T Levels in Management & Administration

T Levels are Level 3 technical qualifications introduced in England in 2020. They are designed with employers to provide a high-quality alternative to A Levels and apprenticeships, combining classroom study with substantial workplace experience.

Each T Level consists of:

Core learning (around 80% of the course).

Industry placement (minimum 315 hours).

Occupational specialism, developing competence in a chosen professional route.

A T Level is equivalent to three A Levels and carries UCAS tariff points, opening progression routes into higher education, apprenticeships, or employment.

Overview of the Management and Administration T Level

The Management and Administration T Level prepares students for roles in business, project management, and organisational operations. It equips learners with a strong understanding of business environments and develops practical skills in planning, managing, and supporting business functions.

It is one of the fastest-growing T Levels, with over 2,300 entrants in 2024/25, reflecting strong employer demand for individuals with both technical knowledge and workplace-ready skills in business operations.

Subject Content

The core content provides a broad foundation in business and administration, including:

• Business context – organisational structures, governance, and strategic objectives.

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• Project and change management – planning, implementing, and reviewing projects and business improvements.

  
  

• Business behaviours – professional conduct, communication, and teamwork.

  
  

• Finance and data – understanding budgets, financial planning, and data-driven decision-making.

  
  

• Compliance and regulation – health and safety, employment law, and ethical practice.

  
  

• Customer and client relationships – service delivery, negotiation, and problem resolution.

  
  

  Learners then specialise in an occupational specialism, typically in:

  
  

• Business Support – developing competence in providing administrative, operational, and project-related support to organisations.

This ensures learners are workplace-ready and aligned with industry standards.

Industry Placement

Students undertake a minimum 315-hour placement (about 45 days) in a relevant business or administrative setting. Placement opportunities may include private companies, public-sector organisations, charities, or professional services firms.

Through placements, students:

• Gain hands-on experience in project planning and delivery.

  
  

• Develop skills in administrative processes, meeting coordination, and documentation.

  
  

• Apply professional communication in real client and team settings.

  
  

• Understand how business decisions are made in practice.

  
  

Assessment

Assessment methods include:

• Core component exams – testing knowledge of business contexts, principles, and practices.

  
  

• Employer-set project – a practical task simulating real workplace challenges, requiring students to apply problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.

  
  

• Occupational specialism assessment – demonstrating competence in delivering business support services, such as handling data, organising workflows, and managing administrative processes.

  
  

• Industry placement evaluation – assessing professionalism and practical competence in real business environments.

Grades awarded range from Pass to Distinction, with UCAS points assigned for university progression.

Progression Routes

Learners completing the Management and Administration T Level can progress to:

• Higher Education: Degrees in business management, project management, human resources, marketing, or accountancy.

  
  

• Higher or Degree Apprenticeships: Assistant accountant, business administrator, project manager, or chartered manager apprenticeships.

  
  

• Employment: Roles in administration, HR, business operations, team leadership, or project coordination across sectors.

Transferable Skills

In addition to sector-specific knowledge, learners gain valuable transferable skills:

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills – engaging with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

  
  

• Project Management – planning, prioritising, and monitoring tasks effectively.

  
  

• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills – interpreting data and finding solutions to organisational challenges.

  
  

• Adaptability and Resilience – working in dynamic environments and responding to change.

  
  

• Professionalism and Organisation – managing workload, time, and resources responsibly.

  
  

These competencies are widely applicable, making learners attractive candidates in a range of industries.

Conclusion

The Management and Administration T Level equips students with the technical knowledge, professional behaviours, and workplace experience needed to succeed in diverse business environments. By combining classroom study with industry placements, it prepares learners for higher education, apprenticeships, or immediate employment in business support and management roles.

Its popularity reflects strong employer demand for versatile, workplace-ready individuals who can contribute to the smooth running and strategic development of organisations.