BTEC vs. A Level (Which Is Right For You?)

The BTEC National Diploma and A levels are popular level 3, post-16 qualifications, which are very different. Both provide options to continue studying at university and move towards workplace entry but follow very different formats. A levels are traditional academic qualifications taught in the classroom, whereas BTECs are more vocational and industry-specific.

In this article, you’ll learn more about both types of qualifications, including their pros and cons, and tips on deciding between BTEC and A levels.

What is a BTEC National Diploma?

A Business and Technology Education Council National Diploma (BTEC) is an industry qualification that combines theoretical classroom learning with practical work, providing students with knowledge and direct experience. It is coursework-focused and assessed through practicals, observations, and written tests, with few exams.

You can take a BTEC across 16 industries with over 2,000 courses. Popular industries include:

• Business

• ICT 

• Childcare

• Hospitality

• Sport

• Engineering

• Art and design

Who can take a BTEC?

To study for a BTEC National Diploma, you generally need five GCSEs from grade 9 to 4. Course entry requirements vary, so research what you need to apply. BTECs are typically studied in college and are classed as a level 3 qualification, equivalent to an A level. 

You can study a BTEC alone or alongside A levels or other qualifications. You can also opt for a BTEC Extended Diploma, equivalent to three A levels, which requires full-time study for two years.

Benefits of taking a BTEC

BTECs have become popular in recent years, with almost all universities accepting them for entry to courses in some form. The qualification comes with several benefits:

Industry focus

As the BTEC is vocational, it has a specific focus on the industry of your choice. If you know the industry you want to work in, your qualifications will be very tailored. You’ll learn specialist skills, gain direct experience, and work with employers within the industry in a way that A levels don’t allow. 

Less exam pressure

Assessment is mostly through practicals and coursework rather than exams when studying a BTEC. If you don’t work well under exam pressure, BTECs allow assessment through observation, practical tests, and coursework that you can do on your own time rather than under exam conditions. 

Practical learning

BTECs are largely based on practical learning rather than being solely classroom-based. If you learn by doing, then a BTEC might be for you.

Factors to consider

While you’ll find benefits to studying a BTEC over A levels, you’ll also find some potential limitations to consider:

Entry to university 

BTECs are now widely accepted by most universities for entry; however, it does depend on the course. Earning a specific qualification like BTEC can limit what you take at university if you’re still unsure what you want to do. In addition, some degree courses, such as medicine, ask for specific A-level subjects and grades.

Rigid career options

BTECs are industry qualifications that give you excellent experience and knowledge in your chosen field. Still, if you haven’t decided what to do as a career, a BTEC can be limiting as it positions you for a certain industry and role.

What are A levels?

Advanced level qualifications, or A levels, are level 3 qualifications taken post-16, usually at college. Most students take three or more A levels over two years, and assessment takes place through a combination of coursework and exams at the end of the course. A levels are available in a wide range of subjects, and you can use them as an entry for university, to move on to other higher education courses, or to get into the workplace. 

Many have traditionally considered A levels the most effective way to access university. All universities accept A levels as a standard.

Who can take A levels?

You can study for A levels provided you have at least five GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 with at least a 6 in the subject you wish to study. This may vary, however, depending on where you study and what you choose as a subject.

Benefits of taking A levels

A level qualification has many benefits, whether you are looking for employment or further study.

Applying for university

Many consider A levels the number-one qualification for going to university. All universities accept A levels, and they provide UCAS tariff points towards your application. Some universities specifically ask for A levels. 

Wider scope of options

A level subjects are broad, which gives you more options as your career progresses. If you don’t know what you want to do as a career when choosing your A levels, if you pick wisely, you don’t have to limit your options, especially as you choose at least three subjects. For example, English language and IT are useful for various careers.

Preparation for university

Studying for A levels is good practice for a degree as the academic setup is similar, with exams forming the majority of assessments.

Factors to consider

Let's also look at the possible downsides and benefits of taking A levels.

Exam pressure

With A levels, assessment is through coursework and exams, with exams making up the larger portion of the assessment. If you don’t work well under pressure, this may not be ideal, and a better option might be a qualification that uses assessment more practically. Even if you don’t struggle with exam pressure, being assessed by a single exam means you only have one chance at passing. If you are having a bad day, or a subject you know least well comes up in the exam, you may not achieve the expected results. 

Is a BTEC easier than A levels?

It is a common belief that a BTEC is easier than A levels, but that isn’t the case. It comes down to how you learn best. Entry requirements for both qualifications are similar, and the highest grade you can earn in a BTEC is the equivalent of an A* at A level (also the highest grade). How easily you find a course also depends on your chosen subject, regardless of whether it is a BTEC qualification or an A level. 

BTEC vs. A level: How to decide

If you’re still wondering how to decide between a BTEC and A levels, ask yourself the following questions as a recap:

What is your approach to learning? 

If you learn best through practical experience, BTECs might be a good option. A levels may be a sound choice if you are an academic learner who prefers working in the classroom.

How do you handle exams?

If exam pressure is a problem, BTECs involve practical assessments throughout the course and are heavily based on coursework. If you prefer the structure of an end-of-year exam, A levels might suit you better.

What are your future career plans?

If you know what you want to do as a career, or at least the industry you want to work in, you may find a specific BTEC to meet your needs and give you valuable work experience. Equally, some courses at university, such as medicine, ask for specific A levels, so you must check entry requirements. If you’re unsure what direction to take, A levels are more flexible as they are less specific, and you can choose three to keep your options open.

Getting started with Coursera

You might want to consider degree options once you’ve decided between A levels and a BTEC. Many UK universities offer online degrees that allow you to work from home at your own pace, such as the BSc Business Administration from the University of London.