University of Cambridge Online Cambridge Advance Online

Frequently asked questions

How do I sign up / enrol for a course?

You can book quickly and easily online from the relevant course page. Please click the ‘book now’ button and proceed via the relevant steps to complete your enrolment.

How do I access my course?

Log in to the Virtual Learning Environment with the email address and the password you created when you completed your account registration. If you still need to create a password, please complete your account set up and follow the instructions sent to you via email.

How can I ensure a course is the right level for me?

We have provided some guidance within the course description and requirements sections on the course page. If you have a specific question, then please feel free to reach out to one of our Enrolment Advisors.

Is there an application process?

We do not have a formal application process, but we do require you to self-certify that you have met our learner criteria. This includes confirming that you are proficient in English, are 18 years or older, and are committed to the course and engaging with fellow learners for the full duration. Please see the suggested hours of study and any pre-requisites advertised on the relevant course page. The self-certification is part of the registration process once enrolment opens.

How often will courses run throughout the year?

Cambridge Advance Online courses will run at regular intervals throughout the year and exact timing depends on the course. Our courses typically last six to eight weeks, with the first courses starting in September 2021. We will advertise the start dates on the relevant course page when you are able to enrol.

Will I receive a certificate on completion?

Yes - when you successfully complete a Cambridge Advance Online course according to our assessment criteria, you will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the University of Cambridge that will be sent to you electronically.

I am interested in making a booking on behalf of a business. Who can I speak to about this?

We welcome questions from individuals booking on behalf of a business or organisation. Please schedule an appointment with one of our Enrolment Advisors to discuss your specific requirements.

I am based outside of the U.K., how do you configure your courses for learners in different time zones?

Cambridge Advance Online courses are largely self-paced, which means that you can do most of your learning in a way that suits your needs. We aim to be as flexible as possible for our global community of learners and any live sessions that you are not able to attend will be recorded and made available for you to access at another time.

Do learners have live sessions with University of Cambridge academics?

We provide a mixture of live sessions, tutor-led discussions, and independent study depending on the requirements for the course. You will have the opportunity to learn from, and engage with, University of Cambridge academics and tutors during the course. Live sessions are recorded so that they can be watched later if required.

Are the courses accredited with the University of Cambridge?

When you successfully complete a Cambridge Advance Online course, you will receive a certificate of achievement issued by the University of Cambridge. The course content is created in collaboration with University of Cambridge academics but the courses do not carry any academic credits towards a University of Cambridge degree or diploma qualification.

What is expected of me during the course?

As a course participant we expect that you will conduct yourself professionally, legally and respectfully, towards staff and fellow participants, during the course. You can find a list of your commitments in our Participant Commitment Policy and Terms of Purchase.

Are you able to make adjustments to enable study for specific disability requirements?

We are committed to inclusion and aim to make reasonable adjustments to ensure access to our courses is as wide as possible. If you would like to discuss a specific access requirement, please contact us directly.

What is a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)?

A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is a platform used to deliver online education. We use a VLE called Canvas to which you will be given access after enrolment.

Can I resubmit course work?

Our courses are assessed with a range of methods including quizzes, course participation and a final project. You will be able to take quizzes up to three times. Content submitted during the course will receive peer feedback and these submissions will form the basis of your final submission. Should your final submission fail to meet the required criteria, you will have one opportunity to resubmit following tutor feedback.

What data of mine do you store and what do you use it for?

We hold personal and anonymised data for a variety of reasons. Please refer to Privacy Notice and Terms of Use for further details.

How old do I need to be to participate in these courses?

Our courses are open to those over 18 who meet the suggested entry requirements outlined in each course specification.

Do you offer discounts?

We offer discounts to staff and alumni of the University of Cambridge. We also offer discounts for group bookings. In both cases we recommend you contact our Enrolment Advisors for further details.

Am I able to change to a later course?

Subject to our Deferral and Refund policies, you can change to a later course. Please speak to our customer services team if you require a deferral.

I’ve changed my mind, am I able to receive a refund?

You can receive a refund if you change your mind within 14 days of booking or if there are more than 28 days before the start of the course. Please see our Refunds policy for further details.

What payment methods are available?

You can pay via the website using Visa, Mastercard or Amex. You can also pay via bank transfer (BACS). To do this, please contact our customer services team.

Can I make a group booking?

Yes. Our customer support team can assist with your enquiry. Please see our Contact Us page for more information. Group booking is not currently available via the website.

Can I book on behalf of someone else?

Yes. Our customer support team can assist with your enquiry. Please see our Contact Us page for more information. Booking for someone else is not currently available via the website.

I have purchased a course but I have not received an email confirming the purchase?

If you have purchased a course but you haven't received an order confirmation email, or if you are a first time purchaser and you haven't received an email with instructions on how to complete your registration, please get in touch with our support team. Before getting in touch, please check that the emails haven't been sent to your junk folder.

Please note our support hours are 09:00 – 21:00 (UK time), Monday to Friday.

I can’t access Canvas, what is wrong?

If you are having trouble logging into the Virtual Learning Environment with your email and password, you can reset your password. If you are still having problems logging in, please contact our support team:

Please note our support hours are 09:00 – 21:00 (UK time), Monday to Friday.

How do I reset my password?

If you are having trouble logging into the Virtual Learning Environment, you can request a password reset link. You will then be sent an email with instructions on how to reset your password.

I want to know more about Canvas. Where can I find out more information?

Please take a look at our dedicated Canvas FAQs. If you have a question about something that isn't covered, then you can check the Canvas Community Guides or alternatively get in touch with our Technical Support team by emailing technicalsupport@cambridge.org.

If you have a question that is not answered here, please feel free to reach out to contact us directly or sign up to our marketing alerts for updates on new Cambridge Advance Online courses.