HE admission information for vocational learners
1. Entrance Requirements
Entrance requirements are given on the UCAS website course search, and are also likely to be stated on the individual university or college websites. They may not include every vocational qualification, though the most common are usually included. If in doubt, contact the institution directly.
Requirements may be couched in A level grade terms rather than points. This is fine, but as it is the first thing applicants see on 'Course Search', it may appear to the student that vocational qualifications are not welcomed - even where this is not the case. Applicants have to scroll down quite a way to find that their applications are, in fact, welcome. This is not an issue where points required are indicated, since the points usually apply to vocational as well as A level achievements.
2. Offer Statements
Anecdotally examples exist of universities sending an offer to a BTEC National student which asks for an A level - or even two! - alongside. This indicates a possible misunderstanding of the teaching hours and / or the content of BTEC courses. The same universities wouldn't ask an A level student for 4 A level grades - it's about consistency. Such offers should be challenged - ring the university directly to ask.
3. Results and Confirmation
It is very important that all the results are available for vocational students in one place at the time the universities are confirming places (i.e. A level results week in August). Occasionally there are hitches at this stage when results have not been sent through to a university. The school or college may be contacted directly in this case, and it is important that (a) someone is there to take the call and (b) that they are able to access all the results for that student.