[Tranquility]

Hi,

Basically I need some advice on which route to take.
I am currently in Year 11, so finishing my exams and should be thinking about further education/work, etc. I would like to pursue a career in Mental Health Nursing OR become a psychologist; something to do with the Mental Health profession. Anyway, I was wondering whether it would be better to do 3/4 A-Levels in Psychology and Sociology in particular or BTECs in Health and Social Care.
I am not incredibly academic but when I have my mind set on things I am determined and am adamant that I will pull through it.

So, I guess I'm asking; is it possible to go to university to study Mental Health with BTECS? and my second question is; is it better to have A-Levels over BTECS or are they equal to one another, which ever I choose? (Since I heard that it is harder to get into Universities with BTECS and the value of points is hard with them too).

Thanks for reading this and taking the time.

[lsaul95]

(Original post by Tranquility)
Hi,

Basically I need some advice on which route to take.
I am currently in Year 11, so finishing my exams and should be thinking about further education/work, etc. I would like to pursue a career in Mental Health Nursing OR become a psychologist; something to do with the Mental Health profession. Anyway, I was wondering whether it would be better to do 3/4 A-Levels in Psychology and Sociology in particular or BTECs in Health and Social Care.
I am not incredibly academic but when I have my mind set on things I am determined and am adamant that I will pull through it.

So, I guess I'm asking; is it possible to go to university to study Mental Health with BTECS? and my second question is; is it better to have A-Levels over BTECS or are they equal to one another, which ever I choose? (Since I heard that it is harder to get into Universities with BTECS and the value of points is hard with them too).

Thanks for reading this and taking the time.

Hi there

I was in the same situation as you a year ago. Art and Design BTEC or A levels was my dilemma.

I chose the BTEC, which was a massive mistake for myself. (Not saying it will be a mistake for you). BTECs are very direct, if you know the exact route you want to take then they are good for that, but if you change your mind a few months down the line then that puts you in a sticky situation, as I found out. A levels are fantastic because they keep your options open, at this age you may have an idea of what you want to do but don't think that you won't change your mind, because you're more than likely to at some stage, especially at this age.

I'm not sure if it's possible to go to university to study mental health with BTECs, that's something you would have to look into. Check out certain University entry requirements for the degree and see if they accept BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma?

In terms of your second question, I personally think it is better to have A levels.
For me, since the BTEC course I was on was so direct and only focusing on one subject, I found myself beginning to hate what I was doing. In the end I had no motivation to do any of the work and the subject as a whole began to bore me. So I made the decision to leave the course and start A levels. (Starting this September). I began self teaching a few months ago and I love it, I love it because I enjoy the subjects that I am taking and it's a range of things to learn, instead of just specialising into one particular area.

I would say go for A-levels, as they give a more wider range of things you can go on to, and there is a high chance you will change your mind about what you want to do within the two years!

Universities do accept BTEC, however they usually require the highest grades, which despite what most people think about BTEC, is hard to achieve.

I made the mistake of going with BTEC as I changed my mind a few months down the line, therefore I'm suggesting you go with A-levels in case you change your mind. (Not saying you will, but it's more than likely, a lot of people on my BTEC course have decided they don't want to go into Art any more, so they're having to do start other things like A-levels, which makes them waste a year or so doing something they don't enjoy)