Are top universities likely to accept BTEC and A-level combinations

2

Im in year 13 and Uni wasn’t something i was considering until the start of this year and I just picked subjects I was most interested in learning, as well as my college not offering many options for me to take. I take Maths and Sociology A level, and BTEC National in Computing, do I have the same chance as someone taking 3 A-levels for the top unis? (Russel group)

Reply 1

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Original post

by angella.

Im in year 13 and Uni wasn’t something i was considering until the start of this year and I just picked subjects I was most interested in learning, as well as my college not offering many options for me to take. I take Maths and Sociology A level, and BTEC National in Computing, do I have the same chance as someone taking 3 A-levels for the top unis? (Russel group)

Most unis (even those which are members of the Russell Group) are happy to accept BTECs. They seem to have a preference for a BTEC Extended Diploma (worth the equivalent of 3 A levels) rather than a mix of A levels and "smaller" BTECs, like your Extended Certificate.

What degree course would you be looking to study?

Reply 2

angella.

OP

2

Original post

by DataVenia

Most unis (even those which are members of the Russell Group) are happy to accept BTECs. They seem to have a preference for a BTEC Extended Diploma (worth the equivalent of 3 A levels) rather than a mix of A levels and "smaller" BTECs, like your Extended Certificate.
What degree course would you be looking to study?

Im looking to study Computer science with artificial intelligence

Reply 3

totallyfine

12

Yes, they would general take a combo, all except the most competitive.

Reply 4

Arden University

Official Rep

19

Original post

by angella.

Im in year 13 and Uni wasn’t something i was considering until the start of this year and I just picked subjects I was most interested in learning, as well as my college not offering many options for me to take. I take Maths and Sociology A level, and BTEC National in Computing, do I have the same chance as someone taking 3 A-levels for the top unis? (Russel group)

@angella
You should be fine for most metropolitan universities (former polytechnics) - I studied at one and got a 1st class honours degree 🙂 I would think most of the bigger universities would be fine with it too.

There is an option on the UCAS website to put in your qualifications and predicted grades to see if it matches up with an offer from your University (the currency if you will, is what we call UCAS tariff points)

https://www.ucas.com/applying/you-apply/what-and-where-study/entry-requirements/calculate-your-ucas-tariff-points

A strong personal statement will also help, someone in your F.E setting will be assigned to support you with that. Here is a video on personal statement writing for now

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFQvlJ56pBM

Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador

Reply 5

McGinger

20

Original post

by angella.

Im looking to study Computer science with artificial intelligence

Email the Universities you want to apply to with details of your qualifications, and ask if they will accept this for the course you want to study.

Usually 2 A levels and a BTEC are okay as long as you are still taking any vital subjects - for Computer Science that will usually be A level Maths.

Reply 6

McGinger

20

Original post

by Arden University

@angella
You should be fine for most metropolitan universities (former polytechnics) - I studied at one and got a 1st class honours degree 🙂 I would think most of the bigger universities would be fine with it too.
There is an option on the UCAS website to put in your qualifications and predicted grades to see if it matches up with an offer from your University (the currency if you will, is what we call UCAS tariff points)
https://www.ucas.com/applying/you-apply/what-and-where-study/entry-requirements/calculate-your-ucas-tariff-points
A strong personal statement will also help, someone in your F.E setting will be assigned to support you with that. Here is a video on personal statement writing for now
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFQvlJ56pBM
Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador

You should be fine for most metropolitan universities (former polytechnics)

Incorrect and very out-of-date - no-one under 50 describes any K University as a 'former Polytechnic', and the term 'metropolitan University' is, frankly, very bizarre.

Reply 7

Arden University

Official Rep

19

Original post

by McGinger

You should be fine for most metropolitan universities (former polytechnics)
Incorrect and very out-of-date - no-one under 50 describes any K University as a 'former Polytechnic', and the term 'metropolitan University' is, frankly, very bizarre.

Study UK British Council refers to Metropolitan Universities (of which I studied at one)

"Metropolitan universities are the modern accompaniment to traditional universities. Many of these institutions were established in the 1990s. Metropolitan universities often offer a wider variety of courses than traditional universities with more options for you to choose from: such as gaming and events management or more niche course options in subject areas such as business and finance. They may have lower entry tariffs than traditional universities, but this will depend on the specific university and course."

..Also, when I was at Manchester Met, many students who went to the University of Manchester jokingly referred to us as going to the 'former polytechnic' - this is a very common joke amongst people in their late 20's and 30's, I found this somewhat amusing to the extent I ended up marrying one of them

Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador

(edited 1 year ago)

Are top universities likely to accept BTEC and A-level combinations

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