An Overview of the University of Cambridge: Eligibility, Application, and Beyond
The University of Cambridge is a world-leading research university with an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Located in the UK, it has been consistently ranked as one of the best universities in the world by major international rankings including US News Best global universities list of 2021 where it holds rank #1.
The University offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses to domestic and international students. The University of Cambridge consists of over 100 departments, faculties, schools, and institutes. This article will provide information about the programs and admission procedures for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in pursuing their studies at this prestigious institution.
Undergraduate Education
The University of Cambridge provides 30 undergraduate courses and covers more than 65 subjects. Some of the subjects listed on their website are Archaeology, Architecture, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Geography, History, History, and Modern Languages, History, and Politics, Land Economy, Law, Linguistics, Mathematics, and Medicine.
If you don't see the course you're interested in, you can view the entire list on this page, and check if it's there.
Undergraduate Admissions
Entrance Requirements
Before applying, you need to check that you have, or are likely to achieve, certain grades at a certain level and in the appropriate subjects for the course you have chosen. They require top grades in the highest level qualifications available for students, and most successful applicants exceed the conditions of their offer.
Although this website mainly talks in terms of A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB), many other school and national exams at an equivalent level are equally acceptable and these are shown on this page. All undergraduate admissions decisions are the responsibility of the specific Cambridge College you've applied for.
Application Process
The Cambridge application process is a little different from other universities. You still need to apply through UCAS, but at Cambridge, the process starts earlier to give them time to consider all application information. There are mainly 6 steps listed on their admission procedure page: Choose a Course, Decide on your College, Submit your application, Written assessment, Interview, and finally, the Decision.
First, choose a course and pick your college. Then, you'll need to submit a UCAS application. In certain situations, there will be different deadlines, and there might also be an additional application form. You'll also need to fill in an SAQ. After that, you might need to take a written assessment since most are required to take one. Then, those with a realistic chance of being offered a place are invited to attend an interview. Finally, you'll be informed of their decision.
Postgraduate Education
They have many postgraduate courses at the University of Cambridge. To name a few, Advanced Clinical Practice, Antarctic Studies (Doctoral, Ph.D.), Chemistry (Doctoral, Ph.D.), Veterinary Medicine (Doctoral, Ph.D.), Science Communication (PGDip, Diploma), Social Innovation (MSt, Master's), Psychiatry (Doctoral, Ph.D.), and Medical Science (Radiology) (MPhil, Master's).
They have a Course Directory if you're interested to know if your course of interest is taught at the University of Cambridge.
Postgraduate Admissions
Entry Requirements
The requirements we talk about here are the minimum requirements to be an applicant. Some certain courses will require more requirements. Please go to the Course Directory. If you are from an English-speaking country, there are three key requirements: Academic, Financial, and College Membership.
For Academic, you must have a minimum of an upper second class (good 2:1) honors degree from a UK university or an equivalent; and completion of, or release from, any current training or education course. For Financial, they need evidence of your awareness of the funding that is required for your course, and plans for the provision of that amount. They don't need this unless you've been made an offer. For College Membership, all who received an offer of admission will receive an offer of College Membership. The University of Cambridge is a collegiate university, and all its students are required to be members of a College.
If you're not from an English-speaking country or have not studied in one recently, you'll also be required to demonstrate competence in the English language. For more information, visit the entry requirements page.
Application Process
For postgraduate admission, there are mainly 7 steps listed in the admission procedure overview page on their official website: Course, Deadlines, Applicant Portal, Academic references, Colleges, Apply, and Interview.
First, you must research your prospective course, including its requirements, deadlines, and course costs. Secondly, there are two deadlines: application and funding. Next, you submit your application through the Applicant Portal. They will also need two academic references to support your application, and you can submit referee details via the Applicant Portal. In your application, you can either indicate two College preferences or choose to make an open application to have a College allocated to you. Once your application is finished, and all required supporting documents and received references are uploaded, your application is to be submitted, plus payment of the application fee. Finally, most faculty will want to interview you if your application is accepted. Scholarships and studentships might also invite candidates for interviews. Most interviews will be conducted via video conferencing or telephone.
5 Reasons Why The University of Cambridge Is Great For Students
1. Diverse People Everywhere
Every year, thousands of students from around the world go to this amazing university city to write the next chapter of their lives because Cambridge is a famous place filled with wonders. You'll definitely meet people with different cultures, and nationalities.
2. Stunning Surroundings
Cambridge is known for its lovely streets, pretty gardens, beautiful architecture, and surrounding countryside. This is the perfect location to relax and let go or have a little adventure. The gorgeous town allows the feeling of being one with the Earth inside a famous university city.
3. Close To London
London is only an hour or so away from Cambridge. If you love going on day trips or weekend fun, then you’re in the perfect place. You can even have evening cocktails since the last train normally leaves at 1 am.
4. Great Music Scenes
A big part of the Cambridge university experience is going out into town and letting off steam. The wondrous music in this city is most enjoyable and entertaining. Come study here, and enjoy better than average music venues.
5. It Has Everything You Need
Cambridge also happens to have a lot of hotspots of interest you may want to visit. You can find five different shopping malls with all sorts of shops, from high-end stores to bargain outlets. Movie theatres are easy to access on foot, and there are also more than fifty restaurants to eat and enjoy food.
Conclusion
Five reasons are all this is out of hundreds more! But it'll take a while to explain them one by one, so I'll leave it here. You might even love Cambridge so much that you won't just study there, you might even live the rest of your life there!