IB Careers Programme

"The CP was specifically developed by the IB for students who wish to engage in career-related learning while gaining transferable and lifelong skills in applied knowledge, critical thinking, communication, and cross-cultural engagement" (ibo.org)

What will you study?

Students will study:

• Careers Related Study Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma in Enterprise & Entrepreneurship or BTEC Diploma / Extended Diploma in Sport 

• 2 or 3 x IB Diploma subject courses (at ANY level - at least one HL is strongly encouraged)

• IBCP Core:

  • Reflective Project - Externally assessed

  • Personal & Professional Skills Course

  • Language & Cultural Studies

  • Community Engagement

The BTEC Diploma / Extended Diploma follows a continuous assessment model. This means that right from the start of your course you will be producing evidence that counts towards your final grade; This evidence can take many forms including reports, blogs, presentations, displays, recorded interviews, brochures, social media content and planning documents. The continuous assessment model means that you will always know your progress towards your target grade.

Each assignment is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction. The final grade ranges from Pass Pass Pass to Distinction* Distinction* Distinction* (this higher grade is equivalent to 3 x 7s at HL)

Do universities accept the BTEC L3 Extended Diploma?

BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma: this is the equivalent of studying IBDP and A-levels and provides access to a degree programme in the first year.

Most universities and colleges in the UK accept BTEC students, including competitive universities from the Russell Group. (more on the Russell Group further down the page)

“In some cases, studying at least one BTEC may help prepare you for university life, with a program of continuous coursework and research better mirroring university-style assessment” (The Uni Guide )

 "BTEC students can often be better prepared in terms of the independent studying that’s required at degree level, due to the portfolio-based nature of BTEC courses." (The Uni Guide )

"The time management and self-organisation you’ll pick up on a BTEC course can also give you an added edge," (The Uni Guide )

What do universities think of the L3 Extended Diploma?

At the University of Sheffield, undergraduate admissions manager Tony Flaherty comments that “we have certainly seen an increase in BTEC students at the University of Sheffield over the past few years with our experience being that they successfully transition into higher education with us.”

The Russell Group universities we spoke to emphasise that the most important thing is that they meet the course criteria, regardless of which qualifications they’re taking. 

The University of Sheffield’s policy is to treat all applicants “fairly and consistently, and therefore we wouldn’t view BTEC applicants any differently than those presenting A-levels or IBDP,” Tony says. 

(The Uni Guide )

Which Russell Group universities accept BTECs? 

There are 24 universities in the Russell Group – here's what each one's official stance is on accepting undergraduate BTEC students in general. Bear in mind that the specific requirements will vary depending on the course, so it's always worth checking the university's website or speaking to their admissions department. 

• University of Birmingham: accepts BTEC applicants on many of its courses (University of Birmingham courses)

• University of Bristol: accepts BTEC applicants. For some subjects, it may ask for Distinctions in particular units or for an additional Diploma subject. 

• University of Cambridge: the University of Cambridge would not accept a BTEC in place of the required A-levels / DP subjects – the university advises potential applicants taking a mix of qualifications to speak to a college admissions tutor to find out more.

• Cardiff University: accepts BTEC applicants on many of its courses, although you may also need 1 or 2 Diploma subjects. 

• Durham University: accepts BTEC applicants on many of its courses (Durham University courses)

• University of Edinburgh: accepts BTEC applicants who have taken certain subjects.

• University of Exeter: accepts BTEC applicants. 

• University of Glasgow: accepts BTEC applicants who have taken certain subjects (University of Glasgow courses)

• Imperial College London: does not accept BTEC applicants. 

• King's College London: will accept BTEC applicants for the majority of its courses, but for most of them applicants will also need to have taken certain Diploma subjects. 

• University of Leeds: accepts BTEC applicants on many of its courses, but may need to also have other qualifications depending on the course. 

• University of Liverpool: accepts BTEC applicants, but some courses may also require a Diploma subject(University of Liverpool courses)

• London School of Economics and Political Science: accepts BTEC applicants on many of its courses, but may also require some Diploma subjects

• University of Manchester: accepts BTEC applicants provided they're taking a subject relevant to the chosen course. 

• Newcastle University: accepts BTEC applicants. 

• University of Nottingham: accepts BTEC applicants on most of its courses. 

• University of Oxford: accepts BTEC applicants if they have also taken Diploma subjects. 

• Queen Mary University of London: accepts BTEC applicants on the majority of its courses. 

• Queen's University Belfast: accepts BTEC applicants on many of its courses. 

• University of Sheffield: accepts BTEC applicants. 

• University of Southampton: accepts BTEC applicants. 

• University College London: accepts BTEC applicants. 

• University of Warwick: BTEC applicants will be considered on an individual basis. BTECs may be acceptable on their own or together with other qualifications depending on the course. 

• University of York: accepts BTEC applicants, but may ask for an additional Diploma subject

What are the UCAS points available for BTEC and Diploma subjects?