The Level 3 BTEC Nationals (AAQs) are for post-16 students aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment. With their applied and practical focus, they perfectly complement A levels as a part of a mixed programme of learning, helping to bring more theoretical learning to life.

From 1 August 2025, we have approved for funding reformed Technical Qualifications (TQs) and Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) developed as part of the post-16 qualification review at...

These qualifications are worth UCAS Tariff points and can be combined with other Level 3 qualifications. The Certificate, equal to an AS Level, develops applied knowledge and skills. The Extended Certificate, equal to an A Level, develops applied knowledge and skills.

Alternative Academic qualifications (AAQs) allow entry to a range of higher education courses, either by meeting the entry requirements in their own right or being accepted alongside other qualifications at Level 3 such as A levels.

To complete your registration, you will need the: Once you submit your request, you will get a confirmation email and the UKRLP team will validate your request. This can take up to 3 working days....

Cambridge Advanced Nationals, our new Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs), are designed for students aged 16-19 years and complement existing A Level and post-16 study programmes.

England is reorganising all Level 3 qualifications (the ones you take after GCSEs) into three lanes. A-levels stay as they are. Small BTECs taken alongside A-levels are being replaced by new versions called AAQs, which started teaching in September 2025.

Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) are new qualifications that are available for the first time in 2025. It is an academic qualification with elements of applied learning in a range of subjects at Level 3.

Information for students and teachers of our BTEC AAQs in Applied Science (2025), including key documents and the latest news.

For those aged 16-18, AAQs are designed to combine academic knowledge with practical, career-focused training. They provide students with real-world experiences across a variety of professional sectors, developing both subject expertise and skills that employers and universities value.