A Levels are one of the most common routes into university. But in recent years, BTECS have become a popular alternative.

BTECs are great preparation for the independent study required at degree level and show genuine commitment to your subjects. They’re well-respected and accepted by loads of universities.

But are A Levels and BTECs the same?

A BTEC Distinction (the second highest grade you can get in a BTEC) is worth the same amount of UCAS points as an A Level A Grade. Both equal 48 UCAS Tariff Points. This doesn’t mean they’re identical though. A Levels and BTECs are very different in their approach to ongoing learning and assessment.

From what BTECs are, to the grading system, which Russell Group universities accept BTECs and how they compare to A Levels, here’s everything you need to know.

What is a BTEC?

Named after the Business and Technology Education Council, BTEC qualifications tend towards subjects with a vocational focus. They’re designed to prepare students for the world of work or further study. 

During a BTEC, you’ll gain firsthand experience in your subject which can be a fantastic alternative to classroom-based learning. While BTECs used to be a route straight into work, today they’re a viable alternative to A Levels for university.

BTECs can actually equate to GCSEs, A Levels or entry degree level – depending on the type of course you take. 

There are a few different BTECs available, including:

• BTEC Level 1 and 2: similar to GCSEs.
• BTEC Level 3: similar to A Levels.
• BTEC Level 4 and 5: similar to the first and second years of undergraduate degrees.

In this article, we’re talking about BTEC Level 3, as the equivalent to A Level study.

What’s the difference between A Levels and BTECs?

The main difference between A Levels and BTECs is the learning style. 

While A Levels will feel similar to the rest of your schoolwork (just more in-depth!), BTECs take a different approach. You’ll get more hands-on opportunities, letting you actively practise what you’ve learned.

The way you’re assessed is different too. At A Level, most of your grade comes from final exams. BTECs concentrate on coursework and projects throughout the year, as well as external exams. If you struggle with exam nerves or anxiety, this makes BTECs a great option.

How are BTECs graded and how many UCAS points are they worth?

When studying for a BTEC, you’ll complete a series of graded units. 

This means work for your final grade is spread out, rather than focused on a single exam. Units could be “traditional” things like essays. They could also involve woodworking projects, a dramatic performance, filmmaking or hairdressing. The list goes on!

You’ll get a Starred Distinction, Distinction, Merit or Pass for each unit. A Starred Distinction is the highest mark possible.

UCAS assigns each mark a number of points. This lets UCAS compare different qualifications and different grades – making university admissions fair to everyone.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Started Distinction: 56 UCAS points – equivalent to an A* at A Level.
• Distinction: 48 UCAS points – equivalent to an A at A Level.
• Merit: 32 UCAS points – equivalent to a C at A Level.
• Pass: 16 UCAS points – equivalent to an E at A Level.

Depending on your BTEC course, you’ll receive either one, two or three individual grades. An “Extended Diploma” is worth three grades, a “Diploma” gives two grades, and an “Extended Certificate” awards a single grade.

Is a BTEC Distinction the same as an A at A Level?

So, a BTEC Distinction is worth 48 UCAS points.

And an A at A Level is also worth 48 points.

Does this mean they’re the same? Not quite…

A BTEC Distinction is worth the same number of UCAS points as an A at A Level. Even so, research shows students often achieve slightly higher marks in BTECs than A Levels. In terms of the top marks, roughly 30% of BTEC candidates achieve a Starred Distinction. In 2023, only 7% of A Level grades were A*s.

Unlike UCAS, the Department of Education ranks a BTEC Distinction in between an A Level C and B grade. It’s all a bit confusing…

But not to worry.

If you’re applying to university with a BTEC, stick to the UCAS scoring system. 

The Department of Education assesses the quality of schools and colleges. They don’t deal directly with university admissions – it’s UCAS for that.

If you’re unsure how many UCAS points you have, Birmingham City University has a handy BTECs calculator. UCAS also has their own tariff calculator, letting you convert all sorts of qualifications into UCAS points.

Do universities accept BTECs?

Yes. There are loads of universities that accept BTEC grades.

In years gone by, some people looked down on BTECs as purely vocational courses. But those days are gone and today they’re seen as a respected academic route.

As a result, lots of universities accept BTECs for undergraduate admissions. This includes Russell Group universities, which we’ll cover in the next section. They’re becoming such a popular route to university that over 100,000 students apply with BTECs every single year.

Each university (and course) has its own entry requirements, so check this carefully. For instance, while Queen Mary University London asks for three BTEC Distinctions for Biology and Zoology degrees, you only need two Distinctions and a Merit for an English and History degree.

Like A Levels, your BTEC studies should be relevant to the university course you’re applying to. Universities often ask for specific subjects and modules, as well as grades. So bear this in mind!

Do Russell Group universities accept BTECs? 

The “Russell Group” consists of 24 universities known for their world-class teaching and research. It’s a prestigious group, including institutions like the University of Cambridge, Durham University and King’s College London.

While some Russell Group universities accept BTECs for undergraduate admission, others don’t. Some might accept BTEC qualifications, but also ask for additional A Levels. 

If you’re unsure, check individual course pages or give the university’s admissions department a ring.

Here’s an overview of Russell Group universities and their policy on BTECs:

• Cardiff University: Accepts BTEC applicants.
• Durham University: Accepts BTEC applicants.
• Imperial College London: Doesn’t accept BTEC applicants as standard.
• King’s College London: Accepts BTEC applicants, usually alongside additional A Levels.
• London School of Economics and Political Science: Accepts BTEC applicants, sometimes alongside additional A Levels.
• Newcastle University: Accepts BTEC applicants.
• Queen’s Mary University of London: Accepts BTEC applicants for most courses.
• Queen’s University Belfast: Accepts BTEC applicants for most courses.
• University College London: Accepts BTEC applicants.
• University of Birmingham: Accepts BTEC applicants.
• University of Bristol: Accepts BTEC applicants, sometimes requesting additional A Levels.
• University of Cambridge: Doesn’t accept BTEC applicants as standard. Speak to admissions tutors if you’re applying with a mix of qualifications.
• University of Edinburgh: Accepts BTEC applicants.
• University of Exeter: Accepts BTEC applicants.
• University of Glasgow: Accepts BTEC applicants.
• University of Leeds: Accepts BTEC applicants, sometimes alongside additional qualifications.
• University of Liverpool: Accepts BTEC applicants, sometimes requesting additional A Levels.
• University of Manchester: Accepts BTEC applicants.
• University of Nottingham: Accepts BTEC applicants.
• University of Oxford: Accepts BTEC applicants, but only alongside additional A Levels.
• University of Sheffield: Accepts BTEC applicants.
• University of Southampton: Accepts BTEC applicants.
• University of Warwick: Doesn’t accept BTEC applicants as standard, although students are considered on a case-by-case basis. Speak to admissions tutors if you’re applying with a mix of qualifications.
• University of York: Accepts BTEC applicants, usually alongside additional A Levels.

How do BTEC university applicants compare with A Level applicants?

If you’re applying to university with a BTEC, the good news is admissions tutors look very favourably on these qualifications. 

BTECs are great preparation for university life. With a focus on continuous coursework, independent research and practical applications, they mirror degree-level work extremely well! 

This means BTEC students are often better prepared than many A Level students, as they’ve honed skills in time management, self-organisation and discipline outside a classroom environment. 

Of course, both qualifications are well respected and come with unique benefits and drawbacks. But applying to university with BTECs is just as possible as with traditional A Level qualifications. Good luck!

Do you need help with your university applications? We specialise in guiding students through the process, including assistance with personal statements and interview prep. We’re also experts in study skills and exam coaching, so no matter where you are in your academic journey, get in touch today. We’re here to help.