The Student Room Group

BTECs WITH A levels?

I’m in my first year of college studying a level 3 extended diploma in aeronautical engineering. I know there’s a stigma around BTECs but I chose mine as it was the course that appealed to me the most in terms of its content, not because I struggle with exams. If anything, I miss not having them in my course!

There’s just one problem I’ve found recently and that’s how not all universities accept them on their own. I want to study aeronautical/aerospace engineering in university and a lot of the specifications require A level maths alongside a combination of D*s and Ds for my BTEC. I’ll be starting my second year of college in September and before I do, I want to know these answers:

- Is it worth me taking A level maths as well as my BTEC this year?
- Can I get an A level in maths without studying the second year/AS year, or do I need to do both years to get an A level in maths?
- Has anyone else been in the same situation as me and if so, what did you do?
- Has anyone gotten into universities such as Bristol/Bath/Nottingham for these courses with a BTEC background?

Thank you for any help!
Original post by meganchristieee
I’m in my first year of college studying a level 3 extended diploma in aeronautical engineering. I know there’s a stigma around BTECs but I chose mine as it was the course that appealed to me the most in terms of its content, not because I struggle with exams. If anything, I miss not having them in my course!

There’s just one problem I’ve found recently and that’s how not all universities accept them on their own. I want to study aeronautical/aerospace engineering in university and a lot of the specifications require A level maths alongside a combination of D*s and Ds for my BTEC. I’ll be starting my second year of college in September and before I do, I want to know these answers:

- Is it worth me taking A level maths as well as my BTEC this year?
- Can I get an A level in maths without studying the second year/AS year, or do I need to do both years to get an A level in maths?
- Has anyone else been in the same situation as me and if so, what did you do?
- Has anyone gotten into universities such as Bristol/Bath/Nottingham for these courses with a BTEC background?

Thank you for any help!

AS Maths is made up of 40% of A-Level Maths alone, so while it's NOT necessary to take the AS exam, you still have to learn all of its content.
Further, Grades/ marks you get on the AS, dont count towards your A-Level grade.
It is possible to study it over a year, although it could be challenging.
Please don't let the challenge put you off though. Studying A-Level maths will bring you many more options and opportunities.
(edited 4 years ago)
Reply 2
Original post by meganchristieee
I’m in my first year of college studying a level 3 extended diploma in aeronautical engineering. I know there’s a stigma around BTECs but I chose mine as it was the course that appealed to me the most in terms of its content, not because I struggle with exams. If anything, I miss not having them in my course!

There’s just one problem I’ve found recently and that’s how not all universities accept them on their own. I want to study aeronautical/aerospace engineering in university and a lot of the specifications require A level maths alongside a combination of D*s and Ds for my BTEC. I’ll be starting my second year of college in September and before I do, I want to know these answers:

- Is it worth me taking A level maths as well as my BTEC this year?
- Can I get an A level in maths without studying the second year/AS year, or do I need to do both years to get an A level in maths?
- Has anyone else been in the same situation as me and if so, what did you do?
- Has anyone gotten into universities such as Bristol/Bath/Nottingham for these courses with a BTEC background?

Thank you for any help!

No point, your Btec should have the math modules within it. Also, some universities ask for you to do a maths assessment on campus. If you pass this and meet the Btec requirements they allow you on to their course.

You should have done at least 2 maths modules this year, mechanics related on, and a maths one. This should be of more relevance to engineering and prepare you for the university exam. Ask your college and speak to 2nd years to how they overcame this dilemma.

Edit: I could be wrong about this, also they may make you do a foundation year
(edited 4 years ago)
Original post by OGGUS
No point, your Btec should have the math modules within it. Also, some universities ask for you to do a maths assessment on campus. If you pass this and meet the Btec requirements they allow you on to their course.

You should have done at least 2 maths modules this year, mechanics related on, and a maths one. This should be of more relevance to engineering and prepare you for the university exam. Ask your college and speak to 2nd years to how they overcame this dilemma.

Incorrect, higher tariff universities generally require A-level maths in addition to a BTEC.
Not doing A-Level maths would limit OP's options.
Reply 4
Original post by glassalice
Incorrect, higher tariff universities generally require A-level maths in addition to a BTEC.
Not doing A-Level maths would limit OP's options.

Warwick don't and neither does UOB:h: You can take it though but need an A in it then.
They require you to do an assessment on campus

Your probably correct about other higher tariff universities though
Reply 5
Original post by meganchristieee
I’m in my first year of college studying a level 3 extended diploma in aeronautical engineering. I know there’s a stigma around BTECs but I chose mine as it was the course that appealed to me the most in terms of its content, not because I struggle with exams. If anything, I miss not having them in my course!
There’s just one problem I’ve found recently and that’s how not all universities accept them on their own. I want to study aeronautical/aerospace engineering in university and a lot of the specifications require A level maths alongside a combination of D*s and Ds for my BTEC. I’ll be starting my second year of college in September and before I do, I want to know these answers:
- Is it worth me taking A level maths as well as my BTEC this year?
- Can I get an A level in maths without studying the second year/AS year, or do I need to do both years to get an A level in maths?
- Has anyone else been in the same situation as me and if so, what did you do?
- Has anyone gotten into universities such as Bristol/Bath/Nottingham for these courses with a BTEC background?
Thank you for any help!

Hey there, 3 years later where are you now?
Original post by meganchristieee
I’m in my first year of college studying a level 3 extended diploma in aeronautical engineering. I know there’s a stigma around BTECs but I chose mine as it was the course that appealed to me the most in terms of its content, not because I struggle with exams. If anything, I miss not having them in my course!
There’s just one problem I’ve found recently and that’s how not all universities accept them on their own. I want to study aeronautical/aerospace engineering in university and a lot of the specifications require A level maths alongside a combination of D*s and Ds for my BTEC. I’ll be starting my second year of college in September and before I do, I want to know these answers:
- Is it worth me taking A level maths as well as my BTEC this year?
- Can I get an A level in maths without studying the second year/AS year, or do I need to do both years to get an A level in maths?
- Has anyone else been in the same situation as me and if so, what did you do?
- Has anyone gotten into universities such as Bristol/Bath/Nottingham for these courses with a BTEC background?
Thank you for any help!

Hi! As part of the application process BTEC applicants without A level Maths who are predicted D*DD will receive an invitation to attend an interview with an academic member of staff.
The meeting will assess applicants' mathematical capability alongside their ability to build on their potential if they start straight into a course where their current maths preparation is not as rigorous as those holding other specific Mathematics qualifications.
For many BTEC applicants the best route into an engineering degree is via a foundation course.

Hope this helps :smile:
Original post by meganchristieee
I’m in my first year of college studying a level 3 extended diploma in aeronautical engineering. I know there’s a stigma around BTECs but I chose mine as it was the course that appealed to me the most in terms of its content, not because I struggle with exams. If anything, I miss not having them in my course!
There’s just one problem I’ve found recently and that’s how not all universities accept them on their own. I want to study aeronautical/aerospace engineering in university and a lot of the specifications require A level maths alongside a combination of D*s and Ds for my BTEC. I’ll be starting my second year of college in September and before I do, I want to know these answers:
- Is it worth me taking A level maths as well as my BTEC this year?
- Can I get an A level in maths without studying the second year/AS year, or do I need to do both years to get an A level in maths?
- Has anyone else been in the same situation as me and if so, what did you do?
- Has anyone gotten into universities such as Bristol/Bath/Nottingham for these courses with a BTEC background?
Thank you for any help!

Tbh I think the BTEC pathway for engineering opportunities is more suited to those pursuing apprenticeships.

Almost all institutions im familiar with certainly require A-level mathematics, they’ll consider BTEC engineering if it is presented alongside A-level maths & physics.

Worth having a look but an engineering degree focuses on understanding the applied physics and core understanding of the theory as such a strong academic maths & physics background is the best preparation.

If you’re half way then id look at what unis accept just BTEC, but I doubt its very many and youll be more limited in where you can apply.

You’ll probably have three options;

accept the courses which only require BTEC

Enter via a foundation year

Take an extra year and do a couple A-levels in addition to the BTEC

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