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Curriculum

Important notice for schools teaching Cambridge Pre-U

In November 2019 we announced that we will be withdrawing Cambridge Pre-U. The last examinations for the majority of subjects* will be June 2023, with a resit available in June 2024. No teaching of Cambridge Pre-U syllabus should be started for new students in September 2022.

*There are five syllabuses being withdrawn a year earlier with last examinations in June 2022 - Latin, Classical Greek, Psychology, Russian and Italian. Only resit candidates can be entered to take the exams in June 2023 for these syllabuses, new candidates will not be eligible to enter.

Students working in a classroom

Cambridge Pre-U is available in 24 Principal Subjects. Each Principal Subject is a two-year programme of study with exams at the end. Short Courses (typically one-year programmes) are also available in some subjects.

We developed Cambridge Pre-U with input from universities and higher education. All syllabuses develop in-depth subject knowledge and skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, team working, independent learning and effective communication.

Schools can enrich their curriculum by offering Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR). This is taught as two successive one-year courses: Global Perspectives develops research and thinking skills during the first year, preparing students for the extended project in the second year (the Research Report). Learners can achieve the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma by taking Cambridge Pre-U GPR with three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (one or two can be substituted for A Levels).

Flexibility is a key feature of Cambridge Pre-U. Students can choose any combination of subjects, and can combine Cambridge Pre-U with A Level qualifications.

Schools tell us that Cambridge Pre-U offers genuinely interesting syllabuses, and is stimulating for both teachers and learners.

Educational aims of Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U is underpinned by a clear set of educational aims:

  • 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.

Cambridge Pre-U: Progression to university

VIDEO: Former Cambridge Pre-U student, Mary Curr, explains how her Cambridge Pre-U qualifications have helped her progression at university.

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