-

Qualification details

Cambridge International Level 3 Diploma in Pre-U Diploma

Qualification summary

The Cambridge International Level 3 Pre-U Diploma aims to equip students with the subject-specific skills required to make a success of their subsequent studies at university. In addition, it encourages independent and self-directed learning and lateral, critical and creative thinking.

The Diploma has been developed in collaboration with schools and in consultation with universities and subject associations. It is offered as an alternative to current provision at 16-19 and is distinctive in that it promotes subject specialisation and depth within a diploma framework.

The Diploma is based on the freedom for students to choose the subject combination that suits their own interests, enthusiasm and expertise. In addition to their three subject specialisms, candidates complete two core components: Global Perspectives (a guarantee of breadth for all candidates) and Independent Research Report (an opportunity for further exploration of a topic, entailing greater depth or breadth, as appropriate).

All the component parts of the Diploma have a set of educational aims in common

•Encouraging the development of well-informed, open- and independent-minded individuals
•Promoting deep understanding through subject specialisation, with a depth and rigour appropriate to progression to higher education
•Helping learners to acquire specific skills of problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, team-working, independent learning and effective communication
•Recognising the wide range of individual talents and interests
•Promoting an international outlook and cross-cultural awareness

In addition, the full Diploma seeks to add value by

1. Providing a platform for subject specialisation
2. Allowing students choice to tailor programmes to meet their individual needs
3. Encouraging additional breadth through the Global Perspectives course
4. Permitting further depth through the Independent Research Report.

Qualification details

500/3815/1
Cambridge International - University of Cambridge International Examinations
3
OG - Other General Qualification
Accreditation start date:
01/03/2008
Operational start date in centres:
01/09/2008
Accreditation end date:
31/08/2011
Certification end date:
31/08/2012
For information on the approval of qualifications for funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see the links to DCSF, DIUS, DCELLS, DELNI and DENI below.

When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
For further information on 14-19 qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DCSF Section 96 website.

For further information on 19+ qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DIUS Section 97 website.
For further information on Wales, visit the DCELLS website.
For further information on Northern Ireland, visit the DELNI and DENI websites.
Botswana - Canada - Finland - France - Greece - Guernsey - India - Scotland - Spain - Uganda - United States
English
The Cambridge International Level 3 Pre-U Diploma aims to encourage the development of generic skills of independent study and research, and to promote critical thinking and self-directed learning – all of which are intended to provide for successful progression to Higher Education and employment. In addition, the component syllabuses provide deep learning in terms of knowledge and understanding that will provide a sound basis for progression to higher study in cognate subjects.
No specific job occupation
  • 14 Preparation for Life and Work
    • 14.1  Foundations for Learning and Life
1460
32 - 100
Coursework
Written Examination
The qualification is assessed using independent and holistic assessment.
The Cambridge International Level 3 Pre-U Diploma is a specialised diploma for candidates aged 16-19 seeking entry to Higher Education. Candidates study three Principal Subjects alongside a Global Perspectives course and an Independent Research Report. Through the Principal subjects the candidates should attain in-depth subject knowledge at a level that will prepare them for study at University. Global Perspectives encourages breadth by developing skills of critical analysis and research in the context of student investigations of a range of issues of global concern. In addition, the Independent Research Report allows students to explore a chosen topic in research depth.
A Cambridge International Pre-U Diploma is awarded to candidates who pass three Principal Subjects, Global Perspectives and their Independent Research Report. The Diploma as a whole is awarded a score out of 96. Each individual Principal Subject is also awarded a separate grade.

All assessment for the Cambridge International Level 3 Pre-U Diploma takes place at the end of the two-year course, with the exception of coursework components in some Principal Subjects (see separate subject syllabuses for details) and Global Perspectives. The assessments are demanding and generally cover all, or a large portion, of the syllabus content.

The Pre-U Principal Subjects are: Art and Design, Art History, Biology, Business and Management, Chemistry, Classical Greek, Classical Heritage, Comparative Government and Politics, Economics, English in Literature, French, Further Mathematics, Geography, German, History, Latin, Mandarin Chinese, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy and Theology, Physics, Pyschology, Russian, Spanish, Sports Science.

Further details about the schemes of assessment and the content of the separate Principal Subjects, along with details about Global Perspectives and the Independent Research Report can be found on www.cie.org.uk or direct from CIE.
  • A  -  Compulsory Core Components
    These two components are compulsory and form the core of the Cambridge International Level 3 Pre-U Diploma.
  • B  -  Principal Subjects - at least one must be chosen
    Students must choose and pass at least three Principal Subjects to be eligible for the full Diploma.