PROGRAMMES

BTEC Business

BTEC stands for the Business and Technology Education Council. BTECs are specialist work-related qualifications. They combine practical learning with subject and theory content. There are over 2,000 BTEC qualifications across 16 sectors – they are available from entry level through to professional qualifications at level 7 (equivalent to postgraduate study).

BTEC qualifications are awarded by Pearson, the UK’s largest awarding body offering qualifications like Edexcel, LCCI etc. BTECs were introduced in 1930 and are recognized in more than 70 countries worldwide. Approximately 3 million learners are registered for BTECs across the globe, including 640,000 school registrations for BTEC Nationals. Beaconhouse is very pleased to be introducing BTEC qualifications in a number of campuses in August 2019.

What is a BTEC Course?

BTECs are high quality, hands-on qualifications grounded in the real world of work. BTECs are all about learning by doing and that means BTEC students put what they learn into practice straight away. Throughout the course, they work on a series of assignments set in real-life scenarios, developing the practical knowledge and skills employers and universities are looking for. It’s so much more than just a certificate – BTEC-qualified students will keep applying what they learn on their BTEC course as they progress to university or a job – and throughout their future career.

How do they work?

BTECs are divided into units, which cover specific areas of knowledge, skills, and understanding required by the particular sector or industry.

  1. Every BTEC student takes the core units, which provide a broad foundation and understanding about the sector.
  2. There are a range of optional units to choose from which enable students to focus on particular interests and plans they have for next steps into further study, an apprenticeship, or employment.
  3. The course involves a series of assignments which can be written or activity-based, for example creating a film clip, planning and putting on a performance, or creating a business plan. Students complete some assignments individually and some as part of a team. For some BTEC courses, students can also apply their knowledge and skills through work experience.

Features

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is recognized by IBCC equivalent to HSSC (Intermediate)

BTEC Level 3 Extended diploma is recognized worldwide equivalent to 3 complete A level and is one of the most widely-recognized qualifications to get into University.

It is a coursework based qualification and there are no formal exams.

It is a 2 year (4 semesters), full time course ideal for anyone who wants to progress to higher education courses in business areas in a foreign/local university or within BTEC qualifications.

The qualification is made up of 18 Units/Courses

It is accepted by foreign and local universities

What happens on a BTEC course in practice?

With their focus on practical, skills-based learning, BTEC courses are designed around a number of themed units. Rather than testing everything together at the end of the course, BTECs give students the opportunity to show what they’ve learned in each unit, and build on their achievements as they progress through the course. That means there are plenty of chances to learn, improve and succeed.

Once you’re ready to put what you’ve learned into practice, BTEC tests - called “assessments” – are based around real-life work contexts and scenarios, and can include:

Assignments: Set and marked by the teacher or tutor, assignments involve a series of tasks designed around a work-related, real-life scenario. They give students the chance to build knowledge and skills over time and deliver a complete, integrated project using a combination of knowledge, skills and behaviors. Some BTECs are assessed completely through assignments, while the newer BTEC courses can include some units which are assessed through set tasks or tests. You’ll get a grade for each unit - Pass, Merit or Distinction - so you can see how you’re progressing throughout the course.

Set tasks, performances or written tests: For selected units in some of the newer BTEC courses, students also take practical assessments set and marked by Pearson. These tests are either based around a real-life task completed in a specified time or practically focused written tests.
Your final qualification grade will also be awarded on the Pass, Merit and Distinction scale, and your exact grades will vary depending on the course.

BTEC Qualification Assurance

Quality Assurance is a set of processes and procedures Pearson has in place to ensure that students completing BTEC qualifications are issued a fair grade based on their performance.

BTEC works with experts and leaders in the education sector to maintain high standards across all qualifications. The Pearson Education Limited Board, Pearson Qualifications Expert Panel and the Qualifications and Standards Committee are a key part of its robust quality assurance system. The quality of the programme at Center is maintained by frequent external quality verifiers visits to institutions offering these qualifications.

Quality Management Review (QMR) is an annual process that ensure high standards for BTEC programmes at the Institution. The review involves evaluation of Centre management systems, learner registration & certification process, annual programme monitoring and standards of internal & external assessment.

The Institution has designated Internal verifiers and Quality nominees to ensure that sufficient quality assurance systems, policies and procedures are implemented appropriately, consistently and fairly.

Progression

Where next with a BTEC?

More and more students are applying to universities with BTECs which is a clear sign that institutions have recognized the value of a BTEC qualification

  • +300% - The number of students getting into university with a BTEC rose by over 300% in the last decade.
  • In 2016, nearly 1in4 students who got into a university did so with a BTEC.

If you are aiming to continue into Higher Education you can be confident that your BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma provides the UCAS points you need for your university application just like A levels and AS levels do. You might also choose to progress to a BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC), which is equivalent to the 1st year of university, or a Higher National Diploma (HND), which is equivalent to the 1st and 2nd year of university, before progressing to the final year of a full degree.

BTEC and UCAS Points

BTEC Level 3 Extended National diploma qualify for UCAS points towards your university application in the same way as A levels and AS levels. This chart shows how many points each BTEC National is worth, based on the grade you achieve.

Btec grade system

If you want to compare A levels UCAS points, here’s a quick guide:

Btec grading system vs A levels grading system

After successful completion of BTEC Extended Diploma Level-3, Student can progress to:

Employability

Starting in the world of work?

Today’s employers are looking for confident, work-ready candidates who have the practical knowledge, experience and skills that BTECs provide. Pierson has worked closely with employers, professional bodies and Higher Education experts to develop BTEC qualifications. That means BTEC-qualified candidates are valued by a wide range of industries.

37%

of employers prefer a mix of vocational and academic skills in their employees. **

90%

of the BTEC students are likely to be employed after graduating. **

If you’re looking to move up the career ladder, or develop a higher level of knowledge in a particular area of expertise, BTEC Higher Nationals are a great option. Whichever subject you choose, your BTEC course will help you build the employability skills and confidence you’ll need to thrive throughout your career.

A BTEC qualification is unlike any other. Why? Because it WORKS for everyone. It works for learners developing the skills and knowledge they need to be successful, for teaching professionals preparing their learners for the jobs of the future, and for employers recruiting teams who can hit the ground running.

74%

of employers say they want people with a mix of academic and vocational qualifications.*

90%

of the BTEC students are employed full time after graduating **

1 in 4

student who went to university had a BTEC ***

You can’t argue with numbers like that. It’s an effective path into the career you’ve always wanted. So choose BTEC – because BTEC Works.

* Source: Inspiring Growth Survey, 2015

** Source: London Economics Report, 2013

*** Source: UCAS and HESA data on entry to HE, 2017

Equivalency

Worldwide:

The qualification is recognized worldwide equivalent to 3 complete A Levels

18

units

=

3

A Level

IBCC Pakistan:

Intermediate Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) Pakistan recognizes BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma equivalent to Intermediate (Humanities) as per the following grading key.

BTEC National Diploma Grading Key

IBCC Equivalence

Distinction

85

Marks

Merit

75

Marks

Pass

65

Marks

TOP