A FORMER student from Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) is now studying his dream degree at university after completing a vocational course in applied sciences at the college.

Jamie Petch, now 19, is studying a BSc in biomedical sciences at Brunel University in London after leaving BCoT with a triple distinction for his Level 3 BTEC in applied sciences in 2017.

Vocational courses, such as BTECs, give students the option of studying a mix of practical application and classroom theory.

They offer a different learning experience to secondary school and just like academic qualifications, students can still progress to higher education. Overall, 98 per cent of BCoT students go on to university, an apprenticeship or employment.

Jamie, who joined BCoT from The Clere School, said: "I liked the idea of studying a BTEC over A-Levels. I found coursework a much better way of learning and being assessed, and my course had no exams.

"My tutors were really helpful and the course was really broad in terms of content. I particularly liked studying genetics and the course made me realise it was what I wanted to study at university."

As well as providing a more engaging way of learning, vocational courses offer a hands-on approach, with less focus on exams and different assessment methods are used to monitor students' progress.

Courses at BCoT include sport, computer science, art and design and business plus more traditional technical training in construction, hairdressing, hospitality and catering.

There's still time to apply to study at BCoT in September. To find out more about all the college has to offer, visit bcot.ac.uk.