BTEC Nationals are designed as specialist qualifications for students who have a clear view of their future career or are seeking progression to higher education. BTEC Nationals are level 3 qualifications and are highly valued by universities, further education colleges and employers alike.

There are more than 250 qualifications for students to choose from, across subject areas including Art and Design, Media and Performing Arts and Music. These qualifications are suitable for students aged 16 upwards and are recommended for those who have achieved at least four A*- C grade GCSEs or have completed a BTEC First, and know what they want as a career path or what they want to study at university.

BTEC National qualifications are awarded UCAS Tariff points; a Distinction is worth 120 points, a Merit is worth 80 points and a Pass is worth 40 points. There is more information on UCAS tariffs here.

BTEC courses in Art and Design are available at the following ukadia institutions:

Arts University College Bournemouth | Cleveland College of Art & Design | Hereford College of Arts | Leeds College of Art | Plymouth College of Art | Ravensbourne | University for the Creative Arts

Edexcel are preparing a revised suite of BTEC Nationals for accreditation for first teaching from 1 September 2010. You can find out more about the full range of BTEC courses on Edexcel's site.