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Whether you're interested in exploring if a particular profession is for you or are exploring an entry route to university, BTEC National diplomas are an excellent option

What does BTEC stand for?

It stands for the Business and Technology Education Council, a further education (FE) course provider in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

What is a BTEC diploma?

BTECs are specialist vocational qualifications you can study at school or college. These flexible work-related courses bring together subject theory with practical learning.

Along with the raft of new T Levels, BTEC National diplomas provide a viable alternative to A-levels, although you can also choose to study them at the same time as completing this BTEC qualification.

These qualifications have been developed with input from employers, and more than 2,000 courses are currently available across many industries, from science and engineering to business, IT, and the media.

BTECs are best suited to those who are interested in a specific industry but have yet to settle on a particular role.

How long do BTECs last?

If taken as a standalone course, a BTEC will typically take one to two years to complete, depending on whether you choose to study it full or part time.

However, they can also be taken alongside other academic qualifications such as A-levels or as part of an apprenticeship.

What level is a BTEC, and what is it equivalent to?

These are the main types of BTEC and their level:

• BTEC Firsts - up to Level 2, at GCSE standard.
• BTEC National awards - equivalent to one A-level.
• BTEC National certificates - comparable to two A-levels.
• BTEC National diplomas - from Level 3, a similar standard to having studied three A-levels or a T Level.
• BTEC Apprenticeships - from Levels 2 to 5, at a higher apprenticeship standard.

Read about other college courses you can study.

What subjects are they available in?

What subjects are they available in?

There are BTEC diplomas relevant to the following subjects/sectors:

• art and design
• business
• childcare
• construction
• engineering
• health and social care
• hospitality
• IT
• land-based
• media
• performing arts
• public and protective services
• science
• sport
• transport, travel and tourism.

Read more about some of the Level 3 subjects you can study in .

Explore the job sectors you'd like to work in.

What are the entry requirements?

While entry requirements can vary according to the course and the school or college, you'll typically need up to five GCSE passes at grades 9 (A*) to 4 (C).

For example, to get onto the Business Studies BTEC at , you'll need five GCSEs, with most at grade 4 or above. Achieving grade 4 in English language or maths is an essential entry requirement.

At , to gain a place on their Sport BTEC, you'll require five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, maths, science and PE (or a merit in BTEC Level 2 PE).

How are they structured?

The BTEC qualification comprises different core units covering specialist topics required by the sector or industry. There are also optional units to choose from, providing students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of a particular area of interest and ensure that what they're learning fits in with their future plans.

Students are assessed through a number of written and activity-based assignments. For instance, if the BTEC was related to the creative arts and design sector, this could be an individual/group dance or acting performance.

Some BTECs may expect you to complete some work experience to demonstrate your technical proficiency in or knowledge of a certain area, such as by coming up with a business plan for a company you've been placed with or showing that you've developed the key entry-level electrical engineer skills demanded by the engineering sector.

Can you get into university with a BTEC?

Yes, a BTEC National Level 3 diploma would be ideal if you're thinking of going to university, as most universities accept them.

The has produced a guide on getting into university with a BTEC. They explain how 100,000 students enter higher education each year after studying this qualification.

In some cases, you may also require an A-level and a BTEC diploma for entry. For example, , has set out its BTEC entry requirements, which reveal that they are accepted for most courses.

However, those proposing to study an English language or literature degree will need a grade B at A-level in either of these subjects in addition to the BTEC.

How many UCAS points are there for a BTEC diploma?

Discover what your BTEC National diploma would be worth in terms of by viewing the table below.

What about online BTEC courses?

A range of online BTECs is available from distance learning course providers such as:

There are online options for many subjects with courses lasting from 32 weeks up to two years.

Get the lowdown on online learning.

How much do BTEC diplomas cost?

The cost of a BTEC diploma depends on the length of the course and the subject, plus the provider. You'll find that most BTEC National diplomas in the UK cost between £2,000 and £8,000.

Here are some examples of what's available in 2025/26:

• - £7,395 in total for the two-year BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science.
• - £2,882 plus material fee and uniform costs totalling £70 for the one-year BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development.
• - £6,602 for the two-year BTEC Extended Diploma in Business.
• - £2,882 for the 35-week BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care.

International students can expect to pay over £9,000 for their BTEC course.

Remember that for those aged 16 to 18, full-time BTECs are usually free.

Is funding available for BTECs?

Yes, students do have funding options for BTEC National diplomas. These include:

• - a non-means-tested loan for those studying a range of courses, including Level 3 BTECs. It's open to UK nationals and those with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union (EU) Settlement Scheme, aged 19 and over.
• - these grants are offered by individual organisations. If eligible, you won't need to pay it back. Search for education grants on the website.
• - for those aged 16 to 19 and studying at a publicly funded college in England (not a university). The bursary can be used to fund clothing, books and other equipment for your course. It can also cover your transport and lunch on study or training days.
• - a means-tested weekly allowance for those from low-income households looking to study in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Check that your course is eligible for funding before making an application.

What can BTEC graduates go on to do?

Once you've successfully completed your BTEC National diploma, you'll have a wider range of options available to you than before starting the qualification.

For instance, you could look for a job now you have the right knowledge/skills, progress to degree-level study or undertake a professional development course.

Alternatively, you may wish to think about doing a degree apprenticeship.

Find out more

• Explore HNC qualifications.
• Get an overview of the UK's FE sector.
• Read our guide to higher education qualifications.