BTEC or UAL interactive media?

[Ginmere]

My year 11 DS has been to two local College Open Evenings and is having difficulty choosing which one he wants to go to. Both offer interactive media - one as a level 3 extended BTEC diploma and the other a level 3 UAL course. He was told by the College that offers the UAL that it was considered the best in the industry and better received by universities but is this the case? Apparantly the UAL course is fairly new whereas BTEC is more established but he's not sure which would be the better option. At the moment, he is thinking about starting employment after the two year course is finished but wants to keep his options open just in case he decides to go to university instead. Any advise on which College to choose?

[mumeeee]

Most universities now recognise and except BTECs. 2 or my daughters did BTECs one in Performing Arts and the other in IT they both got into university

[sashh]

Is he intending to go to uni? If he is it might be worth looking at the uni prospectus of where he ants to go and seeing which they prefer (if any).

BTEC is well known and has been around for years (I did one in the early 1980s) so is also known by employers.

[Ginmere]

Thanks for the replies, I think I'm also feeling the BTEC would be a better option as it's more established. I'm worried that the UAL is a bit of a risk especially as it's a quite new qualification. Will look at some university courses and see what's in the entry requirements.

[titchy]

UAL quals are very highly regarded for Arts degrees so don't worry on that score.

Look at what else each college offers - number of students per class, facilities, exhibitions, work/university advice and guidance, contacts for work placements, travel time, studio access, and what sort of grades their students get and where they go afterwards.