The Work-related Route

Wherever you are on your route to success, you’ll want to know what BTEC qualifications can do for you and your career.  As well as level-specific BTEC qualifications, there are BTEC short courses and work-based NVQs at every level.

 
Entry Level (e.g. BTEC Certificate in Skills for Working Life)

Entry Level qualifications offer students a starting point on the National Qualifications Framework.  Students can progress to level 1 qualifications such as BTECs and NVQs.

Level 1 (e.g. BTEC Introductory)

Level 1 qualifications give you a broad introduction to a subject or sector.  They also provide a flavour of how BTECs work.

Level 2 (e.g. BTEC First)

Level 2 qualifications are good for those who have some GCSEs, for example, but who want to do something different.  They also develop skills and knowledge gained at Level 1.

Level 3 (e.g. BTEC National)

These qualifications are at the same level as A levels but can get you a job as well as a university place.  BTEC Nationals are very well known and recognised.

Level 5 (e.g. BTEC Higher National / BTEC Foundation Degree)

These BTEC qualifications are at undergraduate level.  They’re roughly equivalent to the first half of a degree.

If you’re thinking of going to university in the UK, there’s no better place to look than the UCAS website.  Don’t forget, a BTEC HND can get you onto the third year of many degree programmes.

If you’re thinking of going a little further afield, don’t worry.  BTEC qualifications are available in over 50 countries, so you may be able to use your HND as a stepping stone to your degree in another country.