A Levels or Vocational Courses? What's the difference?
Confused about your options?
We’re here to help!
Exploring your further education options can be overwhelming. There are so many courses to choose from. If you’re confused, you’re definitely not alone.
What are vocational courses?
Vocational courses offer an alternative option to the traditional A Level route. Despite having been around for a while, there is still a lot of confusion and misperception surrounding the course and popularity of vocational courses are on the rise.
BTECs are often compared to A Levels, however, there are varying levels you can study:
Levels 1–2 — GCSE equivalent
Level 3 vocational courses — A Level equivalent
Levels 4–7 — Degree equivalent
Many institutions also offer courses called vocational courses as Subsidiary Diplomas, these are equivalent to one A Level. A vocational course diploma is equivalent to two, while an Extended Diploma counts for three. This allows students to study a mix of vocational courses and A Levels, depending on which suits you.
Teaching Style and Subject Types
If you choose to study A Levels, you’ll be taught in a similar manner to how you’ve been used to throughout your secondary education. vocational courses are slightly different in that theory is combined with regular practical work so you can directly apply what you learn.
Overall, vocational courses tend to be more job focused and practical, this might suit your learning style and also be more valuable for when you finish your studies. Popular vocational course subjects include Business Studies, Engineering, Health & Social Care and Travel & Tourism.
If you already know what career you are working towards, often a vocational course can be more useful than an A Level. This is because vocational courses are skills based and will give you the hands-on experience and skills you need for that career. Some vocational courses also come with 50 days of real-life industry experience such as the NewVIc Professional courses. This experience can add immense value to your CV and give you the edge over other applicants when entering the job market.
If you’re planning on going to university, you’ll need to demonstrate your passion for the field you wish to study. The benefit of studying a vocational course is that you automatically gain the practical experience to show this.
Assessment
A Levels are mainly assessed through exams at the end of Year 13, whereas vocational courses are continually assessed throughout the course through regular coursework and projects. If you know you don’t excel in exam conditions, vocational courses can relieve this pressure, spreading out the work that dictates your final grade. However, if you’re not a fan of extended projects and coursework, A Levels may be more suitable.
While A Levels are graded A*-E, vocational courses are awarded Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*.
If you study a Level 3 Extended Diploma, the highest award — a triple Distinction*, is equivalent to 3 As at A Level.
What Do Universities Want?
A common misconception of vocational courses is that they are not as valuable as A Levels and less widely accepted by universities. In the past this may have been true however nowadays, over 95% of universities and college in the UK accept Level 3 vocational course students and those students with good grades are just as sought after as A Level students with good results.
More than 100,000 Level 3 vocational courses students apply to UK universities each year. Some universities are happy to accept one Level 3 Extended Diploma, while some require an additional A Level alongside. You’ll need to check the entry requirements for the course you are hoping to apply to.
If you choose to study only one vocational courses in a particular subject, it’s likely that the university course you can apply to will be restricted to that subject. This is great if know what you want to do, but it can be restrictive if you think you may change your mind.
A Levels will offer more flexibility in terms of subjects you can apply to. However, there will always be some courses which require specific A Levels such as medicine. If you chose a range of different A Level subjects, you have more options when it comes to application time.