Nord Anglia Education
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St Andrews Bangkok
07 January, 2026

Understanding the IBCP and BTEC Pathways: Career-Focused Learning at St Andrews

Understanding the IBCP and BTEC Pathways: Career-Focused Learning at St Andrews - Understanding the IBCP and BTEC Pathways
Understanding the IBCP and BTEC Pathways

At St Andrews, we are passionate about providing educational pathways for all learners. For students with a clear career interest who also wish to keep university options open, we offer the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), which combines academic rigour with practical, career-focused learning. But what exactly is the IBCP, and how does it work alongside BTEC to prepare students for both university and their future careers?

What is the IBCP?

The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) is a flexible, holistic framework that offers the academic rigour of the IB Diploma Programme (DP) with career-focused study. It is designed for students who want to explore a specific career path while keeping their university options open.

How the IBCP works

The IBCP is made up of three key components:

1. Academic Courses: Students choose at least two IB Diploma subjects, such as Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches or Applications & Interpretation), Physics, or Psychology.

2. Career-Related Study: Students engage in a vocational programme, such as a BTEC Level 3 Diploma, tailored to their career interests.

3. IBCP Core: This includes Personal and Professional Skills (PPS), the Reflective Project (RP), Community Engagement (CE), and Language and Cultural Studies (LCS), helping students develop personal, ethical, and professional skills.

Together, these components enable students to personalise their learning by combining academic knowledge, career-specific expertise, and personal development, resulting in a well-rounded qualification supported by our strong industry connections.

Work placements 

As part of the IBCP Core, students will engage in work placements supported by our business and community partners across a wide range of industries, including hospitality (Anantara Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard By Marriott, VIE Hotel), food (getfresh), real estate (Raimon Land), media (Media Magination), kids activities (Curtain Up Bangkok), and sports and fitness (Training Ground) and many more. 

Students complete two placements in a one-week block, but also have the choice to attend one placement day per week during the school term. Through these unique experiences, students will develop their professional skills in workplace environments, gaining the confidence and insight needed to understand their interests and identify areas for growth as they mature into independent young adults.

 

Understanding the IBCP and BTEC Pathways: Career-Focused Learning at St Andrews - Understanding the IBCP and BTEC Pathways 

What is BTEC?

St Andrews is one of the few schools in Thailand to offer BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) courses. BTEC qualifications, originating in the UK, are vocational and designed to prepare students for specific careers across a wide range of industries. Unlike traditional exams, BTEC is primarily assessed through coursework and project-based assignments, giving students practical, real-world skills that can be applied directly in the workplace or higher education.

At St Andrews, we offer BTEC Level 3 Diplomas or Subsidiary Diplomas in:

• Business

• Art & Design

Creative Media

Travel & Tourism

Sport

How BTEC fits into the IBCP

BTEC courses play a central role in the IBCP by fulfilling the Career-related Study (CRS) component. This combination of vocational learning and academic IB subjects provides a balanced, career-oriented education. Integrating BTEC into the IBCP helps students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for their chosen career pathways.

This approach enhances employability while supporting progression to higher education or specialised training, making the IBCP a flexible and comprehensive programme tailored to individual career goals. At St Andrews Bangkok, this pathway empowers students to be confident, capable, and career-ready, prepared to succeed in a competitive global landscape.