This is a chance to work closely with qualified researchers in your field to boost both generic and subject-specific research skills. You will make connections as part of a powerful learning network, join a vibrant research community, and begin to forge an identity as a researcher in your own right.
Course Dates
Course details
Tutors
Key Features
Course highlights
During this part-time online advanced diploma course, you will:
- progress your research with support from fellow experts
- gain tailored advice about routes for further study
As well as the skills and knowledge to progress your own project, this course will develop your understanding of your research within the context of a wider research community. You can work on a specialised project or simply focus on developing your skills for further postgraduate study. This is the first part of an optional 2-year programme.
We cover a wide range of subject specialisms, which are shown below. If your area of interest is not listed, please do still get in touch with us to discuss whether we can support it.
- Archaeology, Landscape History and Classics
- Biological Sciences
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Creative Writing
- Creativity Theory
- Education Studies and Teaching
- Engineering and Technology
- English Literature
- Film
- History of Art and Visual Culture
- History
- International Relations and Global Studies
- Leadership and Coaching
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Philosophy, Religion and Ethics
- Politics, International Relations and International Studies
- Social Sciences
As part of our learning community, you will:
- gain broad research skills training that encompasses your chosen research specialism and prepares you for further study
- develop a working knowledge of the most commonly used qualitative and quantitative research methods
- identify examples of ‘best practice’ in research in your chosen specialism
- benefit from expert guidance on how best to approach your research questions
- reflect on the development of your research and learn different methods for communicating your research ideas clearly and succinctly
- attend subject-specific workshops for advice and support with further study
- have the opportunity to apply for the second part of this optional 2-year programme: the Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in Research in the Arts/Sciences.
Course breakdown
This course will run from 10 October 2025 to 10 June 2026.
Most of the teaching for each term will be done on one Monday and one Tuesday, between 1pm and 5pm (all times GMT/BST). Exact teaching dates and times will be confirmed in the course guide upon enrolment.
Michaelmas term: Research Fundamentals: Thinking Like a Researcher
- Unit 1 start date: 10 October 2025
- Unit 1 end date: Wednesday 7 January 2026
Lent term: Research Design: Theory and Practice
- Unit 2 start date: Week commencing 5 January 2026
- Unit 2 end date: Wednesday 25 March 2026
Easter term: Collaborative Research: Engaging with a research community
- Unit 3 start date: Week commencing 30 March 2026
- Unit 3 end date: Wednesday 10 June 2026
After the course
The Advanced Diploma in Research in the Arts/Sciences is the optional second part of the two-year Advanced Diploma programme. The Advanced Diploma in Research in the Arts/Sciences enables you to conduct your own independent research project in your chosen field.
Others might wish to apply directly for a postgraduate course in their chosen field. We offer postgraduate courses in a range of disciplines: you can find out more about our postgraduate certificate and diploma courses here, and our part-time Masters courses here.
To be accepted onto an Advanced Diploma course, you will normally have passed at least a Diploma (level 5) qualification, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject.
We are able to make exceptions, especially if you have evidence of relevant professional experience that demonstrates your suitability for the course.
Please tell us about any previous study or relevant educational and professional experience when you apply.
Your application will be reviewed by the Course Director or Academic Director, who will decide whether to make you an offer of a place.
If you are still unsure which academic level to study, would like an informal discussion on academic matters before making your application, or would like to know more about the admissions process, please use the 'Ask a question' button.
English language requirements
If you are applying to study an Undergraduate Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma and your first language is not English, you will need to meet the requirements of one of the language proficiency tests below:
IELTS (Academic), IELTS for UKVI Academic, IELTS One Skill Retake
Overall score of 7.0, with not less than 7.0 in Speaking, Listening and Writing, and 6.5 in Reading.
TOELF iBT or TOEFL Home Edition
https://www.ets.org/toefl.html
Overall score of 100, with no element below 25.
Cambridge English C2 Proficiency
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/proficiency/
Overall score of 200, with no element lower than 185.
IT requirements
The course content will be delivered, and the learning outcomes met, through video-based teaching platforms and a dedicated course Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
You will therefore need to have access to:
- the internet via a computer, laptop, tablet or other smart device
- speakers or headphones in order to hear any pre-recorded material
- a webcam and microphone for any interactive sessions which may be available
Identity Check
As part of your application you are required to provide a copy of your ID. At the beginning of the course, you will be required to attend a live zoom session, so that we can verify your identity. Please note we will not be able to issue the award if an identity check has not been completed.
As part of our open and inclusive learning environment, you can enjoy the world-class resources and expertise of the University of Cambridge wherever you are on your academic journey.
Our video-based teaching platforms offer a flexible way to access lectures, while our Virtual Learning Environment makes it easy to study and learn online and interact with your tutor and fellow students.
Our teaching methods include lectures, presentations by guest speakers and facilitators, interactive and experiential learning activities. We will also give you reading and assignments to complete outside of classroom sessions.
You will be asked to submit an assignment at the end of each unit to demonstrate your learning. There are more details about how this course is assessed in the course guide we will send you once you have enrolled.
Qualifications
This course is equivalent to half of the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree. You will earn 60 CATS credits on successful completion. CATS credits are recognised by higher education institutions and employers.
This is the first part of an optional 2-year programme. Depending on previous academic qualifications, you may be eligible to complete year 2 (the Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in Research in the Arts/Sciences) without having completed year 1.
Students who successfully complete both years of the programme will be awarded the Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in Research Theory and Practice in the Arts/Sciences, worth 120 CATS credits at level 6.
How many hours of study are required?
The award of academic credit is a means of quantifying and recognising learning and within the UK, one credit notionally represents 10 hours of learning. This course attracts 60 credits, so students should expect to need to study for approximately 600 hours in total to complete all units successfully. However, it is recognised that students study at different paces and use a variety of approaches, so this is a recommendation, rather than a hard-and-fast calculation.
SEEC Credit Level Descriptors for Higher Education (2021) here.
The fee for this course is £4,900. You can either pay:
- in full when you enrol,
or
- Your account will be set up for you to pay in 3 equal instalments: the first when you enrol, the second by 1 January, and the third and final instalment by 1 April – (standard instalment plan). The exact dates will be confirmed in your booking details
Important: your place on the course is not secured until we receive your first payment along with any required documents, such as proof of English language proficiency.
If you are offered a place, you will receive instructions as to how to register and pay.
Help with fees
We have many sources of financial support that you can explore.
Refunds
This course will require a minimum number of students to run. In the rare event that the course is cancelled by us, due to minimum numbers not being met, or for any other reason, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid.
Disability Support
The University’s Accessibility & Disability Resource Centre Non-Matriculated Service (ADRC NMS) provides advice, guidance, and resources to University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) award-bearing undergraduate and postgraduate students who have a diagnosed disability or medical condition, including mental health conditions. The support provided can include:
- appointments with a Senior disability adviser or Neurodiversity disability adviser
- reviewing/assessing medical or diagnostic evidence
- production of a Student Support Document (SSD)
- signposting to sources of disability-related funds (Disabled Students’ Allowances [DSA], as well as other internal funds for home and international students)
- coordination of human support, such as specialist mentoring or specialist study skills
- neurodiversity screening service (Autism, Specific Learning Difficulties, ADHD)
- signposting to disability library services
- signposting to assistive technology and software support
If you would like to access support then please indicate this on your course application form and then complete the ADRC NMS online Student Information Form so they can work with you to fully support your studies. Please upload medical evidence (written in English) when prompted to within the Student Information Form. The following links to guidance on medical evidence or diagnostic evidence will help to answer any questions you may have.
If you have any questions concerning disability support then please contact the ADRC NMS team via [email protected] or view their website.
Wellbeing Support
It is important that all our learners feel safe in their learning environment and student wellbeing is our key priority. We have a dedicated Student Support team who can offer a variety of support mechanisms to those who are experiencing challenges maintaining positive mental wellbeing. The PACE Student Support Team are here to support you throughout the duration of your studies with us and can:
- meet with you via teams/zoom (camera can be off) to discuss any concerns surrounding your wellbeing, mental health, academic pressures, or welfare
- advise you on options and signpost you to appropriate sources of guidance which range from self-guided resources to wellbeing conversations
- direct you to specialist support and help concerning welfare, wellbeing, safeguarding and prevent
- in specific circumstances (where there is a clear need unmet elsewhere) provide access to counselling
- provide access to study skills resources
If you have any questions concerning learning support, then please contact us.
