BTECs

Ready to get stuck into your chosen career rather than spending another year with your head stuck in a textbook? With practical teaching and hands-on learning, taking a BTEC could be the perfect first step to success. Read on as The Mix explains what BTEC stands for, what BTECs involve and why you might want to study a BTEC.

What does BTEC stand for?

BTEC stands for Business and Technology Education Council. It’s pretty straightforward. Sadly, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to remember. 

What is a BTEC?

The name kinda hints at it. Essentially BTECs are industry-led qualifications designed to help you learn more about any field you’re interested in. In fact, real life industry experts give their advice to help shape loads of different courses.

What makes a BTEC different from other qualifications?

“BTECs are vocational qualifications that are really hands-on,” says media teacher Carla Taylor. “For example, BTEC students in Media Production are expected to pitch ideas for programmes, take part in shoots and learn about copyright along the way. Plus, you don’t have to worry about filling out UCAS or going to open days during school or college. Not to mention, there’s often some kind of work experience involved, too.”

If you’re curious, we have more information about work experience and training here.

Which subjects can I study a BTEC in?

There’s a reason that BTEC stands for Business and Technology Education council. It’s because the qualifications cover a huge range of career choices from sports to social services. That’s why there are loads of courses available across 16 sectors.

• Applied science
• Art and design
• Business
• Childcare
• Construction
• Engineering
• Media
• Health and social care
• Hospitality
• ICT
• Land-based
• Performing arts
• Public services
• Sport
• Travel and tourism

What are the entry requirements for a BTEC?

Honestly, it depends. Different BTEC qualifications have specific entry requirements. So the best way of figuring out if you’re eligible for a course is to check with your college and do some research online.

What levels of BTEC can I take?

It’s kinda complicated but essentially BTECs are available at different levels that relate to the National Qualifications Framework.

For instance, the entry level BTEC Firsts are equivalent to GCSEs, or level 1 and 2 qualifications. Then, BTEC level 3 qualifications, either a National Extended Diploma, a National Diploma or a National Extended certificate, are equivalent to three, two and one A levels respectively. And once you get to BTEC Higher Nationals you’re essentially getting the equivalent of a national higher education qualification such as a degree, or level 4 and 5 in the National Qualifications Framework.

To get some more info you can speak to your college or scroll through the DirectGov website.

How do they assess BTECs ?

You’ll be happy to know that BTECs don’t involve written exams. Instead, you’ll have to do coursework, case studies and give evidence of the skills you’ve developed on the course. And at the end you’ll be awarded a pass, merit, or distinction.

How long does a BTEC take?

Honestly, not that long. Generally speaking, you can study full-time or part-time. This’ll usually over a period of one or two years.

Where can a BTEC take me?

Because BTECs are all directed towards a specific career path they can lead straight into the world of work. However, that’s not all they’re good for. You see, a BTEC can help you get into higher education. For example, BTEC Nationals can be converted to UCAS points and be used for applying to uni.

How are BTECs changing?

From 2024, the government is planning to remove funding for certain level 3 qualifications. Unfortunately, it’s expected a lot of BTEC qualifications will lose funding. Instead, a new type of qualification, the T-level, is being introduced as a replacement.

Regardless, it’s important to note that an impact assessment has been done. It shows that this change will disproportionately affect students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs since these students use BTECs when applying to university.

For more information and support regarding qualifications, check out our ‘what qualification’ resources here.