BTEC National Diploma Art & Design

[888sally888]

This is a 2 year full time college course, but I am not sure what the equivalent number of A levels this would provide.

Also, would it get you access onto a Degree like A levels would?

Am asking for my daughter - many thanks.

[Buenchico]

University applications are assessed, in part, on a tariff system. An A-level pass at grade E scores 40 points, with 20 extra points being added for each higher grade. (i.e. D=60, C=80, B=100, A=120).

BTEC National Diplomas are awarded with 3 grades. These are assessed as 'Pass (P)', 'Merit (M)' or Distinction (D).

Pass is equivalent to A-level grade E. Merit is equivalent to C. Distinction is equivalent to A. So, the following applies:

The lowest award (PPP) scores 120 points. (ie. it's the same as getting three E-grades at A-level).

MPP scores 160 points (equal to C, E & E at A-level).

MMP scores 200 points (equal to C, C & E at A-level)

MMM scores 240 points (equal to C, C, & C at A-level)

DMM scores 280 points (equal to A, C & C at A-level)

DDM scores 320 points (equal to A, A, & C at A-level)

DDD scores 360 points (equal to A, A & A at A-level)

Therefore, taking a BTEC National Diploma is, as far as the universities are concerned, equivalent to taking 3 A-levels.

Source:
http://www.ucas.com/candq/tariff/index.html

Chris

[loukr]

I've been doing a BTEC for the past two years, and it appears that universities seem to like the BTECs. have a look at www.ucas.com they have all the info for points and universities.

I myself am going on to do a foundation in art and design, as my BTEC at the moment is in fashion and I'm not sure if that's what I want to go into, but the BTEC in art and design allows for any direction when your daughter has decided what she wants to do at uni.

Lou

[888sally888]

Thank you both for your help and information - makes the decision much easier!

[billybob123]

I did a BTEC National Diploma in Graphic Design Course in 2001. This was the best thing I ever did. I only got a pass in the course but after that I could have gone anywhere. I got a place at university in Cardiff, Hull and Liverpool but then decided to do a 6 month Industry led Interactive Media Course, (designed to introduce you to the workplace) they only accepted 10 people a year and I was very proud to be one of them. I now work as a graphic designer and glad this is the decesion I made. The tutor's at the technical college all told us it's best if you do a course in the subject you want before you go to uni rather doing A levels, they also said if you did A levels and wanted to do an arty course at University you'd have a better chance to be accepted by the university if you went ahead to do a 1 year foundation course before you go to uni. So the options were for me either 2 years A levels and then a year foundation course in art & design or a 2 year BTEC National Diploma course...for me the decision was easy because I knew I wanted to do graphics, if she's between two minds of what to do (Art & Law) then the A levels might be a better option for her.

Good luck
H x

[888sally888]

Thats really good to hear from another person who has done the course. Sounds like the right thing for her to do all round.

Thank you!