Annamarie Phelps, chair of the Cambridge University Boat Club, said: “There is no question academically about the standing of the PGCE course, which is highly valued and operates at a postgraduate level.

“This decision comes despite the university’s advice on the PGCE’s standing and despite the precedent set by PGCE students from both Oxford and Cambridge being allowed to race in preceding years.”

The Boat Race Company, which runs the contest on behalf of the clubs, said: “This is an extremely competitive process and there are strict (publicly available) eligibility criteria for being considered for a place in a crew.

“Those criteria are jointly agreed by the two competing clubs, with no involvement from any third party.

“Similarly, both clubs agree to the existence and ultimate authority of an independent interpretation panel to provide rulings on any disputes, or to clarify rules where necessary.

“The clubs are signatories to a joint agreement and agree to be bound by a ruling of the interpretation panel with no further recourse.”