Cambridge Pre-U

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.

Why study Cambridge Pre-U?

• It is recognised by the best universities including all of the Russell Group, who welcome it as a way of selecting the most talented students
• It allows students to acquire independent learning skills and a deep understanding of their subjects
• It is structured to award the best students grade points higher than can be achieved at A level
• It can be combined with A levels
• Examinations take place at the end of the two years, allowing students to benefit from seeing the subject as a whole rather than studying isolated modules
• It includes 2 hrs per week of Oxbridge tuition.

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 2-year programme.

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

Find out what the top universities have said about the Cambridge Pre-U

Subject options

Students can study up to four Cambridge Pre-U Principal subjects or substitute one or two of these for 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.



Cambridge Pre-U subjects available:

For January 2010 starters:

• Mathematics
• Further Mathematics
• Physics

For September 2010 starters:

• Mathematics
• Further Mathematics
• Physics
• Psychology
• Biology
• Chemistry

View list of A level subjects available.

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Top universities say...

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 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