Oxford to help develop new diplomas

The phase 4 diplomas, which will be taught from 2011, will be the first to be based on academic subjects as opposed to employment sectors.

However, students will still be required to do both work experience and work based learning and specialist employers will join academic advisors in developing the courses.

The NHS and British Gas are assisting with the science diploma and British Airways is involved with the languages course.

Mike Nicholson, director of undergraduate admissions for the University of Oxford, said: Our interest is in helping to ensure that the diplomas can deliver the highly rigorous academic content and study skills that applicants to highly competitive universities need.