T Level Engineering (Design and Development)

Applications Open - Monday 2nd November 2026

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply - Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide.

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Dover College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College
• EKC Canterbury College
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

During the 2-year programme, you will get equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to build a career in Engineering and Manufacturing. You will also complete an exciting 45-day work placement with a local employer.

T Levels are designed for students aged 16–19. A T Level combines 80% classroom-based learning with 20% work placement experience.

To study at this T Level, you will need an average score of 5 from your best 6 GCSE subjects, ideally including English and Maths.

This project-based course is designed to prepare you for a professional engineering environment. To support your learning, the College has invested in advanced engineering facilities, including dedicated Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) labs.

Your classroom work will take place in our purpose-built engineering workshop, and you will also complete a 45-day work experience placement with a local employer.

Classroom-based learning – 80% of the course

You’ll be supported throughout the course by expert tutors who will guide you through both the theory and practical elements. You’ll work on refining your skills to use CAD and CAM software, while theory lessons will help you understand why engineers make the decisions they do.

During the course, you’ll cover a range of topics including:

• Understanding how materials, conditions and context influence design processes
• Essential mathematics for engineering and manufacturing including standard trigonometry (calculating angles and sides in triangles)
• Understanding how materials are processed and how this affects their quality
• Learning about basic business principles including commercial priorities and markets

In your second year, you will specialise in design and development for engineering.

Work placement – 20% of the course

During your T Level, you’ll have the unique opportunity to spend 20 per cent of your time working with a local employer. You’ll be immersed in the business, treated like an employee, and gain practical experience you can add to your CV helping to kickstart your engineering career.

Our dedicated Industry Liaison Officers will support you to find a placement that matches your interests and career goals, with many students going on to secure paid work as a result.

T Levels are assessed through a combination of exams, coursework, and completion of your industry placement. The exams take place at the end of each year and test the skills you have learnt so far.

To study at Level 3, including all T Levels, you will need an average entry score of 5.0 from your best 6 GCSE subjects, including English and Maths

By the end of your course, you'll be well-prepared to tackle engineering problems and contribute to creating solutions. A diverse range of progression paths will be open to you such as an engineering degree, a high-level engineering apprenticeship or an entry level role in the engineering industry. Many of our T Level learners are now working within the Engineering industry. T Level Engineering learner, Levi, completed his qualification and has landed himself a Cadetship with Clyde Marine Training who will fund his university degree.