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Why choose a vocational route to university level study?
Although some university level courses specifically request A levels there are lots of university level courses at colleges and universities that will accept vocational qualifications too - especially if the HE level course is related to the previous level 3 vocational qualification. So, you don't have to take the traditional A level route to university level study and increasing number of students are choosing this vocational qualification route.
How will a vocational qualification prepare me for higher level study?
A vocational qualification can provide you with very effective preparation to progress to higher level study. They can also help you decide the type of job sector you could see yourself working in once you finish in education.
Many people that choose a vocational route already know the job sector they want to work in and a vocational qualification can give a firm foundation for study at a higher level.
If you choose this route and you do change your mind, you will still have demonstrated a wide range of skills which will be transferable to different subject areas:
- Independent study skills (research, organisation, meeting deadlines)
- Interpersonal skills (communication, team work etc)
- IT skills
- Numeracy skills
- Written skills
These transferable skills can be useful whatever subject you decide to study at a higher education level.
Are vocational qualifications recognised by universities?
If you look at the course entry requirements for a university level course they will state what entry qualifications they accept. Some will state this in terms of the grades (for example, BTEC Extended Diploma at DDM) whilst other may state this in terms of UCAS tariff points (for example, 320 is equivalent to grades DDM in a BTEC Extended Diploma or grades ABB in A Levels). You can find the full UCAS Tariff below.
Even if your level 3 vocational qualification is not shown it is worth contacting the provider and discussing your case.
Along with your qualifications and skills, you may also have considerable work experience to offer, which is often taken into account, alongside any qualifications you hold.
Find out the UCAS points given to vocational qualifications by looking at the UCAS site.
You can also view the document below which explain the point allocation for different vocational qualifications.
