Cambridge Technicals
Cambridge Technicals are practical, career-focused qualifications for post-16 learners. They are designed in partnership with employers and universities to give you the knowledge, skills and confidence you’ll need to move into higher education, apprenticeships, or skilled employment.
You’ll usually study Cambridge Technicals in a college or sixth form environment, with subject choices including Business, IT, Health and Social Care, Sport and Digital Media. If you want to focus on one subject area through practical assignments and applied projects — while gaining a qualification recognised by universities and employers — Cambridge Technicals could be the right path for you.
Is This Path for Me?
Cambridge Technicals are well suited to students who:
- Want to specialise in a particular career sector
- Prefer coursework and practical projects to written exams
- Value qualifications recognised by universities and employers
- Are motivated by applied learning linked to real-world skills
Top Tip
If you’re considering higher education, many universities accept Cambridge Technicals alongside or instead of A Levels — check your chosen course entry requirements to make sure they match.
The Cambridge Technical gave me the chance to focus on one subject I love. The practical projects built my confidence and prepared me for both university and the workplace.
Leo, Camden College Student
What You’ll Learn
Cambridge Technicals let you focus on one subject area in depth, combining theory with practical and applied projects. Courses are made up of units that cover both core knowledge and specialist skills, giving you a broad understanding of your chosen career sector.
Subject areas include Business, IT, Health and Social Care, Sport and Digital Media. Each unit is designed to help you build transferable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and communication, alongside the technical knowledge valued by employers and universities.
How You’ll Be Assessed
Assessment focuses mainly on coursework, but some subjects also include externally assessed units. This mix gives you the chance to show your skills and knowledge in a variety of ways.
Coursework
Most of your grade will come from coursework and assignments. These are often linked to real-world scenarios, allowing you to apply your learning in practical ways.
Exams
Some Cambridge Technicals include externally set exams to test your knowledge of key units, ensuring the qualification is nationally recognised.
Practical Assessments
Depending on your subject, you’ll complete practical tasks such as IT projects, health and care case studies, or sports-based assessments. These help demonstrate your applied skills in action.
Entry Requirements
Most colleges will expect you to have:
- At least four GCSEs at grade 4 or above
- English and maths at grade 4 or higher
- Some subjects may ask for specific GCSEs (e.g. Science for Health and Social Care, or ICT for Digital Media)
Top Tip
Entry requirements can vary depending on the subject and level of Cambridge Technical you choose, so it’s always best to check with your chosen college or sixth form.
What Makes Cambridge Technicals Different?
Cambridge Technicals give you the opportunity to specialise in one subject area through applied, career-focused learning.
Career-focused study
Each course is designed with input from employers and higher education providers, ensuring the content is relevant to today’s industries.
Flexible qualification sizes
You can study an Extended Certificate (equivalent to one A Level), a Diploma (equivalent to two A Levels), or an Extended Diploma (equivalent to three A Levels).
Applied learning approach
Assignments and projects are based on real-world tasks, helping you understand how theory is used in practice.
Widely recognised
Cambridge Technicals are accepted by most universities and valued by employers, giving you flexibility for your next step.
What Comes Next?
Cambridge Technicals are designed to prepare you for further study, training, or employment. After completing your course, you could move on to:
- University, with many courses recognising Cambridge Technicals for entry
- A higher or degree apprenticeship in your chosen career area
- Skilled employment in sectors such as business, IT, health and social care, sport, or media
Your choice of subject will help shape the pathways open to you, while keeping both higher education and work-based routes available.
Support Along the Way
Studying a Cambridge Technical means you’ll have access to a range of support to help you succeed in your course and beyond.
Dedicated tutors
You’ll have a personal tutor who monitors your progress, helps you set goals, and supports you with both academic and personal development.
Specialist facilities
Many courses provide access to industry-standard equipment, such as IT suites, sports facilities or media labs, giving you hands-on experience.
Careers advice
Colleges and sixth forms offer dedicated careers services to guide you towards higher education, apprenticeships or employment opportunities.
Wellbeing and pastoral care
You’ll have access to pastoral teams and wellbeing support, ensuring you get the help you need to balance your studies with personal challenges.
Find a Provider that suits you
Hampstead School Sixth Form
Hampstead School Sixth Form
Haverstock School Sixth Form
Haverstock School Sixth Form
Maria Fidelis Catholic School FCJ Sixth Form
Maria Fidelis Catholic School FCJ Sixth Form
LaSWAP Sixth Form Consortium
LaSWAP Sixth Form Consortium
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