What is Pearson BTEC?
Pearson BTEC qualifications are obtained after completing a vocational course that is designed and processed by Pearson, a publishing and assessment service provider of British education. Pearson owns an educational media brand that includes Wesley, Prentice-Hall, Longman, eCollege, Scott Foresman, Peachpit, etc.
BTEC courses are designed especially for work-related qualifications and are available in a range of sectors including ICT, business, and engineering. They often lead to Technical Certification and form a part of the Apprenticeship Framework.
For a better career development opportunity, these courses are available in full-time as well as part-time, making way for those who are already in employment. The part-time programme, however, is available only in some schools, colleges and training centres.
Pearson BTEC qualifications are available at various levels, starting from Entry Level Skills for working life, up to the professional qualifications at Level 7 (that is equivalent to postgraduate study).
Why Choose a Pearson BTEC Qualification?
For a recognised career, the professionals must follow the set of National Occupational Standards that have been set by many industrial sectors. Thus, the learning materials of the BTEC students are designed around the National Occupational Standards. This is the reason as to why BTECs are recognised as valuable qualifications by the Standard Setting Body (SSB) and/or Sectors Skills Council for each industry.
What Subjects can be Studied in Pearson BTEC?
Pearson BTECs are the sector or field-specific qualifications. Under these 16 sectors or fields, there are over 2000 BTEC courses available, and they range from Applied Science to Public and Uniformed Services. They are all designed to offer a range of qualification and learning opportunities to help students obtain professional skills at every stage of their academic life and career.
BTEC qualifications include BTEC Firsts, BTEC Nationals, BTEC Higher Nationals, BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, BTEC Specialist and Professional Qualifications, BTEC Tech Awards.
The details of each type of the BTEC qualifications are described below
BTEC Higher Nationals:
BTEC Higher National qualifications are well recognised and identified by higher education authorities and industries around the world. The BTEC Higher National courses cover Level 4 and 5 and are aimed at providing students with real-time experience.
The teaching and learning resources provided for this qualification allow the students to meet the employer’s needs that align them with their desired career. It is the course which is equivalent to 1st and 2nd year of an undergraduate degree. The students are equipped with both academic and practical skills that provide them with the working experience to cope with the business and industry.
BTEC Firsts:
BTEC Firsts are designed for level 2 learners and are equivalents to GCSEs. The majority of BTEC First students are from the age group of 14-19, however, the courses are suitable for the learners of any age group.
A successful BTEC First learner will be equipped with a high standard of skills, practical knowledge and understanding of the study area to proceed further concerning study and employment.
This course develops student knowledge and skills in a work-related context. The teaching team prepares a series of assignments that can be written as well as activity-based. The format of the assignment varies to suit the needs of the subject area; this includes creating a film clip, business planning and execution, etc.
All these assignments are meant to offer learners the opportunity to demonstrate their learning in a real-time context. Here, it depends upon the students whether they want to finish off the assignment on their own or want to work in a team. Some of BTEC Firsts are assessed through a combination of internal and external assessment.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma:
The Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma is available in various sectors. In business related courses, for example, students will be expected to develop the skills that include:
- Ability to obtain and understand the existing spiritual, moral, ethical issues that surround the business environment
- In-depth awareness of the health, safety and environmental considerations
- Discover presentation skill, leadership and team-building skills
- Deep knowledge of the external and internal environment of business on the local, national and global perspective
- Ability to plan and execute the marketing presentation
Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND):
Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma HND qualification is a Level 5 qualification that is available in many sectors, such as Business Marketing, Business Accounting and Finance, Hospitality Management, Health and Social Care and Healthcare Management, etc. This course is the equivalent to the second year of a UK Bachelor’s Degree programme.
In Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) Level 4 HNC Award (RQF) is embedded. It is a full-time course with both the specification of HNC and HND. It is considered to be a stand-alone qualification as it is with a one-year duration. To proceed with HNC, the student has to complete a minimum of 8 modules
The HND is a level 5 qualification with two-year duration where the first year is with level 4, and the second year is with level 5. To opt for the HND course, the student has to complete a minimum of 15 modules. As the course focuses on real-time work, the students are well prepared for future employment as soon as they finish off their studies.
