BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) is an International qualification from Pearson Education Ltd, UK. BTECs originated in 1984 and were awarded by Edexcel* in 1996. Their origins lie in the Business Education Council, formed in 1974 to “rationalise and improve the relevance of sub-degree vocational education”.
BTECs are specialist work-related qualifications that 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).
Recognition:
BTEC qualifications are accepted by 95% of universities in the UK and recognized by leading professional bodies and international employers all around the world, enabling students to successfully pursue their chosen career.
They are equivalent to qualifications such as the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) (levels 1 to 2), A Level (level 3) and university degrees (levels 6 to 7). 390+ prestigious universities across the US, UK, Australia and other nations recognise BTEC qualifications for direct entry into degree courses.
Assessment:
BTEC courses focus on skill-based learning and are designed around thematic units. For this reason formal examinations are not conducted, instead focusing on project based assessments. In this way, understanding and application of knowledge is tested which also makes the process more engaging. This practical and hands on approach allows BTEC learners to develop skills that employers and universities are looking for, providing plenty of opportunities to learn, improve and succeed.
Employability:
90% of BTEC students are employed full-time after graduating. Employers value BTEC qualifications more because courses are industry-directed and give students industry-specific knowledge/skills making them readily employable. BTEC prepares students for the dynamic job market wherein courses develop a student’s employability skills, offering real-life experiences, practical tasks and work placements.
BTEC Higher National Diplomas can top up to over 1500 degrees worldwide now.
Edexcel*: Awarding Body
Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications in schools, colleges and work places in the UK and abroad. It is a qualification brand for academic and generation qualifications from Pearson, now standing as one of Pearson’s leading brands.