A new qualification being studied by Lancashire schoolchildren, has received university backing. The county's youngsters are among the first in the country to study the new Diploma.

The new qualification for 14-19 year olds, which combines learning in the classroom with practical experience, gets underway this week when students in the area will be able to choose from diplomas in creative and media and engineering.

Among the hundreds of universities which have publicly stated they will consider applications from Diploma students are the University of Central Lancashire and Lancaster University.

So far 235 of 306 institutions have said they will consider applicants who have achieved an Advanced Diploma or an Extended Advanced Diploma. As well as local universities, the list includes most of the country's top establishments including Oxford and Leeds.

This month courses start in Chorley and South Ribble in engineering and Lancaster and Morecambe in creative and media studies.

On top of this 22 more bids from the seven areas in Lancashire were approved for the second tranche of the diploma to start in September 2009 or September 2010.

Among those due to start next September are courses in Chorley and South Ribble (creative and media), Preston (society, health and development) and Lancaster and Morecambe (society, health and development).

County Coun Vali Patel, the county council's cabinet member for schools, said: "The Diploma programme represents an exciting development which brings together academic and practical options to equip young people with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need for success.

"I have already visited a number of schools and colleges which are providing the Diplomas from September and I have been very impressed by both the standard of preparation and the enthusiasm of all involved.

"As with any new programme there may be a few teething problems at the beginning, but I am sure these will be quickly dealt with, and they should not be allowed to overshadow these exciting and innovative new qualifications.

"I am delighted that Lancashire is in at the beginning of this major development."

The Diploma is offered at three levels – foundation (which is equivalent to five GCSEs), higher (equivalent to seven GCSEs) and advanced (equivalent to three and a half A levels).

Developed in conjunction with universities, employers and other education professionals, it aims to give young people the knowledge and skills for success in higher education and the world of work.