A Levels Of Btec National Diploma????!?!?

Advice please!!

I'm currently in my first year of 6th form studying physics, maths, music and music tech...but safe to say i hate it.

I know I want to persue a career in music, it's the only thing i enjoy, anyway i've been looking into leaving AS level study and taking up a BTEC national diploma in music.

-how highly do universities regard BTECs?
-Will i be able to take up the course at college even though i will be 17 when i do so?

And just general advice...anyone done a btec, maybe in music? Better than A-levels?

Much appreciated!

Reply 1

sarah316

I think that the're just classed the came as A-levels in terms of ucas points, a Distinction is equivalent to an A, Merit a C and a Pass is an E.

As you will be in your second year of 6th form it might be worth either staying on an extra year to complete the BTEC or asking if you can do the two year course in one year.
I do BTEC beauty therapy along other A levels, i know its not the same as music but it might be similar... the only "exams" are practical assessments which you have alot of practice for and written assignments- these aren't too hard, theres just alot of reading involved.
Hope this is some help...

Reply 2

Cherry Kisses

13

Btecs are really good in my opinion - i did art & design; the main difference is there is no exam at the end of it - the course is coursework based and at the end you get to devise your own project brief and create your own Final Major Project. Btec diplomas are equilalent to 3 A levels and universities generally regard them as a good qualification to have if you have passed at a high level eg at merit or distinction level, im not sure theyd let you in with a pass.. although every uni is different.

yes you certainly can take up the course at 17 but you will be expected to stay on for another year at college. unlike A levels where you can just do AS and then drop it; with a Btec you will need to do 2 years to be able to complete the course.

IMO i think they are far better than A levels - they stretch you further and you get the oppertunity to work under your own initiative alot of the time. Go for it :smile:

Reply 3

alatoiken

hi,

i have experience with BTECs and A levels too, but i wouldnt be able to say which is better, as they're equally challenging but different. It depends alot on your learning style, and also where you study.

A sixth form is likely to have a much more guided approach, whereas in my experience the BTEC requires self-motivation, though this may be equally dependent on the teaching style.

What is it that you dont like about the AS levels, the teaching style, the actual course, the place you study or the people? Those are some things to consider, and as has already been mentions, you can leave after 1 year with AS results which are qualifications on their own, but most BTEC courses require you to attend for the full 2 years in order to come out with the grades.

As for which is seen as 'better' by unis, that depends on a number of things; in theory, they should be seen as equally demanding, as the ucas points are weighted the same, so if you got DDD/DMM etc with the BTEC you are awared ucas points accordingly with A2 levels, which would be AAA/ACC etc.

Some uni's will have different opinions of the BTEC courses, usually people tend to think they are not as good as A levels, but for certain courses they may be more beneficial and of a better teaching style to provide greater preparation for a career, such as in art & design/sport/photography/music/beauty etc, as these provide a more 'hands-on' approach.

well, i hope that may have been some use to you, good luck with whatever you finally decide.

oh and if you continue with your AS until you get your results, you could still apply for the BTEC so that your options are still open and you may find the results in august may influence your decision.

Reply 4

Severo

If you want to do an academic course then do A Levels, if you want to do a vocational course then do BTECs. A Levels are multiple subjects, where a BTEC you can specialise in one subject.

Reply 5

jess216

OP

thanks alatoiken that was really helpful, to be honest as well as my subject choices i dislike the place i am studying and i don't get on with many people (which, i have to say, doesn't bother me too much)

it is also the fact i am studying at a school, where it is almost impossible to be independant.

does anyone reckon that having grade 8's on 3 instruments will give me much benefit on applying for a uni, even with a btec course?

Reply 6

alatoiken

hey jess, you're very welcome and thanks for the message too!

it's not that the BTEC courses are 'easier' than A-levels, it's just that they are considered to be less academic (usually), which may or may not act in your favour. You seem pretty certain that music is your field and so it seems that if you continue with your studies as they are at the moment you will continue to be unhappy.

Really don't be worried about having a BTEC qualification as opposed to a set of A levels as they are equivalent, only the A levels tend to give you more otions for future studies, whereas BTECs are much more focussed. I can understand what you mean by the independence issues you mentioned, as colleges tend to offer more freedom and in my experience, i felt much more independent and like i was in the 'real world'.

I guess all i would advise is that you realise that you will begin your BTEC and it will be 2 years in length
it's pretty much just ongoing coursework and performance so no exams...meaning you must try not to get behind at all
because college tends to offer greater independence, you must be self motivated ...which you seem to be anyway
starting a year 'later than usual' will not be an issue at all, infact i started mine when i was 16 and i was the youngest, with all ages ranging from 16 - 42!

I know i mentioned it on my previous post, but i still think the best thing would be to finish your AS exams, try and do your best obviously, as it's always better to have something to fall back on, apply for the BTEC and make your final decision in the summer! best of luck!

Reply 7

VK-91

8

Jess...Im in the exact same situation as you, i was at first bothered about BTEC being less acedemic which made me think its for "dumber" people but that isnt true, usualy BTEC are tought at colleges and as you may allready know college's acceot lowe grades.

Im also in a dilema, not sure if i should stay on and complete my a-levels or move on to the BTEC, (mines in IT btw). The thing that bothered me was that none of my friends were going to college and that college is for 'dumber' people, but as i know know thats not ture, you will make firends :smile:

, now the problem is that this college is on the other side of my city! :mad:

what i have done, is set my self targets, if i dont get BCC at the end of AS then im off...

check this link...
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10698820#post10698820

Reply 8

Severo

VK-91

Jess...Im in the exact same situation as you, i was at first bothered about BTEC being less acedemic which made me think its for "dumber" people but that isnt true, usualy BTEC are tought at colleges and as you may allready know college's acceot lowe grades.

Im also in a dilema, not sure if i should stay on and complete my a-levels or move on to the BTEC, (mines in IT btw). The thing that bothered me was that none of my friends were going to college and that college is for 'dumber' people, but as i know know thats not ture, you will make firends :smile:

, now the problem is that this college is on the other side of my city! :mad:

what i have done, is set my self targets, if i dont get BCC at the end of AS then im off...

check this link...
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10698820#post10698820

The only thing that I can suggest for you, is an English class in writing and spelling.

Reply 9

VK-91

8

Severo

The only thing that I can suggest for you, is an English class in writing and spelling.

**** you, you stupid mother****ing ****! - hows that for spelling?

Reply 10

Severo

VK-91

**** you, you stupid mother****ing ****! - hows that for spelling?

Wow, you used a lot of '*' in that post. You should really learn how to insult people using other means that swearing with words which are filtered on an internet forum. Alas; it appears that you will get nowhere in life...

Reply 11

jess216

OP

yeah come on enough of that

Cheers vk91 that was really helpful, its good to know someones in the same situation. i think im gonna do the same...see what grades i get and go from there!

thatnk for the advice! :smile:

Reply 12

VK-91

8

jess216

yeah come on enough of that

Cheers vk91 that was really helpful, its good to know someones in the same situation. i think im gonna do the same...see what grades i get and go from there!

thatnk for the advice! :smile:

no problem jess...i've pm'd u my msn address, if you want to add me we'll be able to talk more! :biggrin:

A Levels Of Btec National Diploma????!?!?

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