Students studying selected undergraduate Certificates and Diplomas in English Literature and Creative Writing with Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) can progress into a full Bachelor’s degree with honours through an established partnership with The Open University.  

This pathway offers a structured and flexible route for learners who want their Cambridge study to contribute directly toward a degree. 

To take advantage of this pathway, students must first achieve 120 PACE credits at Level 4 through a Certificate in English Literature or Creative Writing. 

Students will then progress to Level 5 and complete a further 120 credits through two diplomas, following one of two routes depending on their intended degree outcome: 

• BA (Hons) in English Literature route: 

Students complete two Level 5 diplomas in English Literature (120 credits total). 

• BA (Hons) in English Literature and Creative Writing route: 

Students complete two Level 5 diplomas, with at least 60 credits in Creative Writing. 

At The Open University, students will complete their final stage of study by selecting from a range of Level 6 modules. 

For the BA (Hons) English Literature, students will study: 

One compulsory module (the following course are subject to change – please check with the Open University): 

• English Literature from Shakespeare to Austen (A334) 
  or 
• Literature in Transition from 1800 to the Present (A335) 

One optional module from: 

• English Literature from Shakespeare to Austen (A334) 
• Literature in Transition from 1800 to the Present (A335) 
• Advanced Creative Writing (A363) 
• Language and Creativity (E302) 

For the BA (Hons) English Literature and Creative Writing, students will study: 

Compulsory module: 

• Advanced Creative Writing (A363) 

Optional module: 

• English Literature from Shakespeare to Austen (A334) 
  or 
• Literature in Transition from 1800 to the Present (A335) 

The final 120 credits at The Open University can be studied fulltime over one year or parttime over two years, with all courses delivered fully online. This provides a highly flexible study option, allowing learners to balance their education with other commitments. 

Students wishing to progress through this pathway must apply via The Open University’s credit transfer process and provide confirmation of their Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications. Early application is recommended. 

Several PACE learners have already continued their studies through this route. Speaking about his own progression to the OU, PACE alumnus Mark says: 
“Cambridge led me to my BA - and hopefully, within two years, to a Master’s in the UK.”  

Eligible PACE courses:

• Certificate in English Literature: Approaches to Literary Study 
• Certificate in English Literature: Texts and Context (Contact our enrolment team)
• Diploma in English Literature: Literature Past and Present 
• Diploma in English Literature: Literature and Criticism (Contact our enrolment team)
• Certificate in Creative Writing: Creative NonFiction 
• Certificate in Creative Writing: Fiction and Writing for Performance 
• Diploma in Creative Writing: Advanced NonFiction 
• Diploma in Creative Writing: Advanced Fiction and Writing for Performance (Contact our enrolment team)

Questions about the pathway? 

If you’d like to understand how your PACE study could contribute toward a full BA (Hons) with The Open University, our enrolment team is here to help. 

Get in touch with us with your questions