As BTEC stands for Business & Technology Education Council, the best known subjects for the Diplomas are business and Information Technology. Along with the raft of new T Levels, BTEC National diplomas provide a viable alternative to A-levels, although you can also choose to study A-levels at the same time as completing this BTEC qualification. They're best suited to those with an interest in a specific industry but haven't yet settled on a particular role.

Subjects you can study: although we've pointed out above that you may be surprised by the range of subjects on offer at Btec level, there is still a strong understanding that Btecs lend themselves more to subjects with a practical nature. Therefore subjects which are firmly rooted in theory and concepts – such as English or maths – will only be available at A-levels. Btecs are very flexible. They can be studied at various levels, each of which equates to a different qualification: BTEC Firstsare available from entry level to Level 2 (similar standard to GCSEs).These offer an introduction to work in a vocational sector . Combined with otherqualifications, these can enable you to go on to further study, to an apprenticeship, or into employment. Members of The Student Room who took a Btec have shared their experience of what it was like to make the transition from GCSEs. Ofqual's student guide gives you information about this year’s arrangements and explains what support is in place when you're taking exams and assessments.

Specification

The BTEC First Diploma is a vocational qualification taken in England and Wales and Northern Ireland by young people aged 14 and over and by adults. The qualification is organised and awarded by the Edexcel Foundation within the BTEC brand.

A Btec, or 'Business and Technology Education Council' (the name of the body which originally oversaw it) is a practical-based, vocational qualification. It can be studied at a college or school. On successful completion of a BTEC National qualification, students can progress to employment or continue their learning in the same or related areas of study, in higher educationand professional development programmes.

The overall grade

Since 2017, GCSEs have operated a numerical rather than letter-based system, which adds a complicating factor to comparing BTec grades. However, the new Level 2 equivalents would roughly be as follows: Btecs come in different sizes and can equate to one, two or even three A-levels. This flexibility means you can study Btecs alongside A-levels if you wish, rather than feel like you have to choose one over the other. Anything else to consider? Entry requirements: usually you'll need at least five GCSEs at grade A to C to get on to a Level 3 Btec course. If taken as a standalone course, a BTEC will typically take one to two years to complete, depending on whether you choose to study full or part time. Standing for the Business and Technology Education Council, BTECs are specialist vocational qualifications you can study at school or college. These flexible work-related courses bring together subject theory with practical learning. Entry requirements vary depending on the school or college and the particular BTEC course you are interested in.You may need up to five GCSEs at grade 9 to 4, or A* to C.

For example, those studying a Btec in business will still learn the key concepts as they would at A-level, but the way your knowledge is tested may be different. There isa range of optional units to choose from which enable students to focus on particular interests and plans they have for next steps into further study, an apprenticeship, or employment. This year’s GCSE and BTec Level 2 results days are both on 12 August (Photo: Getty Images) How do GCSE grades work?A wide range of subjects can be studied at Btec level – there are 2,000 qualifications across 16 sectors. Some of these lend themselves to the Btec way of learning due to their practical nature. However, you might be surprised by a few of the subjects available at Btec level, such as computing or engineering. I wouldn’t say Btecs are hard, but it does take a lot of work to get good grades,” commented The Student Room member Froppy. “It’s mainly about managing your time and staying on top of assignments."

For one, you’ll probably be in a class of fewer students, meaning your contribution to lessons will be more important. You’ll also likely have fewer classes – so you’ll have more time to stay on top of coursework during your free periods. Students are assessed through a number of written and activity-based assignments. For instance, if the BTEC was related to the creative arts and design sector this could be in the form of an individual/group dance or acting performance.

BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Awards

For each Btec, you complete a series of units – some core, others optional – which are assessed. For each unit, you receive either a pass, merit or distinction (with distinction as the highest grade). Every BTEC student takes the core units, which provide a broad foundation and understanding about the sector.