The content has been aligned with that of the reformed BTEC National qualifications delivered in the UK, although allowing for local adaptation to include international rules and regulations. The scheme of assessment differs from the UK Applied General and Tech Level qualifications and allows for the delivery of the qualifications in different time zones around the world.
- International
The Pearson BTEC International Level 3 qualifications are career-focused, designed to enable learners to gain the knowledge and skills required for employment, or to be taken as part of a wider study programme or apprenticeship.
They have been designed for international learners, and have therefore been developed in collaboration with employers, HE Institutions and teaching professionals from around the world. This is reflected in the depth and breadth of the content, and the design of the assessment. They are designed to enable the combination of theory and practice in teaching and learning which is then assessed through a combination of written and practical tasks set in work-related contexts.
They are designed for learners aged 16+ intending to progress into higher education, higher applied courses or direct to employment. The UK is a target destination for many of these international students for both entry into higher education institutions and/or employment.
These qualifications are based on the Pearson BTEC National Level 3 qualifications on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) but have been adapted for international learners. These qualifications will form part of a new portfolio of international BTECs, which will include Level 2 qualifications.
BTEC courses are available in schools, colleges and universities across a range of subjects including business, construction, creative, engineering, hospitality, IT, land-based, sport, science, and travel and tourism.
Pearson is working with international governments and qualification frameworks to recognise and validate these qualifications for local delivery. In acknowledgement that many of these international students will want to progress their education and/or career in the UK, Pearson is also working with universities and employers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Pearson (Edexcel)
The Pearson BTEC International Level 3 qualifications follow a unitised approach. The qualification specification outlines the number of mandatory and optional units required for each qualification size. The ratio between the number of mandatory and optional units that must be taken varies per qualification.
The units give learners experience of the breadth and depth of the sector that will prepare them for further study or training. This includes the opportunity for learners to choose several topics from a selection of options reflecting different progression pathways.
- Applied science
- Art and design
- Business
- Construction
- Creative media production
- Engineering
- Hospitality
- Information technology
- Land-based technology
- Music
- Performing arts
- Production arts
- Sport
- Travel and tourism
Applied Science
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Certificate in Applied Science
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Science
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Applied Science
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Biomedical Science
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Environmental Science
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Biomedical Science
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Environmental Science
Art and Design
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Art and Design
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design
Business and Enterprise
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Certificate in Business
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Business
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Business
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Certificate in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
Construction and the Built Environment
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Building Services Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Civil Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Building Services Engineering
Creative Media
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Creative Media
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Creative Media
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media
Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Certificate in Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Mechatronic Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Digital Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Mechatronic Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Digital Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering
Hospitality
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Certificate in Hospitality
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Hospitality
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Hospitality
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Hospitality
Information Technology
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Certificate in Information Technology
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Information Technology
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Information Technology
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Information Technology
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Information Technology
Land-based Studies
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Certificate in Land-based Studies
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Land-based Studies
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Land-based Studies
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Agriculture
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Horticulture
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Land-based Studies
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Land-based Studies
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture
Music
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music (Production)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Music
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Music (Production)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Music
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Music (Production)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music (Production)
Performing Arts
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Performing Arts
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Performing Arts
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Performing Arts (Circus)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts (Circus)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Circus)
Production Arts
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Production Arts
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Production Arts
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Production Arts (Design)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Production Arts (Technical)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Production Arts (Management)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Production Arts (Make Up)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Production Arts
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Production Arts (Design)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Production Arts (Technical)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Production Arts (Management)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Production Arts (Make Up)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts (Design)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts (Technical)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts (Management)
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts (Make Up)
Sport
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Certificate in Sport
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Sport
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Sport, Fitness and Personal Training
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Sport
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Sport Fitness and Personal Training
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Sport
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Sport, Fitness and Personal Training
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, Fitness and Personal Training
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development
Travel & Tourism
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Certificate in Travel and Tourism
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Travel and Tourism
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Travel and Tourism
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Travel and Tourism
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism
- Level 3
These qualifications have been benchmarked to level 3 on the Ofqual Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England.
Claiming the overall qualification grade
The total unit points contribute to the overall qualification grade according to the qualification size.
|
Certificate (180 GLH) |
|
|
Grade |
Points threshold |
|
U |
0 |
|
Pass |
18 |
|
Merit |
26 |
|
Distinction |
42 |
|
Distinction* |
48 |
|
Subsidiary Diploma (360 GLH) |
|
|
Grade |
Points threshold |
|
U |
0 |
|
Pass |
36 |
|
Merit |
52 |
|
Distinction |
74 |
|
Distinction* |
90 |
|
Foundation Diploma (510/540 GLH) |
|
|
Grade |
Points threshold |
|
U |
0 |
|
Pass |
54 |
|
Merit |
78 |
|
Distinction |
108 |
|
Distinction* |
138 |
|
Diploma (720 GLH) |
|
|
Grade |
Points threshold |
|
U |
0 |
|
PP |
72 |
|
MP |
88 |
|
MM |
104 |
|
DM |
124 |
|
DD |
144 |
|
D*D |
162 |
|
D*D* |
180 |
|
Extended Diploma (1080 GLH) |
|
|
Grade |
Points threshold |
|
U |
0 |
|
PPP |
108 |
|
MPP |
124 |
|
MMP |
140 |
|
MMM |
156 |
|
DMM |
176 |
|
DDM |
196 |
|
DDD |
218 |
|
D*DD |
234 |
|
D*D*D |
252 |
|
D*D*D* |
270 |
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 qualifications are 100% internally assessed through written assignments and practical tasks. Most assessments are set and marked by educators in the school or college and verified by Pearson. Pearson will set and provide centres with assignments for some mandatory units (approximately 25% of all units).
This means that all assessments can be arranged at a time that best accommodates the varying academic years in different countries. This style of assessment gives learners the opportunity to build up a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates how they can apply their knowledge, skills and achievements in real-life scenarios.
Qualification grading is dependent on the level, unit grade achieved and the size of the unit. The table below shows the number of points scored per unit size.
|
Grade |
Size: 60 GLH |
Size: 90 GLH |
Size: 120 GLH |
|
U |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Pass |
6 |
9 |
12 |
|
Merit |
10 |
15 |
20 |
|
Distinction |
16 |
24 |
32 |
For example, a merit for a 90 GLH unit will earn the learner 15 points. The combination of the unit points will then determine the overall qualification grade.
Learners are eligible for one resubmission of evidence for each unit assignment submitted. The centre may only authorise a resubmission if all of the following conditions are met:
- the learner has met initial deadlines set in the assignment, or has met an agreed deadline extension
- the assessor judges that the learner will be able to provide improved evidence without further guidance
- the assessor has authenticated the evidence submitted for assessment and the evidence is accompanied by a signed-and-dated learner declaration of authenticity
If a learner has not met these conditions, the centre may not authorise a resubmission.
Resubmission must be scheduled within 15 working days of the learner receiving the results of the initial assessment and undertaken by the learner with no further guidance.
There are a number of key considerations for HEPs when reviewing vocational qualifications that are not listed on the DfE 16 – 19 performance tables for England:
- These qualifications have been designed to enable the combination of theory and practice in teaching and learning. They are intended for learners aged 16+ intending to progress into higher education, higher applied courses or direct to employment in some sectors.
- Applicants holding these qualifications may be school or college leavers, however, some may be more mature learners who are likely to have other relevant experience alongside these qualifications.
- These qualifications may have been taken as part of a wider study programme or an apprenticeship.
- These qualifications vary in GLH. If smaller sizes are presented for admission to HE they are likely to be in conjunction with other qualifications.
Centres must develop an overall plan for delivery of the programme and decide when the assignments take place. Assignments are planned for when the learner is suitably prepared to undertake the assessment. Once learners are working on assignments which will be submitted for assessment, it is essential they work independently to produce and prepare evidence for assessment.
First awarding will vary depending on the size of the qualification.
Non-ABL quals
The results of Pearson BTEC Internal Level 3 qualifications are not reported to UCAS through Awarding Body Linkage (ABL). This does not reflect the validity of the qualification. HEPs will need to ask applicants to provide their own evidence of achievement.
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 qualifications have been designed for progression into higher education, higher applied courses such as Higher Nationals, or direct to employment in some sectors.
Each year, around 100,000 students enter university in the UK having taken a Level 3 BTEC qualification. This makes up around one in four of the annual UK cohort progressing to university. Around one third of these students take a Level 3 BTEC alongside A levels, whilst two-thirds take a BTEC on its own. In all, 146 universities and conservatoires in the UK recognise Level 3 BTECs. Internationally, the BTEC Nationals are recognised by 172 universities in 29 countries around the world, including the USA, Canada, Australia, UAE, Netherlands, Malaysia and Japan.
Qualification website:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-international-level-3.html
Qualification Specifications:
BTEC Centre Guide to Internal Assessment: