Level 2 or GCSEs
This course Level 3 T Level – Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
Our Facilities

Real Employer Placements and Technical Learning

This T Level combines classroom and workshop learning with a substantial real-employer placement, led by tutors with industry experience.

  • Construction Facilities

    The environment to learn design, surveying and planning techniques.

  • 315-Hour Industry Placement

    Real workplace experience with an employer, related to your chosen specialism.

  • Progression Links to UCDon and UCNL

    HNCs and higher apprenticeships in civil engineering, quantity surveying and construction management.

T Level construction
315-Hour Placement · Choose a Specialism
Adam

Adam

Level 2 Painting and Decorating

Student Voice

I’ve gained loads of skills that’ll help me in life and in starting my career as a full-time painter and decorator. College has been a great experience—everyone’s treated equally, and the staff are really friendly and supportive. I’d definitely recommend it.

For Parents & Carers

Supporting Your Child's Journey

A Friendly, Welcoming Place

Students are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.

About student life

Qualifications That Count

These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.

See the full unit list

GCSE Support Built In

If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable — not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.

About student support

Learning Support

If your child has additional learning needs, our support team works with them from day one. Adjustments are put in place early so they can get the most out of their course.

About learning support

Come to an Open Event · 10th September 4:30pm to 7:00pm

See the facilities, meet the tutors, ask your questions in person.

Book Your Place
For Careers Advisers

Quick Reference Guide

Level

Level 3

Duration

2 Years

Study Mode

Full-Time

Awarding Body

City & Guilds

Entry

Grade 5 in English and Maths, Grade 4 in Science

Assessment

Coursework + Practical Assessment + Exams

Ready to Shape What Gets Built?

Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.

Questions? Call 0800 358 7575