Pre-Degree Diploma
The Pre-Degree Diploma is our unique university preparation programme. Whether your dream is to study at Oxbridge, become a doctor, lawyer, engineer or business leader, our Pre-Degree Diploma programme is designed to maximise your chance of success.
The programme takes place during your first year A Level studies or your year 13 International Foundation Programme, starting in the Spring term. You will be in class for one hour each week, working with like-minded students and being taught by experts in the subject area you plan to study at university.
Pre-Degree Diploma subject areas include:
- Architecture
- Art & Design
- Business Management and Leadership
- Chemistry and Pharmacy
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Law
- Mathematics
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Natural Sciences
- Physics and Engineering
- Psychology
Other subject areas are available on demand.
The Pre-Degree Diploma provides dedicated time to prepare your university application and gain deeper level knowledge and skills in the areas that you are interested in studying at university. You will be asked to study outside of the curriculum and at a higher level, with weekly reading and assignments set by tutors to direct your learning.
We also provide support with your university application, which will include advice on selecting the right universities and courses and applying through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), feedback and support to help write your personal statement, and preparation for admissions interviews and entrance tests. You will gain important transferable skills such as the ability to conduct research, work as a team, and present to an audience. We’ll encourage and help you to practical work experience in your field, so that you understand the types of careers your studies may lead to.
The most important outcome from the Pre-Degree Diploma is to allow you to develop and demonstrate a passion and a love for your subject, as this is what admissions tutors really look for in applicants. This will help you to ‘stand out’ from other applicants to the most competitive universities.
Core Components
Careers and UCAS Guidance
We will help you to explore different career choices open to you. You will get to speak to employers in your field of interest, learning the skills and experiences that they value. You will get the opportunity to go on workplace visits and gain real work experience to test out your chosen career. Whilst this happens we’ll be working to refine your university application. You will develop a clear vision of the type of course you want to study, and the likely careers that it will lead to.
Gaining deeper subject knowledge
We’ll encourage you to develop as an independent learner by looking beyond the traditional syllabus. With our guidance you will be expected to read degree level materials, research articles, novels, biographies and memoirs related to your area of interest.
You’ll be aware of current world issues, and be able to discuss and share your opinion on a range of topics. We will prepare you to present reasoned arguments, considering both sides, and to offer your own balanced opinions. We’ll also expect you to test your advanced knowledge by competing in the national and international challenges, Olympiads and competitions in which our college has a proud record of success.
Specialist University Admissions Preparation
If your goal is to gain a place at a ‘top 5’ UK university (Oxford and Cambridge, the London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London, and Imperial College London) or to study Medicine at Medical School we offer additional preparation in areas like application, entrance examinations, essays and tests, additional qualifications and admissions interviews.
