What is a BTEC HND?

BTEC HNDs (Higher National Diplomas) are work related qualifications suitable for a wide range of students, built to accommodate the needs of employers and allow progression to university. They provide a more practical, real-world approach to learning alongside a key theoretical background.

BTEC HNDs are recognised by schools, colleges, universities, employers and professional bodies across the United Kingdom and in over 100 countries worldwide. BTEC HNDs have been around for 25 years, their reputation is second to none and they continue to grow and develop. In 2007, more than one million students enrolled on a BTEC HND course.

How are BTEC HNDs assessed?

BTEC HNDs are not exam-based qualifications. Instead, students study real-life, work-based case studies and complete projects and assessments, which contribute to achieving each unit studied. Each BTEC HND is made up of units. The number of units is dependent on the level and size of BTEC HND being studied (e.g. BTEC Introductory, BTEC National).

In order to complete each unit, students must achieve against a set of outcomes. The assessment criteria address theory with practical exercises. The assessment process is ongoing, so it allows the student to analyse and improve their own performance through their course in much the same way as they would in a real workplace.

The projects that students undertake form the basis of their unit results which are graded as a Pass, a Merit or a Distinction.

What is NQF Level 5?  

The BTEC Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are NQF (National Qualifications Framework) Level 5. It is widely recognised by Universities and professional bodies. There are more than 150 qualifications available, suitable for students aged 16 and above. The BTEC HND is often studied part-time alongside with full-time employment. A Higher National student will develop management and other higher level technical skills required by employers. After a period of usually two years studying part-time or full-time, students often progress to the final year of degree programmes. Higher Nationals can be studied in both FE colleges and universities.

BTEC Recognition

BTEC is recognized by a large number of organizations in a wide range of sectors. BTEC qualifications are developed with key industry representatives and sector skills councils ensuring to meet employer and student needs.

Many industry and professional bodies offer successful BTEC students exemptions for their own accredited qualifications. A Recognition Directory is available from Edexcel to those seeking to qualify for professional memberships following the achievement of BTEC HNDs.

The following UK Universities have confirmed that they will give final year entry (Year 3) to BTEC HND students who have studied Business, Computing or Engineering subjects:

For more details please refer to www.edexcel.com

For other advanced entry (Year 2/3) to BTEC HND students, please check with the consultants for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What does BTEC stand for?

A. Originally BTEC was an organisation – the Business and Technician Education Council – which was set up in 1983 to nationally validate and accredit high quality, consistent vocational qualifications. In 1996 following a merger of BTEC and the University of London Examinations and Assessment Council (London Examinations) a new company, Edexcel, was born. BTEC remains a brand for work-related qualifications owned and offered only by Edexcel.

Q. Is BTEC HNDs recognised?

A. The BTEC Higher National Diplomas are level 5 higher education qualifications, widely recognised by universities and professional bodies. There are more than 150 qualifications available, suitable for students aged 16 and above. After a period of usually two years, students often progress to the final year of degree programmes (certain UK Universities).

Q. How does assessment take place?

A. BTEC qualifications are delivered and assessed by staff in centres, who create a programme of study to reflect local requirements and facilities, and who use a variety of assessment instruments appropriate to the outcomes being assessed. These may include, for example projects, presentations and case studies.

Outcomes are measured using grading criteria, or Pass, Merit or Distinction. All assessment is quality assured through internal verification and sampled through a range of external verification activities orchestrated by Edexcel.

Q. What does a student receive on completion of a BTEC course?

A. On successful completion of a BTEC course a student is provided with a certificate and a Notification of Performance. The certificate gives details of the student’s name, where he/she studied and the name of the qualification (with the overall grade where this is provided). The Notification of Performance gives the titles of the units studied and the grades achieved in each – this is sometimes known as a student profile, and shows what a student has achieved on the course studied.