Academic & Vocational BTEC Qualifications

Earn a BTEC qualification with Frontier!

Imagine spending ten weeks in a tropical paradise scuba diving amidst colourful reef fish and dolphins or tracking lions and elephants across a baobab-dotted savanna... all as part of your qualification!

OK - so your GCSE or A-level results may not have been exactly what you hoped them to be. You still want to attend that top university or land that dream job but don't think your grades are up to it. A Frontier BTEC qualification in Tropical Habitat Conservation or Expedition Management can put you ahead of the competition by showing recruiters that you have that key combination of fieldwork experience and rigorous training that makes a good scientist.

Come to one of our Information Sessions to find out more!
We are the only organisation of our kind that can offer you the opportunity to qualify for an internationally-recognised qualification while in the field. At Frontier we run three unique BTEC qualifications for volunteers and host-country participants: a ten-week BTEC Diploma in Tropical Habitat Conservation, a four-week BTEC Certificate in Tropical Habitat Conservation (taught and assessed at the same level as an AS-level), and a four-week BTEC Certificate in Expedition Management. Each of these courses is taught and assessed at an A-Level standard and are designed specifically for Frontier's projects

Endorsed and assessed by DfES and Edexcel

Frontier is accredited by the DfES as a learning provider and the BTEC is endorsed and assessed by Edexcel, one of the leading awarding bodies in the UK. As an Edexcel examining centre we have been awarded an 'A' grade status for Quality of Assessment and received the following evaluation:
"Dedicated staff members are providing reliable assessment decisions on candidates' competence ensuring that the quality of work produced is worthy of the academic qualification the candidates leave with. Top class assessments, feedback, and candidate support."
--Mike Todd, External Verifier for Edexcel.

GCSEs
Frontier BTECs are also a great way to boost GCSE results. This can help you do the A-levels of your choice or, if you don't want to follow an academic route, can really show employers that you have the practical skills that they want.

Why opt for the BTEC?
Both courses were written and devised around what happens already in the field, thereby enhancing the work already being achieved. You will find it makes your work on an expedition even more focused, relevant and meaningful. You'll be doing the training anyway and with continual assessment you will find it a straightforward way to improve your skills.

"The BTEC gave me a specific focus for the expedition and definitely optimises time on camp. Mentors are very well-trained and very supportive. I would recommend it to every volunteer, it was fun and easy. And it was really good value for money, especially as now I now have another qualification to add to my CV."

Many participants have used their Frontier expedition as a prominent component of their CV: this is a key way to distance you from your peers when seeking work or study opportunities. In creating the two qualifications we have distinguished the Frontier experience by involving valid and rigorous field science, from other 'expedition' experiences, that are usually more aimed at recreation.

BTEC Advanced Diploma: Tropical Habitat Conservation

The BTEC Advanced Diploma in Tropical Habitat Conservation incorporates the training and participatory learning already experienced by all volunteers on Frontier expeditions but adds depth to your experience by actively building your research and fieldwork skills under the close supervision of top field professionals. To complete the BTEC you'll fill in a daily work diary, one written submission based on data collected and one verbal presentation, among other things. The written report may be completed at home, but all other elements are completed in the field.

This qualification is available for volunteers on 10 and 20 week expeditions. The syllabus requires 270 hours of work and is of a similar standard to an A-Level.

BTEC Advanced Certificate: Tropical Habitat Conservation

The BTEC Advanced Certificate in Tropical Habitat Conservation incorporates the training and participatory learning already experienced by all volunteers on Frontier expeditions but adds depth to your experience by actively building your research and fieldwork skills under the close supervision of top field professionals. To complete the BTEC you'll fill in a daily work diary and one verbal presentation, among other things. All elements are completed in the field.

This qualification is available for volunteers on 4, 10 and 20 week expeditions and the syllabus requires 180 hours of work.

BTEC Advanced Certificate: Expedition Management (Biodiversity Research)

The BTEC Advanced Certificate in Expedition Management (Biodiversity Research) builds expedition planning, survival, navigation, logistics, and leadership skills in participants. You'll trek through a beautiful but remote region, carrying all of your expedition equipment along the way and helping your team to survive in a tough environment. Under the supervision of an experienced expedition leader you'll take turns running the expedition, with responsibility for finding a route, procuring supplies, and ensuring the safety and comfort of your teammates. If you want to push your limits of endurance and strength while exploring an exciting, untouched environment then this is the expedition for you! Continual assessment is used, together with an expedition planning document, an expedition log and a written report. The planning document is prepared before departure, and the written report is completed on your return, but all other elements are completed in the field.

This qualification is available for on the 4 week expedition management expedition and can be adapted for school groups participating for 4 weeks. The syllabus requires 130 hours of work.

Funding

A Frontier BTEC costs £260 in addition to regular project fees. 

If you enrol for the BTEC you can also receive help in funding your expedition with a Career Development Loan (CDL). See www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/cdl/ for more information. CDLs are deferred repayment bank loans, operated on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills by four major banks, to help you pay for vocational education or training.

"An excellent centre with top class physical resources and access to many of the world's biodiversity hotspots. It is worthy of note that many of the volunteer RAs stay on with Frontier as staff members to continue the work they have started and to assist future RAs."

- Mike Todd, External Verifier of Edexcel

BTEC Case studies - International volunteers

Adam Murphy

Adam volunteered with Frontier for 6 months, and then became a staff member in Tanzania. Without ever gaining a first degree, he gained a place on the prestigious Conservation Biology Masters course at the University of Kent at Canterbury, on the condition of gaining the BTEC qualification. During his course he has used many of the skills learnt with Frontier.

David Griffiths

David's BTEC, gained on his marine expedition to Madagascar, was excellent preparation for his Tropical Coastal Management Masters course at Newcastle University. The qualification proved he had substantial fieldwork experience and a real insight into tropical marine conservation, as such it helped seal his application for full funding.

BTEC Case studies - Host-country volunteers

Albert Ntemi

Albert Ntemi Sallu was the first Tanzanian to study the Frontier Tropical Habitat Conservation BTEC.

At the time he was a Forestry Officer working for the Forestry and Beekeeping Divison (Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism). He worked with Frontier-Tanzania to conduct biodiversity surveys of all forest reserves in the East Usambara mountains, part of the Eastern Arc hotspot.

Over 6 years with Frontier, Albert gained an in-depth knowledge of the flora, especially tree species, of the East Usambara forest reserves. He was the principal botanical collector and has had new tree species (to science) named after him. He has also worked for Frontier in the Coastal forests and Kilombero Valley.

An article 'Traditional uses of forest resources', taken from Albert's BTEC project was published in TZ Wildlife Magazine.

Nuhu Daniel

Nuhu Daniel, a local Tanzanian Field Assistant / Liasion Officer, recently achieved a distinction for his BTEC portfolio which included an assessment of the effect of the age of teak plantations on the abundance and diversity of terrestrial invertebrates. After working for Frontier for a year Nuhu is now going on to work with the Wildlife Conservation Society in Tanzania.