Cambridge Explained
Cambridge is structured differently from other universities, and these differences make Cambridge special. To help you get started let us explain the basics.
The Cambridge advantage: our courses
Cambridge is one of the best universities in the world, offering undergraduate degree courses in the arts, social sciences, sciences, engineering and medical sciences.
Our courses are distinctive because:
- many encompass several subjects, meaning they can be much more flexible than specialised courses elsewhere – look closely at the courses section and the descriptions for the related courses listed in each entry
- most cover the subject area broadly to start with before allowing you to choose from a range of specialisms – this means you can explore the subject and your strengths and interests fully before you decide which area to focus on
When researching what Cambridge has to offer you may come across the term 'Tripos', but don't let that worry you. It's just the formal term we use to refer to our degree courses. You can find an explanation of the Tripos system and more information in the course section
A collegiate university: who does what?
Cambridge is a 'collegiate' university. This means that it comprises:
- various faculties and departments in different academic subjects
- a number of Colleges
The key functions that the University (through its faculties/departments) and Colleges are responsible for are outlined below, to show how it all fits together.
| Role of the faculties/departments | Role of the Colleges |
|---|---|
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We've included advice on how to choose a College and profiles of each College in the College section.