Why study with Professional and Continuing Education?
About studying with PACE
University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) is part of the world-class University of Cambridge, and offers academically rigorous, part-time and full-time adult education courses, many of which have no formal academic entry requirements.
The wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and qualifications we offer includes University of Cambridge awards, such as certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas and Master of Studies degrees (MSts). These awards, except for MSts, are referred to within the University as ‘non- member awards’ as students are not required to matriculate (i.e. join the roll of the University) or become a member of a Cambridge College.
Students who complete undergraduate and postgraduate courses and qualifications with us will become alumni of the University of Cambridge.
Whilst completing an undergraduate certificate, diploma or advanced diploma at PACE is an achievement, students who achieve academic credit with us may be able to count it towards degree programmes at other Higher Education institutions via credit transfer, if they wish. Please see our Academic credit and university-level study page or contact us for further information.
Master of Studies (MSt) awards, which are part-time, postgraduate degrees, enable students to matriculate and become members of a Cambridge College. Students who complete these awards not only become alumni of the University of Cambridge, but also of their Cambridge College.
Our online and weekend courses are designed for personal interest and professional development. Our in-person International Summer Programme allows you to combine courses from a wide range of subject areas whilst staying in a Cambridge College, getting to know fellow students from across the globe and joining our vibrant, international community of adult learners (aged 18-80+).
We're also growing our portfolio of apprenticeships in a select range of areas. Students on these courses are also subject to the UK Government’s regulations on degree apprenticeships.
PACE qualifications
All qualifications offered by PACE are qualifications of the University of Cambridge, endorsed by the relevant Faculties or Departments and approved by the University’s Academic Standards and Enhancement Committee.
Benefits of studying at PACE
Transferable skills are core abilities and qualities that are relevant and useful in many areas of life, including socially, professionally or in education. We have identified several skills which you can develop during your studies with us:
Intellectual skills, which include the ability to:
- reflect critically on information received, whether spoken or written
- analyse and evaluate information
- develop and present new ideas
- identify and solve problems
- interpret material which may be presented in an unfamiliar style or format
- apply reasoning or logic
Communication skills, which include the ability to:
- present written material clearly and appropriately
- present oral material articulately and effectively
- enter a debate and argue clearly and concisely
- listen patiently to the opinions of others
- deliver and receive critical feedback constructively
Organisational skills, which include:
- time management
- record keeping
- self-discipline
- self-direction
- the ability to gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information
- bibliographic skills
Interpersonal skills, which include:
- working creatively, flexibly and co-operatively with others
- formulating and meeting team objectives
- interacting successfully on a one-to-one basis
- giving support and encouragement to others
You may also develop your observational and practical skills and your research skills.
Some of the award-bearing courses we offer also provide opportunities to develop professional competencies, workplace skills and achieve professional qualifications that will enable you to progress or change careers.
University of Cambridge alumni status, and the benefits that come with it, has recently been extended to all learners who have completed an award-bearing course with us. This includes those who have earned undergraduate and postgraduate certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas. To apply for this new alumni status, you will need to submit a request to the University of Cambridge Alumni Relations Team to have your record updated centrally. Please include the following information in your email and send to [email protected]:
- full name, including any previous names you have been known by
- name of course
- dates of course
- proof of completion, such as a copy of your formal paper certificate or email
If you are studying for a qualification that is at least one academic year in length you can apply for a University card. The card provides full access to the resources of the Cambridge University Library as well as entry to University of Cambridge facilities. It will also give you free entry to the University Botanic Garden and a 20% discount on books published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) purchased at the Press bookshop in Cambridge.
If you are studying on an undergraduate award, please upload a photo when you book and pay for your course via your student account.
If you are studying on a postgraduate award, please upload a photo to the Graduate Application Portal (GAP) as part of the application process.
All photos need to comply with the University’s photo acceptance criteria.
Students on an award-bearing course will be provided with a university (@cam.ac.uk) email address. This will allow you access to Office 365, which provides Word, Excel, Outlook and OneDrive, for free.
The Careers Service at the University of Cambridge offers support from deciding what careers may be of interest through to help with interviews and assessment centres. The service is objective and not affiliated to any career sector or organisation. Watch our welcome video and visit our website to find out more. You do not need to know what career you want in order to use our support.
Exploring your options
Find career planning resources in our I'm looking for ideas section.
Use A-Z of Careers to find sector overviews & resources to help you explore.
Visit our YouTube page for videos of advice from alumni, sector information & careers support.
Sourcing jobs and opportunities made easy
Find jobs & internships on Handshake for roles that organisations choose to offer to Cambridge students. There are typically over 1,000 live opportunities at any one time across a wide range of career sectors. You can also find additional international roles, and full listings of Careers Fairs spanning many sectors from banking and finance to engineering and tech.
Free to use resources
Use Handshake to view a CV Guide and design an effective CV to use quickly.
Visit our Careers Service website.
Check out our Careers Blog for inspiration, advice & alumni stories.
Use Handshake for psychometric test practice, online video interviews, and support and practice for case study interviews.
Using the Careers Service – what to do next
Access further support from the Careers Service:
Find out how to activate your Handshake account, update your profile and download the Handshake App.
Support for students with a disability or long-term health condition
Advice and guidance about talking to employers about a disability, adjustments and how to ask for them, impact of a disability on a career is available.