Btec vs alevel

I’m struggling to decide between doing a BTEC in Applied Science at a college or taking A-levels in Biology, Psychology, and History at my sixth form. I really wanted to study Biology at my dream college, but I didn’t get the grade needed to do it, so now I’m left with these two options.

The BTEC is equivalent to 3 A-levels, while the standard A-levels could lead me toward a career in the ‘medical field’ ( nursing, midwifery, pharmacy)or law. However, I’ve heard some things about BTECs that make me hesitant to choose that route.

What do you think I should do?

Reply 1

McGinger

For Pharmacy you will need A level Chemistry.
For Law, taking 3 A levels will give you far more Uni choices than with a BTEC.
Health courses may be okay with just a BTEC but you need to check the entry requirements on Uni course pages carefully.

Just remember that a BTEC Extended Diploma isnt '3 A levels', its an 'applied' course and for hefty academic courses, many Unis will want evidence of your ability at a level higher than BTEC.

Reply 2

theyenveylizzy

Thank you so much for this, I’m going to reflect on the pros and cons for this, and will definitely get back to you.

Reply 3

trishapaytas

Original post by theyenveylizzy

Thank you so much for this, I’m going to reflect on the pros and cons for this, and will definitely get back to you.

hi , have you decided yet because I'm also in a similar position.

Reply 4

dreamboots

Original post by theyenveylizzy

I’m struggling to decide between doing a BTEC in Applied Science at a college or taking A-levels in Biology, Psychology, and History at my sixth form. I really wanted to study Biology at my dream college, but I didn’t get the grade needed to do it, so now I’m left with these two options.
The BTEC is equivalent to 3 A-levels, while the standard A-levels could lead me toward a career in the ‘medical field’ ( nursing, midwifery, pharmacy)or law. However, I’ve heard some things about BTECs that make me hesitant to choose that route.
What do you think I should do?

If you want to do nursing or midwifery then do a HE nursing and midwifery course. It's only a year and universities love access courses. You learn so much with this course, and it's fairly easy to pass each module if you put the time and effort into this. Btec and Alevel delve very deeply and you have to study hard to achieve this, but with access courses you do not as it's based on what you want to go into.
I wish you all the very best in deciding.