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BTEC

BTECs (Business & Technology Education Council) are nationally recognised qualifications available in a wide variety of vocational subjects, including:

  • Applied Science
  • Art and Design
  • Business
  • Construction
  • E-business
  • Engineering
  • Health and Care
  • Hospitality
  • IT
  • Land and Environment
  • Media
  • Performing Arts
  • Public Services
  • Retail
  • Sport
  • Travel and Tourism

There are a number of different levels of courses, including the following:

1. Introductory Certificates and Diplomas

Set at Level 1 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), these qualifications encourage learners to develop the personal attributes and skills that will build their confidence in their ability to work, learn and achieve full potential at Level 1.

Qualification
Units
Equivalent to:
Introductory Certificates
4
2 GCSEs
(grades D - G)
Introductory Diplomas
8
4 GCSEs
(grades D - G)

2. First Certificates and Diplomas

Set at Level 2 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Courses usually take one year to complete, with students needing a few GCSEs at grades D-G to start.

Qualification
Units
Equivalent to:
First Certificates
3
2 GCSEs
(grades A* - C)
First Diplomas
6
4 GCSEs
(grades A* - C)

3. National Awards, Certificates and Diplomas

Set at Level 3 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), BTEC National qualifications focus on a specialist occupational area. Courses usually take two years to complete, with students needing at least four GCSE at grades A-C, a first diploma or an NVQ level 2 for entry.

Qualification
Units
Equivalent to:
National Awards
6
1 Advanced GCE
National Certificates
12
2 Advanced GCEs
National Diplomas
18
3 Advanced GCEs

Each unit is graded individually as a Pass, Merit or Distinction, then once the student has completed all units, they are given an overall Pass, Merit or Distinction grade.

BTEC National Diplomas, Certificates and Awards are often taken as an alternative to A levels, providing a route into Higher Education. Each National qualification qualifies for UCAS points, as shown in the table below.

UCAS
Points
National
Award
National
Certificate
National
Diploma
360
   
DDD
320
   
DDM
280
   
DMM
240
 
DD
MMM
220
     
200
 
DM
MMP
180
     
160
 
MM
MPP
140
     
120
D
MP
PPP
110
     
100
     
90
     
80
M
PP
 
70
     
60
     
50
     
40
P
   
30
     
20
     

4. Higher National Certificates and Diplomas

Set at levels 4 and 5 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), HNCs and HNDs are higher education qualifications; more details can be found here.