Courses at Newman

Choosing whether to study A-Level courses, BTEC courses, or T-Level courses can feel like a big decision after your GCSEs.

At Cardinal Newman College, we offer a wide range of courses in Preston designed to suit different learning styles and career goals. Whether you prefer exam-based learning, coursework or hands-on experience, you’ll find a pathway that works for you.

The main difference between these options is how they are assessed. A-Level programmes are mainly exam-based, although some subjects include coursework. BTEC courses focus more on coursework and practical assessments, often alongside work experience. T-Level courses are employer-focused and include an industry placement alongside your studies.

We offer a broad selection of advanced-level options, including A-Levels in Preston, BTEC Diplomas, Extended Diplomas, Extended Certificates and T-Level courses, as well as Intermediate courses such as BTEC Level 2s and GCSE resits in Maths and English Language.

If you’re unsure what to choose, our Admissions Team is always here to help guide you.

At Cardinal Newman College, we offer over 30 different A-Level courses in Preston, giving you the freedom to explore subjects you already enjoy or try something new.

From traditional subjects like Maths and History to newer options such as Psychology or Sociology, our A-Level programmes are designed to support progression to university, apprenticeships, or future careers. All A-Levels are studied as part of a full programme and typically take two years to complete.

If you’re considering your options, you can explore our full range of A-Level courses.

It’s also possible to combine A-Levels with BTEC courses, allowing you to balance exam-based learning with coursework.

At Cardinal Newman, we offer a wide range of BTEC courses designed for students who prefer a more practical approach to learning.

Rather than focusing exclusively on exams, BTECs are assessed through coursework, practical tasks, some exams and, in some cases, work experience. This makes them a brilliant option if you enjoy continuous assessment and hands-on learning.

Our BTEC courses in Preston include:

BTEC Extended Diplomas (equivalent to three A-Level courses)
BTEC Diplomas (equivalent to two A-Level courses)
BTEC Foundation Diplomas (equivalent to 1.5 A-Levels)
BTEC Extended Certificates (equivalent to one A-Level course)

This flexibility means you can build a study programme that suits your goals. You might choose a full BTEC Extended Diploma or combine smaller qualifications with A-Level courses.

To explore your options, take a look at our full range of BTEC courses.

T-Level courses are a newer qualification designed to prepare you for skilled employment, further study, or apprenticeships.

At Cardinal Newman, our T-Level programmes combine classroom learning with an industry placement, giving you valuable real-world experience alongside your studies.

Equivalent to three A-Level courses, T-Levels are completed over two years and have been developed in collaboration with employers to ensure the content reflects real industry needs.

If you’re interested in a more career-focused route, you can take a look at our available T-Level courses.

At Cardinal Newman College, you have the option to combine A-Level courses with BTEC courses, creating a study programme that suits your strengths and future plans.

This approach is becoming increasingly popular, as it allows you to balance exam-based learning with coursework and practical assessment.

If you’re unsure which route is right for you, our Admissions Team can offer advice and guidance to help you make the best decision.

A-Level courses or BTEC courses?

Choosing between A-Level courses and BTEC courses can feel challenging, especially if you’re still deciding on your future path.

In simple terms:

A-Level courses are mainly assessed through exams, with some coursework in certain subjects
BTEC courses are more coursework-based, with practical assessments and, in some cases, work experience

If you’re unsure, combining both can be a great way to keep your options open whilst developing a broader range of skills.

Most students study the equivalent of three subjects:

BTEC Extended Certificate = one subject
BTEC Foundation Diploma = one and a half subject
BTEC Diploma = two subjects
BTEC Extended Diploma = three subjects

Example course combinations

A-Level courses can be combined with:

Two other A-Level courses*
One BTEC Diploma

BTEC Extended Diploma:

Equivalent to three A-Level courses (full programme)

BTEC Diploma can be combined with:

One A-Level course
One BTEC Extended Certificate

BTEC Foundation Diploma can be combined with:

Two A-Level courses*
One A-Level and one BTEC Extended Certificate

BTEC Extended Certificate can be combined with:

Two A-Level courses*
One BTEC Diploma

Students can study four A-Level courses, but this is a more demanding option and usually requires strong GCSE results.

If you’re unsure what combination is right for you, our team is here to help.

*Subject to grades

At Cardinal Newman College, we’re proud to be recognised as one of the top-performing sixth form colleges in the country. In February 2023, we were rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted, demonstrating the high standards of teaching, student support and achievement across all our courses.

Whether you choose A-Levels, BTECs, or T-Levels, you’ll be part of a supportive and ambitious college environment designed to help you succeed.

By choosing to study at Cardinal Newman in Preston, you’ll benefit from: