A-Level, T-Level or BTEC/CTEC?

Choosing whether to study an A-Level or BTEC programme can be a tough decision to make. The main difference between these courses is that A-Levels are assessed through examinations with some providing coursework modules, whilst BTEC/CTEC courses are more coursework based with some practical assessments and work experience.

At Notre Dame, we offer a wide range of advanced level courses including, A-Levels, BTEC Diplomas, BTEC Extended Diplomas and BTEC Extended Certificates, as well as a number of Intermediate courses such as BTEC Extended First Certificates and GCSE resits in Maths and English.

A level or BTEC qualificatpion grid

You can study a range of subjects or study one subject if you have a clear idea of what you want to do in the future. For example, if you want a career in the Health and Social Care sector, you could do an CTEC Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care which is equivalent to three A-Levels. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the Digital sector, you could enrol on the brand-new Digital T-Level which is also equivalent to three A-Levels and includes a 45 day industry placement.

Students who are less sure of their future goals can benefit from studying a combination of BTECs/CTECs and A Levels at Notre Dame, that’s why we offer students the opportunity to mix BTECs/CTECs with A-Levels to create a broader combination of qualifications.

Most students on an A-Level programme study the equivalent of three or four subjects. For a BTEC/CTEC or mixed programme, your combination of courses should be the equivalent of three subjects at A-Level, with BTEC/CTEC Extended Certificate counting as ‘single’, BTEC/CTEC Diplomas counting as ‘double’ and BTEC/CTEC Extended Diplomas counting as ‘triple’ subjects.

If you are uncertain of how many subjects to choose, please don’t worry – we will give you advice and guidance when we meet you for your interview.

A-Level or BTEC?

A-Level, T-Level or BTEC/CTEC?