BTECs explained
Level 3 BTECs are vocational qualifications that help students develop real-world knowledge, experience and skills. Alongside A-levels they are the most widely-recognised qualification for admission to Higher Education.
St Brendan’s offers 12 different Level 3 BTEC subjects to students. Students tend to choose these courses if they are interested in learning about a particular sector or industry (Music, Performing Arts, Health & Social Care etc.) BTECs offer a mixture of theory and practice and are studied full time at College over 2 years.
BTECs can be studied in combination with A-levels. At Level 3, these qualifications are awarded UCAS tariff points like A-levels, for entry to higher education (university). Generally, BTEC assessment methods are less exam-based and more coursework and project focused.
The majority of universities think of BTECs as great, equal, alternatives to A-levels and very few institutions won’t consider BTEC students as candidates, although many universities also require students to have A-level qualifications too.
Every course and every university is different, so ensure you check the entry requirements of your preferred university or course (if known) before choosing your subjects at Level 3. It is important to note that a Level 3 BTEC alone will usually only get you onto a related course at university i.e. one in the same or a very similar subject. For example, if you studied an Extended Diploma (3 A-level equivalent) in Sport, you should be prepared to study Sport at University.
