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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

A levels and BTEC?

10 replies

Ashara · 26/08/2023 14:49

Hi. DS had originally decided on computer science, media and psychology for A level. He then had a taster day and decided computer science included all the stuff he didn’t enjoy at GCSE level. College offer a BTEC level 3 diploma in IT, games and web development which appears to be worth 2 A levels? So he’s decided he wants to do that, plus Media Studies A level. Does this sound ok? He does want to go to Uni, not sure what to study yet but probably within either of these fields. He got a 7 In computer science GCSE (all 7’s and 6’s apart from a 5 in maths). He’s bright, works hard and studies well independently. Thanks for any advice.

OP posts:
OctogenarianDecathlete · 26/08/2023 15:18

These sound like complementary subjects.

It would be wise to browse potential uni courses on UCAS and look at the entry requirements. Check the BTEC + A level are both facilitating subjects for his potential field and that they will get him enough UCAS points.

Ashara · 26/08/2023 15:53

OctogenarianDecathlete thanks so much. I’d just always assumed he’d do A levels so it’s thrown me a bit!

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GuardiansPlayList · 26/08/2023 16:08

My only concern would be with AI now taking off there might not be a need for humans in game/website design etc in the future.

GuardiansPlayList · 26/08/2023 16:10

My only concern would be with AI now taking off there might not be a need for humans in game/website design etc in the future.

Ashara · 26/08/2023 17:25

It’s not just gaming and website design, it covers a huge range of things including networking, hardware, cyber security etc. Tbh, I feel like we could say that about AI and almost anything these days!

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Ohmylovejune · 26/08/2023 17:38

My son did an IT BTEC but it was worth 3 A levels. He resat Maths GCSE alongside because he really was/is better than the C grade he got. He found doing everything tough going on the time investment but he did pull off the maximum BTEC grade possible so it is possible to do extra if the student puts their mind to.it.

It should be, in your sons case, that the A level would.work alongside as this is just a 2 x A level course so will presumably have fewer units than s 3x one.

(Funny story not really relevant. My son is now the proud owner of 3 x C Grade Maths GCSEs! He gave up when he simply couldn't nail a higher one. Even though now in work the Maths he does is difficult stuff! Strange how exams work sometimes)

CornishGem1975 · 27/08/2023 07:20

My only concern would be with AI now taking off there might not be a need for humans in game/website design etc in the future.

AI still needs human input.

Ashara · 28/08/2023 15:59

Thanks everyone, it’s made me feel more comfortable with it.

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Postapocalypticcowgirl · 28/08/2023 20:21

It sounds like he will end up with points equivalent to 3 A-levels, so this will likely give him a range of options for uni. It is worth checking the modules on his BTEC against uni entry requirements (look on their actual websites, not just UCAS, as some say they accept BTECs but are a bit fussy about the modules you do!).

If he's good at working independently, and can meet coursework deadlines, then he'll likely be successful on a BTEC. The students who struggle with BTECs are those who leave everything until the last minute, and then rush their assignments, or miss deadlines, so don't get feedback to help them aim for higher marks.

With the BTEC, he will need to hit the ground running, as his first assignments will count towards his final grade, and he may cap himself at a Pass/Merit for some units if he doesn't do well. This means he'll have to work hard whilst some of his friends are still settling into college life.

If he's happy to do this, and the courses meet his interests then that sounds like a great option.

With web design etc, I think for a long time there will be people who want to speak to a human designer, even if AI can do it.

Comefromaway · 29/08/2023 09:30

There will be some universities that don't accept the Btec but there are many, many good degree courses that will. The liklihood is that from what you say, the courses that don't accept the Btec will be the kind of course that wouldn't interest him anyway.

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