2015 ucas offers for btec applicants

Original post by iRaii

Hey everyone!

As the title indicates, this thread is for current BTEC students applying to university. There has not been many, if any, threads created for BTEC applicants. With the rise in popularity of the BTEC qualification being an alternative route in to university, I think it'll be great to see that part of the TSR come out, even if it is a minority. Being a student studying towards a BTEC qualification, I'm keen to see where others have applied to and where they receive offers from.

The layout of your post should be as follows:

Current qualification:
Prediction grades:
University course choice(s):
University options & entry requirements:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Any offers/expecting offers?:

An example of this will be the layout filled out in my case:

Current qualification: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering
Prediction grades: D*D*D*
University course choice(s): BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering
University options & entry requirements:
1) University of Bath (D*D*D*)
2) University of Bristol (DDD)
3) University of Leeds (D*DD)
4) University of Sheffield (DDD)
5) Aston University (D*D*D)

Any offers/expecting offers?: No offers as of yet, hoping for at least 2/5.

Sorry, but just a question from a curious student, what would you say about you experience of btec's. Are they hard?

Reply 2

OP

Original post by jaquele

Sorry, but just a question from a curious student, what would you say about you experience of btec's. Are they hard?

I would personally say that it has its own set of challenges. What I mean by that is, it's not as academically rigorous as A-levels, however can be practically challenging. I know that in my case, I enjoy learning the theory at a mediocre level and then applying it into practice, however I now want to learn the theory at a greater depth whilst still applying that knowledge into practice, therefore university/higher education is my next step.

Now the argument is, university is academically rigorous and only A-level/IB (for 16-19 y/o) applicants should be only allowed entry due it best preparing students for higher education. I agree with that to the extent that it depends on the BTEC studied. In my case it is for engineering, therefore holds more weight in its relevance towards my higher education study. To make slightly more sense in what I've just said, for an A-level applicant in any engineering discipline, they will have to adapt during the first year in applying there vast knowledge in to practice. For a BTEC applicant in any engineering discipline, they will have to adapt during the first year in gaining the knowledge required (math especially) and to develop the necessary academic rigor as required.

Apologies for the elongated reply, but to answer your question, they both require different mindsets, whilst both also set different challenges, therefore it depends on the type of learner studying the qualification to determine whether it's hard or not for them. In my case, no; in another persons case it may be, so yes.

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 3

Original post by iRaii

I would personally say that it has its own set of challenges. What I mean by that is, it's not as academically rigorous as A-levels, however can be practically challenging. I know that in my case, I enjoy learning the theory at a mediocre level and then applying it into practice, however I now want to learn the theory at a greater depth whilst still applying that knowledge into practice, therefore university/higher education is my next step.

Now the argument is, university is academically rigorous and only A-level/IB (for 16-19 y/o) applicants should be only allowed entry due it best preparing students for higher education. I agree with that to the extent that it depends on the BTEC studied. In my case it is for engineering, therefore holds more weight in its relevance towards my higher education study. To make slightly more sense in what I've just said, for an A-level applicant in any engineering discipline, they will have to adapt during the first year in applying there vast knowledge in to practice. For a BTEC applicant in any engineering discipline, they will have to adapt during the first year in gaining the knowledge required (math especially) and to develop the necessary academic rigor as required.

Apologies for the elongated reply, but to answer your question, they both require different mindsets, whilst both also set different challenges, therefore it depends on the type of learner studying the qualification to determine whether it's hard or not for them. In my case, no; in another persons case it may be, so yes.

its ok. I do better with exam based courses as i tend to put myself in a better mindset in an exam. I slack off when doing coursework most of the time lol. Thanks i would rate the post but i have reached my limit lol

Reply 4

OP

Original post by jaquele

its ok. I do better with exam based courses as i tend to put myself in a better mindset in an exam. I slack off when doing coursework most of the time lol. Thanks i would rate the post but i have reached my limit lol

It's no problem!

That would probably be a good example of you being that type of learner. A BTEC qualification would require constant work throughout the year which count towards the final grade, where as for A-levels, the final grade counts from the set of exams taken in May/June. The big difference would be that, for a BTEC, missing one deadline would not majorly hinder your final grade since you may be able to extend that deadline, for A-levels, your final grade mostly consists of your performance in the exams, which now can only be taken at the end of the year since January exams have been ridden of, therefore placing more pressure on the learner.

Reply 5

Original post by iRaii

It's no problem!

That would probably be a good example of you being that type of learner. A BTEC qualification would require constant work throughout the year which count towards the final grade, where as for A-levels, the final grade counts from the set of exams taken in May/June. The big difference would be that, for a BTEC, missing one deadline would not majorly hinder your final grade since you may be able to extend that deadline, for A-levels, your final grade mostly consists of your performance in the exams, which now can only be taken at the end of the year since January exams have been ridden of, therefore placing more pressure on the learner.

yea. A levels are not for everyone. Honestly i don't see why btec's are not credited as much as a levels. Its a style of learning that suits different people.

Reply 6

OP

Original post by jaquele

yea. A levels are not for everyone. Honestly i don't see why btec's are not credited as much as a levels. Its a style of learning that suits different people.

Quite right! Most universities regard them both on a par in terms of UCAS points, although A-levels are the preferred qualification.

Reply 7

Original post by iRaii

Quite right! Most universities regard them both on a par in terms of UCAS points, although A-levels are the preferred qualification.

i think it is only more credible because exams tend to be more vigorous that coursework and you can generally use more recurses when writing up assignments, while exams you are given a pen and you are expected to present you knowledge on the spot, but still it is a different type, you learn the same amount of knowledge.

Reply 8

OP

Original post by jaquele

i think it is only more credible because exams tend to be more vigorous that coursework and you can generally use more recurses when writing up assignments, while exams you are given a pen and you are expected to present you knowledge on the spot, but still it is a different type, you learn the same amount of knowledge.

Well exactly. The main reason why most BTEC applicants will get interviewed before offered a place is so that the university can see whether the student is suitable but more importantly has understood the knowledge they have gained as opposed to not understanding and not learning. No 2 BTEC students who have achieved 'DDD' lets say are the same.

Reply 9