More About BTECs
What are BTEC qualifications?
BTECs are work related qualifications suitable for a wide range of students, developed to both accommodate the needs of employers and allow progression to university. They provide a practical, real-world approach to learning as well as theoretical background.
BTECs are flexible and can be studied alongside, or in place of, GCSEs and A levels. They are recognised by universities, employers and professional bodies across the UK and in over 100 countries worldwide.
Which BTECs are available?
Godalming College offers BTECs at two levels:
BTEC Firsts
These Level 2 qualifications are the equivalent of traditional GCSEs grades A*- C. We offer BTEC Extended Certificate qualifications (equivalent to two GCSEs) in four subjects:
Art & Design »
Business »
Creative Media Production »
Sport »
These can be studied alongside GCSE qualification and other level 2 qualifications as part of our Access programme.
BTEC Nationals
These level 3 qualifications are equivalent to A levels. We offer several options when it comes to choosing the size of qualification that meets your needs:
BTEC Certificate = one AS level
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma = one A level
BTEC Diploma = two A levels
BTEC Extended Diploma = three A levels
We offer BTEC Nationals in five subjects:
Business » (Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma, Extended Diploma)
Creative Media Production » (Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma)
IT » (Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma)
Music Technology » (Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma)
Sport » (Extended Diploma)
These courses can be studied alongside A level and other qualifications.
How are BTECs assessed and graded?
BTEC qualifications are assessed by college staff. This assessment is quality assured through internal verification and sampled through external verification activities organised by the awarding body, Edexcel. The emphasis is on continuous assessment through coursework. The types of work produced for assessment may include written projects and reports, presentations and case studies.
Student work is graded on the following scale:
BTEC Firsts: Pass, Merit, Distinction, Distinction*
BTEC Nationals: Pass, Merit, Distinction
BTEC Nationals and university entrance
BTEC qualifications are recognised by universities and attract UCAS tariff points on the following basis:
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma 40 - 120 points
BTEC Diploma 80 - 240 points
BTEC Extended Diploma 120 - 360 points
The number of UCAS tariff points depends on the overall grade achieved. For example a BTEC National Subsidiary Diploma with an overall grade of Merit will attract 80 UCAS points, equivalent to a C grade at A level. Achievement of two Distinction grades on a BTEC Diploma is worth 240 tariff points, equivalent to two A grades at A level.