btec

[sarcasticjoe]

Whats a BTEC worth? I know they're worth roughly so and so A-levels but if I know what job I want (management), should I stick with A-levels or do a BTEC?

[midimaker]

Hello!

BTEC is an examination board rather than a qualification, so you can do qualifications that are roughtly equal to 1 GCSE grade D right through to something that's roughly the same as 3 A2s.

BTEC National Award - Level 3 qualification, about equal to 1 A level.
BTEC National Certificate - Level 3 qualification, about equal to 2 A levels.
BTEC National Diploma - Level 3 qualification, about equal to 3 A levels.

National Diplomas should qualify you for University, but check the entry requirements of the institutions you may be interested in. They may want a more diverse subject range than you'd get in the BTEC.

[benchmarrow]

I think it also depends on whether you are an academic person who is suited to more traditional A levels- or you prefer more assignment based work- the BTEC. Some universities prefer candidates with a more traditional A levels- but many are happy to accept those with BTEC. I personally think that if you are hoping to study something like business at Uni that A levels would be better academic preparation.

[saxy_jag]

I'm with benchmarrow. It depends where you want to go, career wise, and if you're going into the world of business management, then the corporate approach to study that is inherent in most BTEC programmes would probably suit you better. Certainly my son did a BTEC/GNVQ 3 in business and never looked back. He was subsequently offered a place to study International Business at Lincoln Uni, but decided to go straight into a job. He's moved from Business to IT now (software consultant), but has never regretted not going for A levels.

[sarcasticjoe]

First Line Management - Introductory Certificate Level 3
Management - NVQ Level 3

Am I right in guessing that the First Line Management course is a prequisite?
My main fear is if the BTEC doesn't let me get onto a specific course or get me a specific job, it is useless. Is this the case?