6th form

6

I applied to 3 different courses.
btec IT national extended diploma, T level digital production design and development,
And A level physics, maths and computing.
I want to know which course might be best for me if I want to go into computing and to progress into higher education apprenticeships ect. Additionally, I don't want too much hard work and stress but in the same time I don't want to be behind in computer science if I chose to do a foundation degree. I also want to add that I really enjoy physics but I'm worried I won't get the requirements. and if In August I don't get the results for A levels should I go for the btec or T level because I'm having a hard time weighing out the pros and cons. I would also appreciate any help with the differences of each course because it is difficult to find the course content online for each.
Thank you in advance for your help.

Reply 1

sheijsshejshs

4

Although t level is really good in the way u get placements and experience, u still do learn some a level content which can be hard and all the exams are in the end of y12 so u cant be slacking at all. Also most good unis dont rlly accept t levels - go onto ucas and just check if the unis u want to go to accept t levels. And A levels r rlly hard (im currently doing maths, physics n chem) but u just need to keep ontop and ull be fine but it is quite stressful. If u dont wanna be that stressed tho try n pick an easier combo instead of doing maths, physics n computing. Maybe something like maths, computer science and sociology(ive heard some ppl say sociology is an easy A so if ur good at essays think about it!). Some say btech is quite stressful too cuz of the assignments and stuff but idk, btech is just alot of coursework but u do exams asw i think theyre just easier? I think if u do want to do a course like computer science unis might require atleast one a level aswell as a btech so like computer science a level and btech IT. Just do some research and lmk what u do!

Reply 2

mesub

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

22

Original post by Deerfox

I applied to 3 different courses.
btec IT national extended diploma, T level digital production design and development,
And A level physics, maths and computing.
I want to know which course might be best for me if I want to go into computing and to progress into higher education apprenticeships ect. Additionally, I don't want too much hard work and stress but in the same time I don't want to be behind in computer science if I chose to do a foundation degree. I also want to add that I really enjoy physics but I'm worried I won't get the requirements. and if In August I don't get the results for A levels should I go for the btec or T level because I'm having a hard time weighing out the pros and cons. I would also appreciate any help with the differences of each course because it is difficult to find the course content online for each.
Thank you in advance for your help.

A levels will keep your options open.

T-levels will limit your university options (as the very top, most competitive courses don't offer it).

BTECs are the middle ground.

What universities are you thinking of?

Reply 3

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

20

Original post by Deerfox

I applied to 3 different courses.
btec IT national extended diploma, T level digital production design and development,
And A level physics, maths and computing.
I want to know which course might be best for me if I want to go into computing and to progress into higher education apprenticeships ect. Additionally, I don't want too much hard work and stress but in the same time I don't want to be behind in computer science if I chose to do a foundation degree. I also want to add that I really enjoy physics but I'm worried I won't get the requirements. and if In August I don't get the results for A levels should I go for the btec or T level because I'm having a hard time weighing out the pros and cons. I would also appreciate any help with the differences of each course because it is difficult to find the course content online for each.
Thank you in advance for your help.

As other people have mentioned check some uni requirements for whether options you’re interested in will accept t levels and btecs.
Another thing to consider is how much for a levels you think you’ll enjoy and excel in Maths and Physics- you mention enjoying Physics but ensure if you’ll meet requirements for the a level. I guess your main aim is to get onto the a level courses and the other 2 options are a back up plan (very sensible).
Btecs equivalent to 3 a levels like the IT one are usually around half exam and half coursework- this varies and you’re right it’s hard to find specific info on these courses for some reason.
T levels are 80% classroom work and 20% a placement to work in industry. They also seem to be around half coursework and half exam but again its not said on a lot of sites so might be worth asking the schools you’ve applied to about this for both the btec and t level.
From what I understand your btec option is more general so maybe would offer more options whereas the t level is more focused on specific areas and in depth so better if you want to go into those areas specifically id think- not completely sure about that but it seems that way so something to consider.
Basically from what i can gather:
Choose the T Level if you want a more specialised and focused, hands-on approach with some significant industry experience in digital production, design, and development.
Choose the BTEC if you prefer a broader IT education with more flexibility to explore different IT domains through coursework and projects.
Hope this helps a little, have a great day and good luck with your results!

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