Progressing from BTEC to higher education

More than 100,000 BTEC students apply to university in the UK, and the number is growing each year.

From a BTEC National, you could go on to study a 3-year full-time undergraduate degree course. You could even do a sandwich degree. If you don't quite meet the entry requirements, you could do a foundation year course before the degree. This is mainly in subjects such as engineering, computing and sciences.

You could also study a BTEC Higher National (also known as HNC / HNDs) and top this up to an undergraduate degree later. Some courses are also available part time.

Where can I study?

You can study at over 150 universities and other higher education colleges in the UK.

Did you know... ?

95% of UK universities and colleges accept BTEC students.
Many further education colleges also run degree, foundation degree, HNC and HND courses.

Our Degree Course Finder (DCF) is for students studying a Pearson qualification (Edexcel or BTEC) and looking for progression options to university.

Learn more about our Degree Course Finder

What else do I need?

Most universities accept a BTEC National Extended Diploma on its own. If you are taking a Diploma, a 90-Credit Diploma or a Subsidiary Diploma, you may need to take another qualification such as an A level.

Some courses ask for particular units or pathways, and a few ask for an A level with the Extended Diploma. So you will need to check individual course requirements.

The majority of degree courses require a grade C in GCSE English and maths. Some courses also require a grade C in science GCSE.