Bradford University has backed a new alternative to the traditional A-level.

A survey of leading research universities says that 38 per cent of admissions tutors are "unlikely" or "very unlikely" to accept 14-19 diplomas - due to start in secondary schools throughout the district in September.

However, Geoff Layer, pro-vice-chancellor for learning and teaching at the University of Bradford, said the institution would welcome students with the new qualification.

Mr Layer said: "The University of Bradford welcomes the new diploma qualifications as an entry requirement for all its undergraduate courses.

"The university has focused for many years on providing opportunities for all potential students.

"We believe that the diplomas are an exciting innovation which will provide greater curriculum choice for young people in schools and colleges. As such they provide a mix of vocational and academic study and lead to greater motivation.

"We are currently working on the detail of these with Education Bradford and local schools and colleges."

Five diplomas in engineering, construction, information technology, creative and media and health will be on offer from the autumn.

The survey, carried out by the 1994 Group of major research universities, of which Bradford is not a member, says universities want the qualification to succeed, but warns there remains considerable uncertainty about its value.

This week fast-food giant McDonald's, airline Flybe and Network Rail announced they will also run courses which could form part of a qualification at the standard of A-levels or advanced diplomas.

Philip Shackleton, Bradford branch secretary for the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said the new diplomas would help replace apprenticeship schemes.

"The old route of apprenticeships has gone. Fifty years ago there were four huge engineering companies in Bradford which took on about 100 apprentices each year.

"That route has been cut-off for young people but the kids are still the same. Broadly speaking, I would welcome the new diplomas. We will have to see what they deliver when they are launched."

Ian Murch, Bradford branch secretary for the NUT, sounded a note of caution over their introduction. He said: "The Government is right to identify the fact that there are not adequate routes to work via vocational subjects."