Every university in the UK gives subject requirements in each course. Let's take Cambridge University as an example:
Architecture
Typical offers require
A-level：A*AA
IB：40-42 points，with 776 Higher Level
For 2017, 2018, and 2019 entry, the majority of entrants from an A Level background achieved at least grades A*A*A (75% of entrants). Of these successful applicants, 90% took Maths, 90% took Art & Design and 53% took Physics (84% took Art & Design, plus either Mathematics, Physics or both). For the same period, the majority of IB entrants achieved at least 42 points overall and/or grades 776 at Higher Level.
Subject requirement
All Colleges require: No specific subjects required by all College
Some Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level Mathematics or Physics; A Level/IB Higher Level an essay-based subject
Admission assessment
All applicants for Architecture are required to take written and practical assessments if shortlisted for interview. You will not need to register in advance for this assessment and the Colleges will provide details directly to you.
Submitted work
All Colleges will ask Architecture applicants to submit a PDF (6 A4 pages, and less than 15MB in size) of their own artwork prior to interview. The selection of images should, in part, reflect material you might bring to interview as part of your portfolio.
Perfolio
All applicants invited to interview are expected to show a portfolio of recent work at the interview but this isn't expected to be work of an architectural nature (eg plans, sections etc).
Admissions Tutors want to see something that illustrates your interests, experience and ability in the visual and material arts. This may include drawings, paintings, sculpture and/or photography may also be included. It's usually sufficient for three-dimensional work to be exhibited in photographs.
A sketchbook with ongoing drawings is extremely helpful and applicants are encouraged to take one to the interview. It may be in any media (pencil, charcoal, crayon etc) and should include a variety of subject matter. The work can be material prepared for school-leaving examinations but creative work executed outside formal courses is also welcome.
Chemical Engineering and Biotchnology
Typical offers require
A-level：A*A*A*
IB：40-42 points，with 776 at Higher Level
For 2017, 2018 and 2019 entry, the majority of entrants from an A Level background achieved at least grades A*A*A* (88% of entrants). All of these successful applicants took Mathematics and Chemistry, 86% took Further Mathematics, 91% took Physics and 8% took Biology. For the same period, the majority of IB entrants achieved at least 43 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level.
Subject requirement
All Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level Mathematics* and Chemistry
Some Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level in a third science/Mathematics subject
Admission assessment
All applicants for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology for 2024 entry are required to take the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA) at an authorised assessment centre (usually their school or college). You must be registered in advance for the assessment.
Submitted work
Applicants are not typically asked to submit examples of written work. Some may be asked by their College to do some reading in advance of their interview, but if this is required the College will provide full details in the letter inviting the student to interview.
Computer Science
Typical offers require
A-level：A*A*A
IB：40-42 points，with 776 at Higher Level
For 2017, 2018 and 2019 entry, the majority of entrants from an A Level background achieved at least grades A*A*A* (81% of entrants). All took Mathematics, 96% took Further Mathematics, 85% took Physics and 59% took Computing.
For the same period, the majority of IB entrants achieved at least 43 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level.
Subject requirement
No prior knowledge of programming is required
All Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level Mathematics*
Some Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level in at least one other science/Mathematics subject
Admission assessment
All applicants for Computer Science for 2024 entry are required to take the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) at an authorised assessment centre (usually your school or college). You must be registered in advance for the assessment.
Submitted work
Applicants are not typically asked to submit examples of written work. Some may be asked by their College to do some reading in advance of their interview, but if this is required the College will provide full details in the letter inviting the student to interview.
A Level Further Mathematics is very strongly encouraged. If unavailable or you’ve recognised its desirability too late, we’d advise you to do as much additional pure maths and decision maths as possible, eg by studying Further Mathematics AS Level, or by using online resources covering advanced material. Good performance in maths competitions can be a positive aspect of an application.
Applicants to Peterhouse and Trinity College may also be require to sit the Computer Science Admissions Test (CSAT).
Design
Typical offers require
A-level：A*AA
IB：40-42 points，with 776 at Higher Level
Subject requirement
All Colleges require: A* in A Level Mathematics
Some Colleges require: AS or A Level/IB Higher Level Physics; A Level/IB Higher Level in an essay-based subject
Admission assessment
All applicants for Design are required to take written and practical assessments if shortlisted for interview. You will not need to register in advance for this assessment and the Colleges will provide details directly to you.
Submitted work
All Colleges will ask Design applicants to submit a PDF (6 A4 pages, and less than 15MB in size) of their own artwork prior to interview. The selection of images should, in part, reflect material you might bring to interview as part of your portfolio.
Perfolio
All applicants invited to interview are expected to show a portfolio of recent work at the interview but this isn't expected to be work of an architectural nature (eg plans, sections etc).
Admissions Tutors want to see something that illustrates your interests, experience and ability in the visual and material arts. This may include drawings, paintings, sculpture and/or photography may also be included. It's usually sufficient for three-dimensional work to be exhibited in photographs.
A sketchbook with ongoing drawings is extremely helpful and applicants are encouraged to take one to the interview. It may be in any media (pencil, charcoal, crayon etc) and should include a variety of subject matter. The work can be material prepared for school-leaving examinations but creative work executed outside formal courses is also welcome.
Economics
Typical offers require
A-level：A*A*A
IB：40-42 points，with 776 at Higher Level
For 2017, 2018, and 2019 entry, the majority of entrants from an A Level background achieved at least grades A*A*A* (87% of entrants). These successful applicants typically took Economics (93%) or Further Mathematics (93%), with 86% taking both. For the same period, the majority of IB entrants achieved at least 44 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level.
Subject requirement
All Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level Mathematics*
Some Colleges require: We advise you to do as much additional mathematics as possible.
Admission assessment
Most applicants for Economics for 2024 entry are required to take the Test of Mathematics for University Admission(TMUA) at an authorised assessment centre. You must be registered for the assessment in advance.
Submitted work
Applicants are not typically asked to submit example of written work.
Education
Typical offers require
A-level：A*AA
IB：40-42 points，with 776 at Higher Level
For 2017, 2018 and 2019 entry, the majority of entrants from an A Level background achieved at least grades A*A*A (54%). These successful applicants typically took at least one of English (Language, Language & Literature, or Literature, 81%), History, or a language. All remaining entrants took at least one of Mathematics or the ‘good choice combination subjects’ recommended by Subject Matters.* For the same period, the majority of IB entrants achieved at least 43 points overall and/or grades 776 at Higher Level.
Subject requirement
All Colleges require: No specific subjects required
Admission assessment
Some Colleges may require applicants for Education to take a written assessment if shortlisted for interview - please check the document above for details. You will not need to register in advance for this assessment and the Colleges will provide details directly to you.
Submitted work
Applicants to all College are required to submit two pieces of written work prior to interview. This should be in essay format (not science coursework or a timed exam) and can be extracted from an EPQ.
Engineering
Typical offers require
A-level：A*A*A
IB：40-42 points，with 776 at Higher Level
For 2017, 2018 and 2019 entry, the majority of entrants from an A Level background achieved at least grades A*A*A* (87% of entrants). All of these successful applicants took Mathematics, 95% took Further Mathematics, 98% took Physics and 62% took Chemistry. For the same period, the majority of IB entrants achieved at least 43 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level.
Subject requirement
All Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level Mathematics and Physics
Some Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level in a third science/Mathematics subject, STEP.
Admission assessment
All applicants for Engineering for 2024 entry are required to take the Engineering Admissions Assessment (ENGAA) at an authorised assessment centre (usually your school or college). You must be registered for the assessment in advance.
Submitted work
Applicants are not typically asked to submit examples of written work. Some may be asked by their College to do some reading in advance of their interview, but if this is required the College will provide full details in the letter inviting the student to interview.
Further guidance:
A Level Further Mathematics is very strongly encouraged. If unavailable or you’ve recognised its desirability too late, we’d advise you to do as much additional pure maths and mechanics as possible, eg by studying advanced material or Further Mathematics AS Level.
IB applicants are expected to take IB Higher Level 'Analysis and Approaches' for this course.
All Colleges, except Trinity, welcome applications from students taking A Level Mathematics and a suitable vocational qualification, eg a BTEC Higher National Diploma in an engineering discipline. Applicants are expected to achieve the highest possible grades in A Level Mathematics and the vocational qualification. Those taking the Single Award Applied A Level in Engineering or the Principal Learning components of the Advanced Diploma in Engineering must also be taking A Levels in Mathematics and Physics.
T-Levels are not considered appropriate preparation for the Cambridge Engineering degree and are therefore not accepted for entry.
All Colleges welcome applications from students wishing to defer entry in order to pursue an Engineering-related gap year.
English
Typical offers require
A-level：A*AA
IB：40-42 points，with 776 Higher Level
For 2017, 2018 and 2019 entry, the majority of entrants from an A Level background achieved at least grades A*A*A (62% of entrants). Of these, 97% took English Literature and 2% took English Language & Literature. Other common subjects were History (59%), a language (30%), Mathematics (18%) and Drama & Theatre Studies (9%).
Subject requirement
All Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level English Literature
Admission assessment
All applicants for English are required to take written assessments if shortlisted for interview. You will not need to register in advance for this assessment and the Colleges will provide details directly to you.
Submitted work
Applicants to all Colleges are required to submit two pieces of written work prior to inerwiew.
Human, Social and Political Sciences
Typical offers require
A-level：A*AA
IB：40-42 points，with 776 Higher Level
For 2017, 2018 and 2019 entry, the majority of applicants from an A Level background achieved at least grades A*A*A (71% of entrants). These successful applicants typically took at least one of English (Language, Language & Literature, or Literature, 84%), History, or a language. All remaining entrants took at least one of Mathematics or the ‘good choice combination subjects’ recommended by Subject Matters.* For the same period, the majority of IB entrants achieved at least 44 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level.
Subject requirement
All Colleges require: No specific subjects required by any College
Some Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level in at least one essay-based subject
Admission assessment
Some Colleges may require applicants for this course to take a written assessment if shortlisted for interview - please check the document above for details. You will not need to register in advance for this assessment and the Colleges will provide details directly to you.
Submitted work
Applicants to all Colleges are required to submit two pieces of written work prior to interview.
Law
Typical offers require
A-level：A*AA
IB：40-42 points，with 776 Higher Level
For 2017, 2018 and 2019 entry, the majority of applicants from an A Level background achieved at least grades A*A*A (62% of entrants). These successful applicants typically took at least one of English (Language, Language & Literature, or Literature, 86%), History, or a language. All remaining entrants took Mathematics and at least one of the ‘good choice combination subjects’ recommended by Subject Matters.* 9% of students admitted from A Level background took Law. For the same period, the majority of IB entrants attained at least 43 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level.
Subject requirement
All Colleges require: No specific subjects required by any College
Admission assessment
All applicants for Law are required to take National Addmission Test for Law(LNAT).
Submitted work
Applicants to some Colleges are required to submit written work prior to interview. See the 'entry requirements by College' document above for details.
Mathematics (including Mathematics with Physics)
Typical offers require
A-level：A*A*A+STEP
IB：40-42 points，with 776 at Higher Level + STEP
For 2017, 2018 and 2019 entry, the majority of entrants from an A Level background achieved at least A*A*A* (85% of entrants). All of these successful applicants took Mathematics and Further Mathematics, 91% took Physics and 53% took Chemistry. For the same period, the majority of IB entrants achieved at least 44 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level. The majority of entrants achieved grades of at least 1, 1 in STEP II and III.
Subject requirement
All Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level Mathematics, A Level Further Mathematics (A Level students only), STEP
Some Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level in a science subject; A Level/IB Higher Level Physics (for Mathematics with Physics only)
Admission assessment
Some Colleges may require applicants for this course to take a written assessment if shortlisted for interview - please check the document above for details. You will not need to register in advance for this assessment and the Colleges will provide details directly to you.
All applicants made an offer will be required to sit STEP on June.
Submitted work
Applicants are not typically asked to submit examples of written work. Some may be asked by their College to do some reading in advance of their interview, but if this is required the College will provide full details in the letter inviting the student to interview.
Further guidance
STEP grades required as part of an offer vary by College but are usually at least grade 1 in two STEP papers.
IB applicants are expected to take IB Higher Level 'Analysis and Approaches' for this course.
Students applying to study Mathematics with Physics must have taken A Level Further Mathematics (including the section on Mechanics) or have taken A Level Physics in addition to Mathematics and Further Mathematics.
Music
Typical offers require
A-level：A*AA
IB：40-42 points，with 776 Higher Level
For 2017, 2018 and 2019 entry, the majority of entrants from an A Level background achieved at least grades A*AA. These successful students applicants typically took Music (95% of entrants). Other common subjects were Mathematics (58%), English (Language, Language & Literature, or Literature, 27%), History (24%) and a language (39%). For the same period, the majority of IB entrants achieved at least 42 points overall and/or grades 776 at Higher Level.
Subject requirement
All Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level Music (ABRSM Grade 8 Theory at Merit and above may be accepted as a substitute if A Level Music is not one of the three subjects taken)
Admission assessment
Some Colleges may require applicants for Music to take a written assessment if shortlisted for interview. You will not need to register in advance for this assessment and the Colleges will provide details directly to you.
There's no common format written assessment for Music. Colleges will assess aptitude, knowledge base and potential through tasks at the time of interview. Your performance in the assessment will not be considered in isolation, but will be taken into account alongside the other elements of your application.
Submitted work
Applicants to all Colleges are required to submit representative written work and musical material prior to interview. This will normally include one or two essays on the history or analysis of music; and one or two technical exercises (if studied) and/or your own compositions.
Natural Sciences
Typical offers require
A-level：A*A*A
IB：40-42 points，with 776 Higher Level
Natural Sciences (Biological)
For 2017, 2018 and 2019 entry, the majority of entrants from an A Level background achieved at least grades A*A*A* (76% of entrants). These successful applicants typically took Mathematics (99%), Further Mathematics (37%), Biology (98%), Chemistry (96%) and Physics (26%). In addition to Mathematics A Levels, the percentage of entrants taking all three of Biology, Chemistry and Physics was 22%, two of the sciences 75% and only one of the sciences was 3%. For the same period, the majority of IB entrants achieved at least 43 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level.
Natural Sciences (Physical)
For 2017, 2018 and 2019 entry, the majority of entrants from an A Level background achieved at least grades A*A*A* (91% of entrants). All of these successful applicants took Mathematics, 90% took Further Mathematics, 8% took Biology, 89% took Chemistry and 96% took Physics. In addition to Mathematics A Levels, the percentage of entrants taking all three of Biology, Chemistry and Physics was 6%, two of the sciences 81% and only one of the sciences 13%. For the same period, the majority of IB entrants achieved at least 43 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level.
Subject requirement
'Science/mathematics subjects' refers to Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics. It does not include Psychology.
All Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level Mathematics and A Levels/IB Higher Levels in two other science subjects, see also subject requirements for Year 1 options.
Further guidance: In exceptional circumstances, applicants with only two science/mathematics subjects and Biological Sciences applicants without Mathematics may be considered.
You should be aware that the vast majority of successful applicants have applied with three maths/science subjects.
A Level
Your subject choices at A Level may restrict your Part IA subject choice. The more useful subject combinations are:
A Level Chemistry, A Level Mathematics and A Level Physics
A Level Physics, A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics
A Level Biology, A Level Chemistry and A Level Mathematics
International Baccalaureate
The advice above about A Level subject combinations also applies to the IB.
Higher Level subjects will satisfy A Level subject requirements
For Natural Sciences (Physical), if taking Higher Level Mathematics, applicants are expected to take Analysis and Approaches.
For Natural Sciences (Biological), if taking Higher Level Mathematics, we recommend Analysis and Approaches for the most competitive application, however Applications and Interpretations will also be considered.
Admission assessment
All applicants for Natural Sciences for 2024 entry are required to take the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA) at an authorised assessment centre (usually your school or college). You must be registered in advance.
Submitted work
Applicants are not typically asked to submit examples of written work. Some may be asked by their College to do some reading in advance of their interview, but if this is required the College will provide full details in the letter inviting the student to interview.
Psychological and Behavioural Sciences
Typical offers require
A-level：A*A*A
IB：40-42 points，with 776 Higher Level
For 2017, 2018 and 2019 entry, the majority of entrants from an A Level background achieved at least grades A*A*A (65% of entrants). These successful applicants typically took Psychology (78%) and at least one of Biology or Mathematics (82%). For the same period, the majority of International Baccalaureate entrants achieved at least 42 points overall and/or grades 776 at Higher Level.
Subject requirement
Require: No specific subjects required by all Colleges, but applicants would normally be expected to have taken A Level/IB Higher Level Biology or Mathematics. Where this is not the case, applicants should show evidence of strong performance in the Sciences to GCSE level (or its equivalent, as demonstrated in a high school transcript). For IB applicants, if taking Maths at Higher Level we recommend Analysis and Approaches for the most competitive application, however Applications and Interpretations will also be considered.
Admission assessment
Some Colleges may require applicants for this course to take a written assessment if shortlisted for interview - please check the document above for details. You will not need to register in advance for this assessment and the Colleges will provide details directly to you.
Submitted work
Applicants to some Colleges are required to submit written work prior to interview.
