When we're thinking about post-16 study, we tend to think of A levels - but there are many other options you could explore if you want to continue your education. Some of the qualifications that you may not have considered are NVQs, BTEC qualifications and BTEC Apprenticeships. To help you decide what’s most appropriate for you, here's a bit more information about these qualifications.
GCE A level qualifications (including Applied Subjects)
General Certificates of Education (also commonly known as A levels, which stands for Advanced level) are normally studied after GCSEs but can be studied at any time or age. They're designed to increase students' knowledge and skills in their chosen subject areas.
To study GCE A levels, you'll normally need five GCSEs (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 usually takes two years.
How are they assessed?
Each unit within a particular subject is assessed either by coursework or by timed examination. There are also practical examinations and oral tests for some subjects.
What can I go on to do afterwards?
After completing one or more GCEs, you can go on to higher education or employment.
Find out more about GCE A levels here
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BTEC Level 3 Nationals
BTEC Nationals are specialist, vocational Level 3 qualifications in several sizes:
- A BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is equivalent to three GCE A levels
- A BTEC Level 3 Diploma is equivalent to two GCE A levels
- A BTEC Subsidiary Diploma is equivalent to one GCE A level (or two AS levels)
- A BTEC Level 3 Certificate is equivalent to one AS Level.
BTEC National titles are highly specific and the content is technical and specialist in nature. Examples of titles are the BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Forestry and Arboriculture, BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Media Production (Interactive Media), or the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Building Services Engineering.
How are they assessed?
BTEC Level 3 National qualifications are not exam-based. Instead, assessment is ongoing. Students study real-life, work-based case studies and complete projects and assessments that form the basis of their unit results, which are graded as a Pass, a Merit or a Distinction.
What can I go on to do afterwards?
BTEC Level 3 Nationals are designed as specialist qualifications for students who have a clear view of their future career or who want to progress to higher education. Highly valued by universities, further education colleges and employers alike, they are eligible for Ucas tariff points, with the number of Ucas points depending on the overall grade achieved.
Find out more about BTEC Nationals here.
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NVQs and competence-based qualifications
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are work-based qualifications for those in employment. They are competence-based, which means that they assess an individual's ability to successfully carry out a range of work-related tasks. NVQs are based on the National Occupational Standards (NOS) which are developed by the relevant Sector Skills Council (SSC) that represents employers in an occupational area.
NVQs are usually undertaken at the workplace where learners can be assessed in their work role. There may be some additional out-of-work activity to support this, which may be undertaken at a college or training provider. NVQs can also be undertaken as part of an Apprenticeship scheme.
How are they assessed?
Learners are assessed on a portfolio of evidence which can include personal statements, observation records or examples of reports and memos. Competences are assessed in the workplace and quality assured and verified by experienced and qualified practitioners.
What can I go on to do afterwards?
If you wish to continue your studies, you can progress to higher level NVQs or to other related vocational courses such as BTECs.
Find out more about NVQs here.
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BTEC Apprenticeships
BTEC Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes for those who want to develop their future career. They're open to everyone living in the UK and not in full-time education. They involve on-the-job training with an employer, as well as studying at college or with a learning provider for a range of relevant qualifications including NVQs, functional skills and Technical Certificates (BTECs).
Used by approximately a quarter of 14- to 19-year-olds in the UK as part of their transition from school to work, apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular. There are already 240,000 apprentices in England alone.
An apprenticeship usually can take anything from 12 to 36 months to complete.
What can I go on to do afterwards?
When you complete an apprenticeship, you’ll be able to show an employer that you have the skills and qualifications relevant to your chosen field, giving you the opportunity to progress to a more senior role.
Many advanced apprentices use their apprenticeship as a stepping stone to higher education or university, often on a part-time basis with their employer’s support.
Find out more about BTEC Apprenticeships here.
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