BTECs

BTEC Qualifications Guide
Considering a BTEC? Our guide tells you what they are, how they work, and more.

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​​​​​​​Guide to BTEC Results Day
Getting your BTEC results soon? We tell you what to expect on the day and what happens next.

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What is a BTEC?

A BTEC (British and Technology Education Council) are specialist work-related qualfications.

There are over 2,000 BTEC qualfications available across 16 sectors, from entry level to professional courses at level 7. However, please bear in mind that you can't study subjects like History or English at BTEC level.

What is a BTEC equivalent to?

  • BTECs at levels 1 and 2 are equivalent to GCSEs
  • level 3 is equivalent to A levels
  • levels 4 -7 are equivalent to a degree.

Are BTECs as good as A levels?

BTECs are quickly becoming a popular alternative to A levels, and cover a range of academic levels. They provide a practical-based qualification that prepares students for their next level of study.

BTECs are not necessarily easier than A levels due to the type of work involved in obtaining this particular qualfication.

Do universities accept BTECs?

You will find that mostl universities accept BTECs in relevant subject areas, similar to how they would with equivalent A-level qualifications.
 
BTEC students can sometimes be better prepared in terms of the independent studying that's required on degree programmes, due to the portfolio-based nature of BTEC courses.