Study options for post-16 qualifications  

General Certificates of Education (also commonly known as A levels, which stands for Advanced level) are normally studied post-GCSE but can be studied at any time or age. They are designed to increase a student’s knowledge and skills in their chosen subject areas.      

To study GCE A levels, students normally require five iGCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C or above, although mature students may be accepted without the normal entry requirements. Students start with the AS level, which normally takes a year, and can go on to the A2 level, which also normally takes a year. So a full A level normally takes two years.   

How you will be assessed
Each unit within a particular subject is assessed either by coursework or timed examination. There are also practical examinations and oral tests for some subjects.    
  
Progression options
Upon completion of a GCE, students can go on to higher education or employment. 

Title and general BTEC Nationals are specialist, vocational Level 3 qualifications in three sizes. A BTEC National Diploma has equivalence with three GCE A levels; a BTEC National Certificate has equivalence with two GCE A levels; and a BTEC National Award has equivalence with one GCE A level (or two AS levels). 

Titles are highly specific and the content technical and specialist in nature; for example, BTEC National Award in Forestry and Arboriculture, BTEC National Certificate in Media Production (Interactive Media), and BTEC National Diploma in Building Services Engineering.    

BTEC Nationals are designed as specialist qualifications for students who have a clear view of their future career or are seeking progression to higher education. BTEC Nationals are equivalent to A levels and are highly valued by universities, further education colleges and employers alike. 

BTEC study options

There are more than 250 qualifications for students to choose from. These qualifications are suitable for students aged 16 upwards and are recommended for those who have achieved at least four A*- to C-grade IGCSEs or have completed a BTEC First and have a clear view of where they want to be, or wish to go to university.

Edexcel consults widely with centres, employers, and other sector professionals. Where there is a perceived need for a specialist or other vocational qualification, Edexcel works with key players to create an appropriate BTEC qualification, accredited by our relevant regulators. 

How you will be assessed

BTEC National qualifications are not exam-based qualifications. Students study real-life, work-based case studies and complete projects and assessments which contribute to achieving each unit studied.

In order to complete each unit, students must achieve against a set of outcomes. The assessment criteria address theory with practical exercises. The assessment process is ongoing, so it allows students to analyse and improve their own performance through their course in much the same way as they would in a real workplace. The assignments and projects that students undertake form the basis of their unit results, which are graded as a Pass, a Merit or a Distinction.

Progression options

BTEC National Awards, Certificates, Diplomas and the BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and Design are eligible for Ucas tariff points.   

A BTEC National Diploma has equivalence with three GCE A levels, 120-360 points.
A BTEC National Certificate has equivalence with two GCE A levels, 80-240 points.
A BTEC National Award has equivalence with one GCE A level (or 2 AS levels), 40-120 points.

The number of Ucas points depends on the overall grade achieved. For example, a BTEC National Certificate achieved at the overall grades of Distinction/Merit would be equivalent to 200 Ucas points.

Title and general BTEC Higher Nationals are specialist, vocational Level 5 qualifications in three sizes: Diploma, Certificate, and - as of 2009 - Award.   

Titles are highly specific and the content technical and specialist in nature; for example, BTEC Higher National Certificate in Sport and Leisure Management, BTEC Higher National Diploma in Beauty Therapy Science.   
 
BTEC Higher Nationals are designed as specialist qualifications for students who have a clear view of their future career or are seeking progression into higher education or post graduate programmes. BTEC Higher Nationals are equivalent to a first or second year of University undergraduate programmes and are highly valued by employers.   

BTEC study options

There are a wide range of qualifications and subject areas for students to choose from. These qualifications are suitable for students aged 17 upwards and are recommended for those who have achieved at least five A*- to C-grade GCSEs and have either GCE or a BTEC National and have a clear view of where they want to be.   

Edexcel consults widely with centres, employers, and other sector professionals. Where there is a perceived need for a specialist or other vocational qualification, Edexcel works with key players to create an appropriate BTEC qualification, accredited by our relevant regulators.   

How you will be assessed
BTEC Higher National qualifications are not exam-based qualifications. Students study real-life, work-based case studies and complete projects and assessments which contribute to achieving each unit studied.   

In order to complete each unit, students must achieve against a set of outcomes. The assessment criteria address theory with practical exercises. The assessment process is ongoing, so it allows students to analyse and improve their own performance through their course in much the same way as they would in a real workplace. The assignments and projects that students undertake form the basis of their unit results, which are graded as a Pass, a Merit or a Distinction.  

Progression options
BTEC HNDs and HNCs are an ideal alternative progression route. There are many examples of students studying their HNDs and HNCs locally before entering the second or even final year of a degree in another country, including the UK, USA and Australia.   

Requirements will vary according to the university and admission is decided on a case-by-case basis. BTEC HNDs and HNCs are also recognised by a wide number of UK, and some international, professional bodies. Find out more here