T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction (Surveying & Design for Construction and the Built Environment)
Course at a glance
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T Level
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Course overview
At LCB, we offer the T-Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction (DSP). This qualification is designed for those who are interested in pursuing technical and professional careers within the construction and built environment sector.
Typical roles in this sector include architectural technician, building services technician or technical surveyor. This course combines classroom learning, specialist technical skills and industry experience to support progression into employment, apprenticeships or higher education.
The T-Level is delivered over the course of two years. In the first year you will be building your understanding of the construction and built environment sector. After completing the first year of DSP you will get to choose between two different Occupational Specialism pathways, Surveying & Design for Construction and the Built Environment and Civil Engineering.
Occupational specialisms are assessed through practical activities and project-based tasks linked to industry scenarios and are graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction.
All pathways include:
- Practical application of knowledge to real-world scenarios
- Technical project work
- Assessments based on real industry tasks and scenarios.
For more information regarding T-Levels, please check out the below guide.
T-Levels, A General Guide
What are T-Levels?
T Levels are two-year Level 3 qualifications for students aged 16–19 and are equivalent in size to three A Levels. Developed with employers, they combine technical learning and workplace experience to help prepare students for skilled employment, higher apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships or university study.
What does a T-Level include?
A T-Level combines:
- Technical classroom learning
- A substantial industry placement (minimum 315 hours)
- Practical skills linked to a specific career area
Why choose a T-Level?
A T-Level offers:
- A qualification equivalent in size to three A Levels
- Technical knowledge and practical skills linked to industry
- A substantial industry placement with an employer
- UCAS tariff points that can support progression to higher education
- Preparation for skilled employment, apprenticeships and university study
- Opportunities to develop professional behaviours valued by employers
Are T-Levels Right for Me?
T-Levels may be the right choice if you:
- Want to develop skills for a specific industry
- Enjoy applied, practical learning
- Are ready to complete a real workplace placement
- Like project-based work and problem-solving
- Want a route into university, apprenticeships, or skilled employment
Entry requirements
Five GCSEs at grades 4 or above including Maths, Science & English.
You’ll also be interviewed by one of our tutors and your school attendance report and reference will be taken into consideration.
What skills and qualities do apprentices need?
Course content
Throughout the first year of this course, you will develop a general understanding of construction, including the following topics:
- Health and Safety
- Science
- Design
- Sustainability
- Measurement
- Building Technology
- Information and Data
- Digital Technology
- Project Management
- Relationship Management
- Law
- The Construction and Built Environment Industry
These topics provide the foundation knowledge needed before progressing to a specialist Occupational Specialism in Year 2.
Year 2 Occupational Specialism: Surveying & Design for Construction and the Built Environment
In this specialism you will be developing skills in digital design, measurement, building regulations, sustainability, construction technology and project coordination. This pathway may be for you if you’re interested in:
- Architecture and design
- Building surveying
- Quantity surveying
- Planning and development
Year 2 Occupational Specialism: Civil Engineering
In this specialism you will be learning knowledge and skills relating to civil engineering principles, surveying techniques, materials testing, structural analysis, and infrastructure projects. This pathway may be for you if you’re interested in:
- Infrastructure and transport
- Structural and civil engineering
- Highways, bridges and groundworks
Learning methods
How to apply
Next steps after this course
T Levels attract UCAS tariff points and can support progression to a range of opportunities, including:
- University degree programmes (construction, engineering, architecture, surveying, planning)
- Higher apprenticeships
- Degree apprenticeships
- Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
- Skilled employment in the construction and built environment sector