Undergraduate

AS/A Levels

Cambridge applicants are usually studying four or five AS Levels in Year 12 and we normally expect good A grades in relevant subjects. Applicants taking five subjects won't be at an advantage compared with those taking four.

All applicants are asked to report (in the Supplementary Application Questionnaire) the results of all AS and A Level modules taken to date, whether certificated or not. Colleges won't make unconditional offers on the basis of AS Level grades alone.

Most applicants go on to study three or four A Level subjects. For advice about suitable subject choices see our course requirements section.

The typical conditional A Level offer for 2014 entry will be A*AA (some applicants may be set lower offers or more challenging ones, eg to achieve more than one A*). Applicants may be required to achieve the A* in a particular subject depending on individual circumstances.

• Critical Thinking: Please note that A Level Critical Thinking isn't considered an acceptable third A Level subject for any course at Cambridge. While it is regarded as a worthwhile addition to your portfolio of qualifications as a fourth AS or A Level subject, it's unlikely to be part of a conditional offer. Similarly Key Skills and General Studies are not required or included in academic assessment.

For further information read our facts about GCSE and AS/A Level requirement.

Access to HE Diploma

Applicants are expected to achieve the Access to HE Diploma with Distinctions in all relevant subject units. Certain subject-specific requirements may be included in conditional offers for particular courses at Cambridge as well:

• Architecture: a good portfolio is required, and an ability to draw. An interest in the history of art is helpful. Mathematics is needed at least to good GCSE standard.
• Computer Science: A Level Mathematics is required.
• Economics: A Level Mathematics is required.
• Engineering: A Level Mathematics is required.
• Law: applicants should ensure they have studied a logic-based subject (eg Mathematics, a science, a modern or classical language) as well as a discursive subject (such as History).
• Mathematics: an Access to HE Diploma is not sufficient preparation.
• Music: at least grade 5 piano is required.
• Natural Sciences: A Level Mathematics is required for the Physical Sciences and recommended for the Biological Sciences. (Although there are courses designed for those without A Level Mathematics, the better applicants' mathematical ability is before they come to Cambridge, the better they will get on.)
• Applicants for the following subjects will need to demonstrate an aptitude for languages: Classics, History of Art, and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. Applicants for History should note that an aptitude for languages opens up greater choices within the History course at Cambridge. Applicants for Theology & Religious Studies should be aware of the compulsory first-year scriptural language element.

For further information contact the Access Officer at the Cambridge Admissions Office (telephone: 01223 765728; email: mature-enquiries@admin.cam.ac.uk).

Advanced Diplomas

Only the Advanced Diplomas in Engineering, in Manufacturing and Product Design, and in Environmental and Land-based Studies provide appropriate preparation for certain Cambridge courses, and are acceptable for entry as detailed below:

• the Advanced Diplomas in Engineering and in Manufacturing and Product Design are acceptable for Engineering as long as you have taken specified options within the Additional Specialist Learning component.
• the Advanced Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies is acceptable for Geography, Land Economy and Natural Sciences (Biological) as long as you have taken two appropriate A Levels within the Additional Specialist Learning component. In the case of Natural Sciences (Biological), these should be A Level Chemistry and either Biology, Mathematics or Physics A Level. The requirements for Geography and Land Economy are more flexible.

Advanced Placement Tests

Successful applicants normally have high passes in the High School Diploma and the SAT, and 5s in at least five Advanced Placement Tests in appropriate subjects.

AQA Baccalaureate

Offers are conditional on achievement in the A Levels within the qualification, rather than the overall Baccalaureate award.

Cambridge Pre-U

Conditional offers are set on an individual basis but are likely to include achieving Distinction level grades (D2 or D3) in Principal Subjects.

Edexcel International Diploma (Academic Route)

Offers are conditional on achievement in the A Levels within the qualification rather than the overall Diploma award.

European Baccalaureate

Successful applicants are typically asked for 85-90 per cent overall, with 90 per cent in subjects most closely related to the course they wish to study.

Extended Project

We welcome the introduction of the Extended Project and would encourage applicants to undertake one, as it will help to develop independent study and research skills, which will ease the transition from school/college to higher education. However, completion of an Extended Project won't be a requirement of any offer made.

French Baccalaureate

Typical offers for applicants taking the French Baccalaureate (including the International Option) are 16 or 17 ('mention très bien') out of 20, with 16 or 17 usually required in specific subjects.

GCSEs

With the exception of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, there are no GCSE (or equivalent) requirements for entry to Cambridge.

GCSE results are looked at as a performance indicator, but within the context of the school/college performance.

It is generally expected that applicants will have achieved high grades in subjects relevant to their chosen course, and most students who apply have at least four or five As or A*s at GCSE. However, there are always exceptions and one of the strengths of the Cambridge admissions system is its ability to assess all applicants individually.

German Abitur

Applicants are typically asked for an overall score of between 1.0 and 1.3, with 14 or 15 in subjects most closely related to the course they wish to study.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB)

Offers usually require scores between 40 and 41 points out of 45, with 776 in the Higher Level subjects. For advice about suitable subject choices see course requirements.

Please note that for these purposes, Standard Level subjects are broadly comparable to AS Levels, and Higher Level subjects to A Levels.

Irish Leaving Certificate

A typical offer for the Irish Leaving Certificate is AAAAA at Higher Level.

Applicants for Medicine and Veterinary Medicine may be asked to take an IGCSE (or equivalent) in the science subject not taken within the Irish Leaving Certificate.

SATs and Advanced Placement Tests

Prospective applicants from Canada and the USA taking SATs and Advanced Placement Tests should note that offers are usually made on an individual basis. In addition to high passes in the High School Diploma and the SAT, successful applicants have normally achieved 5s in at least five Advanced Placement Tests in appropriate subjects.

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Offers will usually require AAA at Advanced Higher Grade. In some cases two Advanced Highers and an additional Higher may be acceptable (eg when an applicant is prevented from studying more than two Advanced Highers due to reasons outside their control) - such applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis and should seek advice from the College to which they are considering applying as early as possible.

Please note that for these purposes, Highers are broadly comparable to AS Level subjects, and Advanced Highers to A Levels.

If you're studying towards a Scottish Baccalaureate qualification you're expected to offer three Advanced Highers as part of it.

STEP Mathematics is used as part of almost all conditional offers for Mathematics and Computer Science with Mathematics. Some Colleges also include STEP in conditional offers for other courses which require strong mathematical ability.

Taken immediately after the A Level examination period (in June), STEP is used to assess applicants' aptitude for university study in mathematical subjects. The papers are based on material that is common to the core syllabus of A Level Mathematics. The questions are designed to test qualities such as insight, originality, and the ability to use standard techniques in unusual ways and situations.

Further information and guidance is given on the STEP page.

VCE and Applied A Levels, GNVQs and BTECs

VCE A Levels, Applied A Levels, GNVQs and/or BTECs are not an appropriate preparation for most Cambridge courses, where the emphasis is more academic than vocational. As such, these qualifications cannot, unless otherwise stated, be used to replace the 'essential' and 'highly desirable' A Level subjects listed for each course. However, if the 'essential' and 'highly desirable' subjects are covered, a six unit VCE or Applied A Level could be taken instead of a third A Level or as an additional fourth broadening subject. This combination of A Levels and VCE or other qualifications may be acceptable for some courses. Potential applicants taking these qualifications are advised to seek further advice from a College Admissions Tutor.

Welsh Baccalaureate

Applicants taking the Advanced Diploma in the Welsh Baccalaureate are expected to have studied three subjects at A Level as part of their qualification. Offers are conditional on achievement in the A Levels within the qualification rather than the overall Baccalaureate award (see AS/A Levels guidance above).