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BTEC Qualifications

Explore our different BTEC courses at each of our colleges:

 

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What is a BTEC?

BTECs are vocational, hands-on qualifications, often directly linked to industry. Students are assessed throughout the course, with 75% of assessment being coursework. BTECs are available at a range of levels and are offered across a variety of different sectors, including Business, Engineering and Travel & Tourism.

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A Level vs BTEC

Key differences

  • BTECs are more practical, whereas A Levels focus on theory.
  • A Levels are assessed by exams at the end of the two year qualification, whereas BTECs are coursework based.
  • Some BTECs account for more than one of your three options at Level 3, so you can choose to specialise in one subject (and achieve the equivalent of 3 A Levels).
Type of BTEC QualificationWhat does this mean?
BTEC Extended Certificate Level 3An Extended Certificate is equivalent to one A Level. So, at our Strode’s or Windsor Colleges, you can choose to study a BTEC Extended Certificate alongside two A Levels (or equivalent) to make up a full time study programme.
BTEC National Diploma Level 3A National Diploma is equivalent to two A Levels. So, at our Strode’s or Windsor Colleges, you can choose to study a BTEC National Diploma alongside one A Level or Extended Certificate to make up a full time study programme.
BTEC National Extended Diploma Level 3A National Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels. Across all four of our colleges, you can choose to study a BTEC National Extended Diploma which allows you to specialise in one subject whilst gaining a qualification which carries the same amount of UCAS points as three A Levels would.
BTEC Foundation Diploma Level 3A Foundation Diploma is equivalent to one and a half A Levels. At Windsor College, you can choose to study a further BTEC Foundation Diploma or two A Levels (or equivalent) alongside the Foundation Diploma to make up a full time study programme.
BTEC Diploma Level 2A BTEC Level 2 is the equivalent of GCSEs. Level 2 programmes are offered across all four of our colleges, intended as a foundation year to a Level 3 programme.
BTEC Diploma Level 1A BTEC Level 1 is an introductory course into the chosen field of study. It is intended as a stepping stone to the Level 2 programme.