Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas

At ICE we offer a range of part-time courses leading to University of Cambridge awards at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Our awards are linked to the framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and some of our courses also lead to professional qualifications. Please note that the University does not offer a part-time undergraduate degree.

Please note: we are currently upgrading our course application and booking system.

  • Application and booking services will be unavailable for Undergraduate Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, and associated bursaries, until the upgrade is complete on Thursday 20 June 2013.
  • If you have recently been approved for a course, you will receive an email once the upgrade is complete explaining what to do next.
  • If you have any queries in the meantime, please contact our Admissions Team at ice.admissions@ice.cam.ac.uk or +44 (0)1223 746262.


cert dip brochure 2013-14 cover 200pxUndergraduate Certificates

Undergraduate Diplomas

Undergraduate Advanced Diplomas

Postgraduate Certificates

Master of Studies (MSt) degrees

Professional qualifications

Funding: bursaries and student loans

What our students say


Please note: it is essential that students on these courses have regular access to an internet-connected computer and have an email account. Course communications will be sent via email and courses are supported by a web-based virtual learning environment. The computing facilities available at a public library or internet café may be sufficient, and unlimited free computing and internet access will be available to you within the Cambridge University Library throughout your course.


Undergraduate Certificates

Certificate courses are taught part-time over one year (unless otherwise indicated), at first-year undergraduate level. Most are open to anyone with an interest in the subject, and you don't need any special qualifications to apply. Two Certificates in the same subject (where available) can be combined into an Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education, equivalent to one year of full-time study.

Undergraduate Certificate courses beginning in October 2013:

* Taught part-time over two years

Follow the links above to find out more about a particular course, or contact ug-awards@ice.cam.ac.uk to register your interest.

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Undergraduate Diplomas

Diplomas are taught part-time over one year, at second-year undergraduate level. These courses offer the opportunity to study particular subjects in greater depth and often include an element of personal research, for which individual guidance and supervision are given. Two Diplomas in the same subject (where available) can be combined into an Undergraduate Diploma of Higher Education, equivalent to one year of full-time study.

Undergraduate Diploma courses beginning in October 2013:

Follow the links above to find out more about a particular course, or contact ug-awards@ice.cam.ac.uk to register your interest.

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Undergraduate Advanced Diplomas

Advanced Diplomas are taught part-time over two years, at third-year undergraduate level. These courses offer the opportunity to study particular subjects in greater depth and include a significant element of personal research, for which individual guidance and supervision are given. Because they are research-based, Advanced Diplomas can easily be studied from a distance. They provide an excellent basis for postgraduate study and research.

Undergraduate Advanced Diploma courses beginning in November 2013:

Follow the links above to find out more about a particular course, or contact ug-awards@ice.cam.ac.uk to register your interest.

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Postgraduate Certificates

Postgraduate Certificates are taught and assessed at Master’s level, and offer the opportunity to gain 60 credits (at FHEQ Level 7). The following courses will run in 2013-14:

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Master of Studies (MSt) degrees

The MSt is a two-year degree obtained by part-time study. Applicants are normally expected to have a good first degree or other evidence of capability to complete a Master's degree.

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Professional qualifications

The University of Cambridge delivers the following non-credit programmes which are recognised by professional bodies from their respective industries.

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Funding: bursaries and student loans

If you are new to higher education, new to ICE, or if you’re a state-funded teacher, you could be eligible for an ICE Bursary award.

You may also have access to part-time student loans if you’re studying for your first university qualification.

Plus you can pay your fees in instalments, to help spread the cost of study.

Find out more about funding for ICE courses

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What our students say

If you're thinking of applying for a Certificate or Diploma course but aren't sure what to expect, why not read what some of our recent students have to say about their experience of studying here?

Read what our students say

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