University of Cambridge - Engineering diploma makes grade

The new advanced diploma in engineering, established by the Government as one of a series of 14-19 diplomas that may eventually replace A levels, will be accepted as an entry qualification for undergraduate engineering courses at the University of Cambridge. The university's decision to endorse the qualification will help boost the award's credibility. Students wishing to use this qualification for entry to courses starting in 2010 will need to include A-level physics and the Level 3 certificate in mathematics for engineering as part of their "additional specialist learning" and demonstrate the same level of academic aptitude and potential as other applicants. Geoff Parks, director of admissions for the Cambridge colleges, said: "The engineering diploma is an interesting new qualification combining practical and theoretical learning in innovative ways."