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BTEC Courses

At Cardinal Newman College we offer a range of  BTEC Courses. If you are the type of person who prefers a more practical approach with assessments done via coursework and practical assessments, rather than all exam based, then a BTEC course may be more suitable for you.

Our range of BTEC courses includes BTEC Extended Diplomas which are equivalent to three A-Levels, BTEC Diplomas which are equivalent to two A-Levels and BTEC Extended Certificates which are equivalent to one A-Level. This means that you can choose to study just one subject if you take a BTEC Extended Diploma, or a combination of subjects if you choose a Diploma or Extended Certificate. You can even study a combination of BTECs and A-Levels, to find out more about studying a mixed programme click here.

Level 3 BTEC Courses

Level 2 BTEC Courses

 

At Cardinal Newman College, we’re proud to offer a dynamic range of BTEC courses tailored for those who thrive on practical learning and hands-on experience. 


Whether you’re drawn to a subject that involves more practical assessment or prefer coursework over traditional exams, our Level 2 and Level 3 BTEC courses are designed to cater to your educational preferences, paving the way for further education, university, or direct entry into your chosen career.


What are BTEC courses?


BTEC courses are designed with a practical approach in mind, perfect for students who prefer engaging directly with their subjects through hands-on activities and coursework. These qualifications offer a more applied way to learn, contrasting with the traditional exam-focused approach of A-Levels.


Offered at various levels, BTECs include Extended Diplomas (equivalent to three A-Levels), Diplomas (equivalent to two A-Levels), and Extended Certificates (equivalent to one A-Level). This structure allows students to tailor their education to their interests, career goals, and desired level of specialisation. 


Why choose a BTEC course?


Opting for a BTEC course brings several key advantages, particularly for those who may not excel in traditional exam settings. BTEC qualifications emphasise coursework and practical assessments, reducing or eliminating the need for exams. This approach can alleviate the pressure and stress associated with high-stakes testing.


BTECs also provide invaluable real-world experience, often incorporating industry placements that enhance employability and academic prospects. With the majority of universities, including prestigious Russell Group institutions, recognising the value of BTECs, students have a clear and respected pathway to higher education. 


What BTEC courses can I study?


At Cardinal Newman College, we offer a wide selection of BTEC courses tailored to meet diverse interests and career aspirations. Our BTEC programmes are categorised into various subject areas, providing both Level 3 and Level 2 qualifications.

Level 3 BTEC courses include subjects in:

  • Creative Industries: Art and Design, Creative Media, Creative Music Industry (Performance Pathway), Music Production and Performing Arts.
  • Science and Health: Applied Science, Health & Social Care, and Human Biology.
  • Business and Law: Business Studies, Applied Law.
  • Technology and Computing: IT Software Development.
  • Sports and Public Services: Sport.
  • Humanities and Social Sciences: Applied Criminology, Applied Psychology.
  • Travel and Tourism

Level 2 BTEC courses are available in:

  • Business Studies
  • Health and Social Care

Each of our BTEC courses are designed to provide hands-on experience and practical knowledge, preparing students for further education or direct entry into their chosen career paths.

Combining BTEC and A-Levels


Students have the unique opportunity at Newman to customise their educational journey by combining A-Levels and BTECs, a choice that’s gaining popularity for its balance of exams and coursework. 


Deciding between A-Levels and BTECs can be challenging, but the option to mix them provides a broad spectrum of qualifications. This mix can be particularly beneficial for students who are undecided about their future paths. Click here to learn more about our mixed programmes.


What qualifications do I need to study a BTEC course?


To enrol in a BTEC course at our college, students generally need to meet specific academic criteria, normally centred around GCSE achievements. The exact requirements can vary depending on the BTEC level and subject area chosen. However, many of our courses will require you to have at least five 4s at GCSE, including a 4 in English Language or Maths.


Please visit our individual course pages for exact entry requirements. This structure ensures students are well-prepared to engage with their chosen course’s content and demands.


What if I don’t meet the entry criteria?


If you do not meet the entry criteria for our BTEC courses, don’t worry. We treat each case on an individual basis. 


On GCSE Results Day, we can take a look at your grades to work out an alternative plan that works for you.


What can I do after finishing a BTEC course?


After completing a BTEC course, students open doors to a wide range of exciting possibilities. Depending on the level and subject of their BTEC, students can progress to university, entering with practical skills that are highly valued in higher education.


Alternatively, BTECs are designed to prepare students for direct entry into the workplace, equipped with industry-relevant experience. The vocational nature of BTECs makes them an excellent pathway for students aiming for specific careers. 

Why choose Cardinal Newman College?


Choosing Cardinal Newman College for your BTECs Lancashire course means selecting a college renowned for its commitment to excellence, as evidenced by our outstanding Ofsted rating. 


Our college boasts a team of experienced educators, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive environment for students throughout their time with us.


How do I apply?


The application process for Cardinal Newman College is designed to be easy and completely digital. You will be guided through the process to provide your personal details, choose your courses, and submit your predicted grades.


For a step-by-step guide and to begin your application, we advise you to visit our official application page. Also, we have an applicant FAQ page that covers a wide range of questions from prospective students.