A Levels v CTEC

[Ronniechops]

Hi

I wonder if I can have some advice please? My son is in Y11 and about to apply for College next year. He wants to take Computer Science in uni and his ultimate aim is to work in Cyber Security. He will be taking Computer Science and Maths A levels. He is also keen on taking Engineering but unfortunately the College he is applying to only has a CTEC course.

My son's careers teacher at school advised him not to take the CTEC as it would set him back if he was to apply to a RG uni. However, when we went to the College open evening, we asked one of the Maths teachers there and she said it is recognised as an A level and she got a student to Cambridge with one!

We're really confused! Can anyone shed some light on this for us please? Should he take the Engineering CTEC which he thinks he will enjoy or go for an A level in another subject?

Thanks

Ronnie

I'm afraid you really need to be looking at the entry requirements for some universities he might want to apply to. If you look at the requirements for computer science at the University of Birmingham, for example, it's fairly clear this combination of qualifications wouldn't be accepted. ("Combined with other qualifications" generally means you need to meet the A-Level requirements in addition to having this qualification.)

we asked one of the Maths teachers there and she said it is recognised as an A level and she got a student to Cambridge with one!

It's not going to be universal, though. It will be fine for a lot of universities but that might exclude one he really wants to go to. It's not simply Russell Group vs others (see ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-technicals/considering-university/).

Hi @NoNotHimTheOtherOne thank you for your reply, it's certainly a lot to think about. We'll take a look at the link and go from there. Luckily the last day to apply is 2 December. Just don't want him to make the wrong decision

Thanks again

Ronnie

Subjects like engineering, law, health science etc are never recommended at 6th form level for entry into good universities, they want you to have the academics instead so for engineering my dd did maths, physics, electronics and geography

The colleges always tell students and parents those qualifications are good. But they aren't.

Can he stick with a levels??

Also cyber security has numerous no degree entry points, what area specifically does he like.

Regarding the student who got into Cambridge with a CTEC, it would be interesting to know what subject they applied for and what other A-levels they did. If their other A-levels were the ideal ones for their course (eg Maths & FMaths for Computer Science), then it probably didn't matter so much what their third was, and even less so if they did four altogether.

The Cambridge website says
"VCE A Levels, Applied A Levels, GNVQs and BTECs don’t provide an appropriate preparation for most Cambridge courses, where the emphasis is more academic than vocational. As such, these qualifications can’t, unless otherwise stated, be used to replace the required or highly desirable A Level subjects listed for each course.

However, if any required/highly desirable subjects are covered, a six unit VCE or Applied A Level could be taken instead of a third A Level or as an additional fourth broadening subject. This combination of A Levels and VCE or other qualifications may be acceptable for some courses.

Potential applicants taking these qualifications are advised to seek further advice from a College Admissions Tutor as early as possible."

IME schools and colleges often give out incorrect information because it suits their agenda.

I agree with @NoNotHimTheOtherOne that you need to be looking at the university websites to check what their entry requirements are. Generally the higher ranking universities ask for A level grades and the lower ranking ones for UCAS points.

A start would be to look at The Complete University Guide just to see who does what courses and what the requirements are. Just use this as a loose guide though to give you an idea.

Yes just have a look at some courses. Almost all universities, including Russell Group accept BTEC and CTEC. Computer Science at Exeter for example clearly state they accept both. My son got 5 offers for universities, including those asking for A grades at A level with his BTEC and CTEC qualifications. In many cases a Distinction at CTEC is going to be better than a grade B/C at A level.

Exeter probably would not offer on B/C grades though. They don’t need to.

I would take Physics in addition to his stated A levels. Or FM if he’s good enough. However, the other qualification is certainly ok for lots of universities (Cambridge?) and he should take this if Physics and FM would end up with a lower grade. Aim for the better chance of getting a high grade. Also look at the university entry requirements. Most will accept the alternative qualification unless you really need FM to be competitive.

Yes Tizer, we are saying the same thing but you have put it better! If the course requires AAA then AAB at A level does not meet the entry requirements and may not get an offer. If the university accept BTEC and CTEC then AA + Distinction in BTEC it CTEC for example would meet the entry requirements. I would always say A levels are better for straight A students but I think too many people dismiss BTEC when in fact they can be a very smart choice for a lot of students who are better at coursework than exams. My son would never have got a place at his chosen university if he had taken A levels. As it was he got D*DD at BTEC, smashed the entry requirements and was awarded an academic excellence scholarship alongside the A level students who received straight A's.

@Fourcandlesx I think it’s difficult for some students to know which route is best. Lots of Dc seem to dismiss vocational qualifications but CCC or lower at A level lessens choices. Plat to your strengths. Always.

Thank you so much for your suggestions & advice. Our son is not a straight A student and does not want to do Physics or FM so has opted for the CTEC in Engineering. We think he will do better than a third A level that he's not keen on.

He is also thinking about Apprenticeship instead of University as he is worried about getting into debt.

Thanks again

Ronnie

@Ronniechops
By all means consider an apprenticeship but student loans and subsequent repayments are not debt. They are a graduate tax. You, and DS, need to read Martin Lewis at Money Saving Expert so you fully understand the loan system.

For engineering, DS needs to be aware that there are two levels of degree. BEng and MEng. BEng is most apprenticeships. MEng is a faster track to professional qualifications and often more money. So choose wisely. Remember a student loan is not a debt in the same way a bank loan is and the majority of students have them. DS also needs to think about what sort of engineering. So start the research asap.,

If your son wants to do computer science at uni, then Maths, and further maths are crucial, if he doesn't do FM he doesn't stand a chance at universities like Cambridge - physics also helps. and fun fact, you dont even need to do computer science at alevel to study it at a university like Cambridge - so as long as your son meets the entry requirements and passes and tests/interviews hes set

@Ronniechops
Hi! I know this is an old thread but I wondered how your DS is getting on?
My DS is just about to start 6th Form and has chosen Maths, Computer Science and CTEC Engineering.