Hi all, I will try to keep this as short as possible. I am 17, currently at college studying BTEC level 2 in IT and will be doing level 3 for 2 more years. I have been looking at universities out of interest and found that UCL is one of the only ones to do the course I want to study on (comp science with cyber security). I recently returned from Spain with no qualifications at the age of 16 (I moved there when I was 10), since then I have obtained functional skills in English and maths at level 2 (equivalent to a GCSE grade C for each).
I see that in order to apply for the course I am aiming for I need a BTEC national (level 3, 2 years) at DDD. I believe this will be no problem for me, I am currently sitting at all Distinctions on Level 2 without trying too hard. One thing I am concerned about however is the fact I lack any GCSE's, luckily my BTEC level 2 will be worth 5 GCSE's, equivalent to at least an A for each. I will then do my level 3 and apply, but was wondering if the university will reject me based on the fact I have no 'original' GCSE's, also are they biased as to what qualifications you have compared to others (are they likely to take someone with 8 GCSE's and A levels rather than someone like me?). One more question, do universities take unofficial qualifications in to account? Such as a certification from Microsoft (I am currently scheduled for the Microsoft software development fundamentals exam).
I realise I may be looking a bit too far ahead, but I like to have a clear plan ahead of me ^.^, any advice/info is greatly appreciated!