Why universities value career-driven vocational courses
A way forward for career-focused individuals
Vocational courses have long been valuable and now there is a recognisable increase in the number of universities offering their degree programmes to students with vocational qualifications. In fact, 95% of universities accept vocational course qualifications in the UK.
Why are vocational courses valued by universities?
Universities have, for years, appreciated this career-focused study as students gain an in-depth understanding of a specific subject, gaining the relevant industry and work experience placements. The combined subject knowledge and practical work prove that students are well-equipped to study the subject at an even higher level.
In addition to this, as more vocational students are now assessed through end of unit exams as well as completing intensive coursework, universities have recognised the thorough testing of these candidates and the way the programmes are now taught. They are now also more challenging with the new RQF qualification framework.
Are vocational courses as valuable as A Levels?
Are vocational courses or T Level better?
Both are valuable choices, bring varied opportunities and taught at Advanced Level 3. Both of these also support progression to related industries and degrees.
A T Level does have longer periods of industry placements (in most cases up to 45–50 days) and has slightly higher entry requirements, whereas a vocational course Diploma will give students an in-depth understanding of the subject through theory and in-college practicals as well as shorter work experience placements.
Both prepare students for the world of work or higher education or higher level apprenticeships.
What is the difference between the new T Levels and vocational courses?
What kind of candidate do universities look for?
Although universities have entry requirements set out in their UCAS points, many seek candidates that hold other qualities than just their subject grades. A good example would be ‘perseverance’, which is the ability to carry on despite the intense challenges of a degree and ‘an enquiring mind’, referring to whether or not students have carried out any additional research or further reading on the subject of interest.
It also goes without saying that all students are expected to show a passion for the subject. Universities value personal qualities so it is important to send in your best personal statement to highlight those qualities.
How to write a UCAS undergraduate personal statement
Are BTEC courses more difficult to get into now that some have exams and coursework?
All BTEC Level 3 Diplomas still have general entry requirements so it is not more difficult to get into, rather that they are being assessed differently.
However, it is worth noting that some vocational courses have subject-specific requirements such as Computer Science, which requires a grade 6 in GCSE maths or Biomedical Science, which requires two 4 grades in GCSE Science. Always check the entry requirements to see which vocational courses you can apply for and which level would be most suitable to start with.