Course requirements
When assessing our applicants, we consider not on ly the individual A Level/IB Higher Level (or equivalent) subjects being offered but also the combination of these.
For many Cambridge courses qualifications in certain subjects are required, and all Colleges expect such subjects to be passed, normally with an A or A* grade at A Level/grade 6 or 7 at Higher Level of the IB (or equivalent). Our other courses don't have particular subject requirements, although you should have read enough about the subject to know what studying it entails.
If you haven't yet decided on a course, advice about subjects and subject combinations that provide a more effective preparation for study at Cambridge is available in our Subject Matters leaflet.
Subject requirements and preferences for each course are given within the Course profiles (please also check College-specific requirements with the Colleges you're considering applying to), defined as follows:
- Essential - subjects required by all Colleges
- Highly desirable - subjects required by most Colleges
- Desirable - subjects required by some Colleges
- Useful - subjects that provide a useful preparation but aren't required
For specific requirements and subject preferences for each course, follow the links below: