Cambridge Advanced Nationals (AAQs) - programme of study combinations

Student working in a science lab

16 to 19 year old students who want to progress onto further or higher education, but don't want to study only A Levels (or a T Level programme), can choose a mixed study programme. 

Our mixed study programme provides students with the practical and essential skills and knowledge they need to better prepare themselves for entry into higher education and university or progress into the world of work.

From September 2025

Cambridge Advanced Nationals, our new Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualifications, have been approved for funding for first teach from September 2025 and can be taken as a part of a post-16 programme of study. Designed to complement existing A Levels, here are some examples of how the first wave of Cambridge Advanced Nationals (AAQs) can be taught alongside A Levels and Cambridge Technicals as part of a programme of study:

Key

  Qual index

Applied Science

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These study programmes complement the combination of theoretical knowledge and understanding with applied practical learning and will support progression to higher education applied science courses such as biomedical and environmental related degree courses. 

Computing: Application Development

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This study programme is ideal for progression onto IT and Computer Science degree courses, especially Computer Game Development courses and also Computer Science. Students develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills, allowing them to confidently develop applications that meet user needs.  

Engineering

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These study programmes complement the combination of theoretical knowledge and understanding with applied practical learning and will support progression to Engineering and technology related degree courses including Degree Apprenticeship as well as Level 3 Apprenticeships.

Health and Social Care

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Ideal for progression to nursing or other allied health profession undergraduate degrees, combining knowledge and understanding of people from both a psychological and physiological perspective, applied to the health and care context 

Human Biology

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These study programmes complement the combination of theoretical knowledge and understanding with applied practical learning and will support progression to higher education applied human biology and healthcare science related degree courses.

IT: Data Analytics

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Ideal for progression onto IT and computing degree courses, especially information management or data science. Students develop fluency in working with data and apply to relevant scenarios. 

Want to find out more about our new Level 3 Cambridge Advanced Nationals?

Head over to our Cambridge Advanced Nationals hubpage to find out more about our new qualifications. 

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