Level 3 Diploma
The Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma is a full time two-year course of study which will develop specialist knowledge, practical skills and understanding within a vocational area and will give you a qualification that is the equivalent to three A Levels. In most subjects, students will be awarded the BTEC Extended Diploma at the end of their two years of study. The Extended Diploma is fully recognised by universities and carries UCAS points, enabling you to progress to university or directly into employment. If you want to commit to vocational study in a particular area, then this could be the route for you.
Level 2 Certificate/Diploma
The Level 2 BTEC Extended Certificate/Diplomas are equal to three/four GCSEs at grade 4-9 when completed successfully. This one-year course is offered in a range of vocational areas and combines both practical and theoretical study. Students studying Extended Certificate/Diploma courses often combine them with Mathematics or English at an appropriate level.
You can read more about vocational courses here.