Cambridge Pre-U: new alternative for high-flyers

Cambridge Pre-U is ideal for...

High achieving students, interested in studying science and/or maths in greater depth than the A-level provides. The Cambridge Pre-U also allows you to develop your own research project, similar to the work you might undertake at university.

Students less interested in science/maths can also combine the Cambridge Pre-U with other A-level subjects e.g. Arts and Humanities.

• 3-5 subjects studied in depth over two years
• Assessment takes place through one set of exams at the end of the two years
• Students can achieve a higher number of UCAS points than is possible at A-level
• Recognised by the best universities including all of the Russell Group*
• Includes specific Oxbridge training as part of the course
• Has a particular focus on developing research and critical thinking skills
• Can be combined with A-level subjects

About the course...

Read more about the Cambridge Pre-U
Why study Cambridge Pre-U with us?
What subject options are available?
What do top universities say about the Cambridge Pre-U

An alternative to A-levels for high-flying students

This exciting new UK qualification has been devised by University of Cambridge International Examinations to prepare the very best students for entry to top universities.

It challenges students to show not only a keen grasp of their subject, but also lateral, critical and contextual thinking. It encourages individual, independent research and promotes learning through innovative approaches to curriculum and assessment.

Unlike A-levels, the Cambridge Pre-U is not a modular programme; Pre-U students sit only one set of exams at the end of the two-year programme.

This structure is particularly effective for international students, whose English Language skills develop over the course of their studies, with exams taken when their skills are strongest.

"We welcome the academic rigour of the new qualification's linear approach and the retention of subject specialism." Wendy Piatt, Director General of the Russell Group

Specialist coaching from academic experts

Cambridge Pre-U students receive 2 hours per week of dedicated preparation for Oxbridge applications as part of their course.

Students also benefit from a comprehensive study support package, including University / Careers advice and specialist training for:

• Oxbridge: students applying to Oxford or Cambridge
• Medicine (BMAT): students applying to study Medicine and preparing for BMAT exams
• USA (SATS): students applying to US Universities and preparing for SATS exams

Our results are 42% above the national average

Our small class sizes mean that every student receives individual attention from our highly qualified staff, many of whom have university doctorates and are experts in their field.

This year we are celebrating our best ever results, with students progressing to The Times Top 10 University destinations, including Cambridge, Warwick, Imperial College London, London School of Economics, Durham, York.

Find out more about our student results

We offer a unique study support programme

Our students succeed because of the unique study support we provide, including:

• Individual Learning plans: tailored specifically for you, targets are set and achievements measured to ensure you achieve your goals and reach your potential.
• Free and unlimited supplementary tuition: if you work hard, we will provide as much supplementary tuition as you may need – absolutely free.
• Weekly assessment and monitoring: a key to your success, these enable you to check your learning, revisit areas of weakness and be completely comfortable under exam situations.
• Carefully balanced teaching methods: you will benefit from a variety of carefully chosen teaching methods that match your preferred learning style and prepare you for university.
• Study skills support: our Cambridge centre offers a fully integrated programme of language support, memory enhancement, mind mapping, speed reading and brain training. With our support, reading speed, recall and memory can be increased by 40% and creative thinking by 200%.
• Daily meetings with your Personal Tutor: for regular support and guidance.
• Extensive support network: extending beyond the academic, our network of support and extra-curricular activities build independent, mature and caring individuals.

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Subject options

• Economics
• Maths
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Compulsory subject: Global Perspectives and Research (GPR)
  

Students can choose to either:

• Study three or four Cambridge Pre-U subjects OR
• combine one or two Cambridge Pre-U subjects with one or two A-level subjects

In addition, students must complete an Independent Research Report and a Global Perspectives portfolio. Global Perspectives encourages students to think critically about issues of the modern world, giving them the tools to identify, evaluate and explore competing arguments and perspectives.

Course structure:

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What do top universities say about the Cambridge Pre-U?

The Russell Group* of leading universities says:
"We believe that the Cambridge Pre-U promises to be an acceptable preparation for university courses. We welcome the academic rigour of the new qualification's linear approach and the retention of subject specialism."

London School of Economics:
"The LSE would accept the Cambridge Pre-U qualification as suitable for admission to its undergraduate courses. In particular, LSE would welcome the academic rigour of the new qualification's linear approach and the retention of subject specialism. The Curriculum Extension will provide evidence of independent learning skills, which are considered important at LSE."

Imperial College, University of London:
"This examination system will be a useful method in helping us to select good quality students for our courses. We do like the idea of linear courses, the increased depth of understanding ... and the expanded reporting scale at the top end."

*The "Russell Group"
The Russell Group consists of the following universities: Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Imperial College London, King's College London, Leeds, Liverpool, London School of Economics, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Queen's Belfast, Oxford, Sheffield, Southampton, University College London, Warwick

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Programme assessment
Students will be assessed to determine suitability for their enrolled programme. We reserve the right to counsel them to a more appropriate programme as a result of this initial assessment. Click here to find out more.