Undergraduate Prospectus2012 Entry

CAMBRIDGE

Why Cambridge?

Why

Cam

brid

ge?

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

1

WEL

COM

E

Cambridge is one of the best universities in the world – ourteaching staff includes many national and world subject leaders;and as well as lectures, seminars and practicals, you receive morepersonal tuition through the supervision system

You have access to wide-ranging learning resources and up-to-date facilities, including 114 libraries and nine specialistmuseums and collections

Our extensive system of welfare and support means that yourindividual needs can be recognised and met. As a result we haveone of the lowest drop-out rates in the UK

Our students are from all parts of the country (and the world) andfrom all backgrounds, and enjoy a great social life – there areover 600 clubs and societies to choose from in addition toeverything the city has to offer

We have one of the highest graduate employment rates in the UK– the transferable skills you gain at Cambridge mean you’regreatly sought after by employers whatever your degreesubject

Con

tent

sw

ww.cam

.ac.uk

2

WEL

COM

E

Contents

4 Cambridge Explained6 Teaching and Learning: A world-class provision10 The Student Experience: Life outside the lecture theatre16 Accommodation: A home from home18 Support: Looking after our students22 Money: Financing your studies24 Careers: Transforming your future26 Mature Students: Returning to study28 International Students: A global community

33 The structure of our courses

34 Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic36 Archaeology and Anthropology38 Architecture40 Asian and Middle Eastern Studies42 Classics44 Economics46 Education48 English50 Geography52 History54 History of Art56 Land Economy58 Law60 Linguistics62 Modern and Medieval Languages

FrenchGermanItalianPortugueseRussianSpanish

64 Music66 Philosophy68 Politics, Psychology and Sociology70 Theology and Religious Studies

Ideas from Cambridge havechanged the world, and theCambridge teaching experiencechanges the lives of those whostudy here.

Cambridge’s great strength is thepartnership between the

University and the Colleges. This combination providessuperb facilities, contact with the very best minds, andpersonal tuition and support which helps you to makethe most of Cambridge. The opportunity to developyour academic interests is unparalleled, and you have ahuge range of options to engage in the sports,performing arts and social activities you already enjoy,as well as to take up new ones. The experiences,knowledge and transferable skills you develop throughyour course and extra-curricular activities here alsoprepare you well for the future. Our students aregreatly sought after by employers and the Universityhas one of the highest graduate employment rates inthe country.

At Cambridge, we are committed to offering ourapplicants the chance to demonstrate that they can besuccessful here. Our application procedure ensuresthis, with every applicant considered carefully andindividually assessed. We look for excellent academicachievement and the ability to reach your truepotential. There is no hidden test of social or financialcircumstances, no right school to have attended: wesimply want the best students to apply, regardless oftheir background. So whoever you are, and whereveryou come from, if you have the ability, the enthusiasmand the motivation to study here, then we want tohear from you.

Professor Sir Leszek BorysiewiczVice-Chancellor

Welcome

Arts

Courses

Con

tent

sw

ww.cam

.ac.uk

3

WEL

COM

E

72 Chemical Engineering74 Computer Science76 Engineering

Aerospace and Aerothermal Engineering Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Electrical and Electronic EngineeringElectrical and Information Sciences Energy and the Environment Engineering for the Life SciencesInformation and Computer EngineeringInstrumentation and ControlMechanical Engineering

78 Mathematics80 Medicine83 Medicine (Graduate Course)84 Natural Sciences

AstrophysicsBiochemistryBiological and Biomedical SciencesChemistryGeneticsGeological SciencesHistory and Philosophy of ScienceMaterials ScienceNeurosciencePathologyPharmacologyPhysical SciencesPhysicsPhysiology, Development and Neuroscience Plant SciencesPsychologySystems BiologyZoology

92 Veterinary Medicine95 Part II Courses

Management StudiesManufacturing Engineering

97 Choosing a College98 College contact details99 Christ’s College100 Churchill College101 Clare College102 Corpus Christi College103 Downing College104 Emmanuel College105 Fitzwilliam College106 Girton College107 Gonville and Caius College108 Homerton College109 Hughes Hall110 Jesus College111 King’s College112 Lucy Cavendish College113 Magdalene College114 Murray Edwards College115 Newnham College116 Pembroke College117 Peterhouse118 Queens’ College119 Robinson College120 St Catharine’s College121 St Edmund’s College122 St John’s College123 Selwyn College124 Sidney Sussex College125 Trinity College126 Trinity Hall127 Wolfson College

129 Useful dates and deadlines130 Applying to Cambridge135 Frequently-asked questions136 Entrance Requirements141 Application Statistics142 Music Awards143 Open Days and Events148 Finding Out More150 Course Index151 General Index152 Maps of the University

CollegesSciences

Details

Great Court, Trinity College Senate House

Cam

brid

ge Exp

lain

edw

ww.cam

.ac.uk

4

WEL

COM

E

Cambridge: a collegiate universityCambridge is a ‘collegiate’ university. Thismeans that it’s comprised of:

• various faculties and departments indifferent academic subjects

• a number of Colleges – Cambridge has 29undergraduate Colleges

The key functions that the Universityfaculties/departments and Colleges areresponsible for are outlined below, to showhow it all fits together.

Who does what?Faculties and departmentsTeaching and research at Cambridge isorganised into a number of faculties:

• each faculty is responsible for a broadsubject area

• some larger faculties are divided intodepartments

Cambridge offers undergraduate degreecourses in the arts, social sciences, sciences,

engineering and medical sciences. Ourcourses are distinctive because most coverthe subject area very broadly in the initialyears, after which you can choose aspecialism from a wide range of options.

CollegesIf you apply to the University, your applicationis considered by one of the Colleges. YourCollege is also the place where you:

• live• eat• do a lot of socialising• receive personal tuition, known as

supervisions (see p7)

Your College community is made up ofundergraduate and postgraduate students,teachers and lecturers from a variety ofsubject areas, plus the staff employed by theCollege.

For advice on choosing a College and profilesof each College, see p96–127.

Cambridge Explained

• Determine course content• Organise lectures, seminars, practicals

and projects• Set and mark examinations• Award degrees

• Admit undergraduate students• Organise supervisions • Responsible for academic and pastoral

care• Provide accommodation, places to eat

and recreational facilities

The faculties/departments The Colleges

Cambridge is structured differently from other universities, andthese differences make the Cambridge experience special. Thisoverview explains the basics to help you get started.

Sidney Sussex College

My point of view

I chose to apply to Cambridge because ofthe freedom of the course – I didn’t haveto tie myself down to one discipline andyou can put specialisation off until youknow for sure what field interests you themost. At most other universities I’d haveonly done one subject and not enjoyed itnearly as much.

Studying at university is a much moregrown-up experience than school. You’retrusted with responsibility for your ownlearning, and learning how to learn is animportant part of succeeding. Lectures are really good for conveying massinformation quickly, and supervisions arefantastic at making sure that you’vedigested and understood all of it.

I’m not really sure what I want to do after I graduate, but a degree from Cambridgeis probably one of the most employer-friendly things to have! Staying in researchis a distinct possibility, but with tuitionfees to pay off, I might have to follow themoney...

My advice?Make sure you’re applying because youlove the subject, because that’s what you’llspend most of your time doing. If youdon’t like your course then chances areyou won’t succeed.

Arun, Cambridge

Cam

brid

ge Exp

lain

edw

ww.cam

.ac.uk

5

WEL

COM

E

Our coursesDon’t be put off if the subject you’re lookingfor isn’t listed as a course at Cambridge –many of our courses encompass a number of subjects, making them much more flexiblethan many specialised courses elsewhere.Look closely at both the course index onp150 and the related degree descriptions.

When researching what Cambridge has tooffer you may come across the term ‘Tripos’,but don’t let that worry you. It’s simply theterm we use to refer to our degree courses.You can find an explanation of the Tripossystem and more information about ourcourses on p32–95.

Applying to CambridgeIf your examination record and predictionsare good, then your chance of beingadmitted is approximately one in five.

While your grades are very important, thefollowing are also important elements of your application:

• your school reference• any written work that you submit (or do

at interview)• your performance in any tests that you’re

required to take• your personal statement• your performance at interview

Competition for places is strong so a lot oftime is spent assessing each applicantindividually.

What are we looking for?We treat and assess everyone individually andlook at – and for – different things in differentpeople for different courses. Consequently,there’s no magic formula that will guaranteeyou’re offered a place. However, we cangeneralise a little.

Admissions Tutors are looking for thestudents they believe:

• have the most academic potential• are best suited to the course applied for• will most benefit from what we’re offering,

whatever their background

Academic ability and potentialWe’re looking for students with the academicability and potential to flourish at theUniversity. Therefore, you should be aimingfor excellent examination grades. Typical A Level/IB offers and subject requirements areoutlined on the relevant course pages (seep34–95). Details about entrance requirementsfor other examination systems can be foundon p136–40.

Motivation and independent thoughtWe look for an indication of your ability tothink critically and independently, and yourwillingness to argue logically but to keep anopen mind to new ideas also. You need self-discipline, motivation and commitment aswell, and the desire and potential to gobeyond the limits of what you’ve learned so far.

Passion for your courseWe look for students who really want to learnabout the subject they’ve applied for andaren’t just interested in the degree at the end– important though this is. Think carefullyabout why you’ve chosen your course.Instead of choosing the course you think youought to do, think about the subject you’remost passionate about and want to study forthe next few years purely for enjoyment.

If you think you have these qualities, we’relooking for students like you and wouldencourage you to make an application.Information about how to apply to theUniversity can be found on p130–5.

Queens’ College Students moving in

My point of view

I looked at equivalent courses at otheruniversities and none of them came closeto the Cambridge course, which allowedme to continue with the subjects I enjoyedin school, but also to try new subjectswhich I wouldn’t have applied purely to dobecause I’d never studied them before. Thefirst time I came to Cambridge on an openday I thought it was such an amazingplace and the course system – which startsmore general and then gets more specificeach year – was perfect for me because Iwasn’t sure which part of my subject Iwanted to go into.

This much freedom to choose what tolearn isn’t offered to such a good standardat any other university, and neither is theteaching – Cambridge offers theopportunity to be taught by the peoplewho are pioneering the new theories andideas in each subject. Being taught by theleading minds in your subject really is anexperience in itself, and who can explainideas better than the people who areactually coming up with them?!

My advice?Read around the subject you’re applyingfor and read ahead in what you’re learningabout at school, so that you can actuallyexplain the concepts of your subject, notjust know what they are.

Nick, Liverpool

Teac

hing

and

Lea

rnin

g: A

wor

ld-c

lass

pro

vision

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

6

WEL

COM

E

Academic excellenceThe University of Cambridge is known andrespected across the globe for the excellenceof its teaching and research, and the qualityof its graduates – a status endorsed by theQuality Assurance Agency (QAA). Otherexternal reviews also support this, forexample:

• the 2010 National Student Survey – 91 percent of Cambridge students were satisfiedoverall with the quality of their course

• the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise(RAE) – the University was ranked best inthe country with more than 70 per cent ofour research output classed as ‘worldleading’ or ‘internationally excellent’

We’re committed to encouraging anddeveloping enquiring minds and Cambridgeprovides an unparalleled learning experiencefor our students. Not only are you taught inthe lecture theatre by academics who areexperts in their fields, but our distinctivesupervision system means that you receivemore personal tuition from them too.

The University is also dedicated tomaintaining a close relationship betweenteaching, learning and research through our‘community of scholars’. The collegiatestructure gives a strong sense of community,and the teaching system and College way oflife mean that students interact, both formallyand informally, with academic staff of alllevels, including those who are world leadersin their field.

How will I be taught?As at all universities, there’s a much greateremphasis on independent and self-directedstudy here compared with what you’ve beenused to at school or college. You’reresponsible for your own learning and areexpected to read around your subject wellbeyond what’s required for your lectures andclasses.

At Cambridge, your faculty or departmentarranges lectures, seminars and practicals(where relevant) that students from allColleges attend together.

Lectures• Lectures cover the basics of a subject and

act as a starting point for your ownresearch.

• They may be attended by anything up toseveral hundred students.

• Many of your lecturers are working at theforefront of their fields, so lectures are afantastic opportunity to find out about thelatest research and be inspired by leadingacademics.

Seminars and classes• These provide the opportunity to explore

a particular topic in more detail.• They’re usually for medium-sized groups

(between 20 and 30 students, forexample).

• They’re led by lecturers, but are moreinteractive than lectures – you’re expectedto contribute actively to the discussions.

Teaching and Learning: A world-class provision

You’ll be investing a lot of time and effort in your degree andwill want to be sure that your chosen university can offer youthe teaching and resources to enable you to succeed. We’reconfident that we can offer the best of both.

My point of view

The Cambridge course felt the mostappropriate for me because it offered themost amount of choice, scope and papersto study, and the compulsory paper lookedby far the most interesting and broad!Although there were some restrictions tomy paper choices, I didn’t feel limited inany way – and in fact an area that Iwouldn’t have chosen otherwise hasturned out to be my favourite!

Ignore all the stereotypes, and I can’temphasise that enough! There’s so muchmore freedom than I’d first thought to beable to design my own timetable and wayof working. There’s a great feeling ofcommunity between the Colleges too,which I didn’t fully grasp until I was here!

My advice?Think very hard about what kind ofuniversity atmosphere you want to be infor the next three years – campus-based ornot, the size, its facilities etc. I appliedbecause I wanted to be in an environmentthat I knew was going to push me toachieve the best I possibly could of myselfand, for me, Cambridge just felt ‘right’.

Charlotte, Chelmsford

Teac

hing

and

Lea

rnin

g: A

wor

ld-c

lass

pro

vision

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

7

WEL

COM

E

Practicals• Practicals teach you the hands-on skills

and techniques that you need to be ableto apply your knowledge in subjects witha practical element to them.

• They may also be called ‘labs’ or laboratoryclasses.

• For some courses, your practical work maybe assessed and contribute towards yourdegree.

Supervisions• Supervisions are teaching sessions for one

or two students or small groups.• As well as helping you develop

independent learning skills, supervisionsenable you to explore course material inmuch greater depth than lectures allow,to gain further insights into your subject,and to clarify anything you’re not clearabout.

• They’re led by supervisors who arespecialists in the subject being studied,and who could be one of the country’s orworld’s leading authorities.

This more personal tuition, organised by yourCollege, is one of our greatest strengths and akey advantage of studying at Cambridge –most students find their supervisions themost rewarding and beneficial part of theircourse.

You may go to different supervisors (often,though not always, from your College) fordifferent parts of your course, where they’respecialists in particular areas of your subject.

Typically you have one or two hour-longsupervisions each week, although thefrequency does vary from course to course.What actually happens during supervisionsalso varies but generally you’re expected toprepare an essay or work through someproblems in advance of the sessions, whichyou then discuss.

You receive regular reports from yoursupervisors but aren’t formally assessed onthis work, so you can take advantage of thisopportunity to take risks with your own ideas,investigate new approaches, and discuss theset topic as well as other aspects of thecourse.

Independent research• Dissertations – or long essays – and

research projects are a significant part ofour courses and may form part of yourdegree assessment (in place of anexamination paper).

• These may initially seem daunting, butthey’re an excellent way to carry out yourown research, test out theories and putforward your own ideas.

• Your work might even get published whileyou’re still an undergraduate.

Field trips and study visits• Many students have the opportunity to

go on field trips, language courses abroador study visits to add another dimensionto their learning.

• Where you go, how long for and what youdo obviously varies depending on yourcourse.

• The faculties, departments and Collegesoften have funds available to help you goon such trips.

Study abroadYou may have the opportunity to studyabroad through exchange programmes withother leading institutions:

• Asian and Middle Eastern Studies andModern and Medieval Languagesstudents have the opportunity to study at another institution during their yearabroad

• some Engineering students are able tospend a year studying in the USA, Paris orSingapore (see p77)

• between 10 and 15 Law students have thechance to spend a year at a university inEurope under the Erasmus Scheme (seep59)

Work experienceSome courses include a period of workexperience. For instance, you may:

• work for a company on a research projectif you’re studying Engineering or one ofthe sciences

• work abroad during the third year of yourModern and Medieval Languages or Asianand Middle Eastern Studies course

As well as giving you valuable experience,such placements are a great way of exploringpossible future career paths and makingcontact with employers. They may even leadto a job after you graduate.

A supervision Students in a lecture

Teac

hing

and

Lea

rnin

g: A

wor

ld-c

lass

pro

vision

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

8

WEL

COM

E

Facilities and resourcesWe admit the most academically able,motivated and passionate students to ourcourses and provide them with inspiringteaching that’s world-class. We’re alsoconfident that we offer the best resourcesand facilities to support their learning.

LibrariesYou certainly won’t be short of libraries atCambridge – the University has 114 for you tochoose from! They fall into three broadcategories:

• College – all Colleges have a library whichcontains the standard texts needed foryour undergraduate course, along withother materials relating to your subject

• Department – the libraries in the facultiesand departments offer more specialistcollections of books, journals, periodicalsand electronic resources for particularsubjects

• University – if you can’t find what youneed in your College or departmentlibrary, you can try the University Library,or UL. As one of six legal deposit libraries,the UL holds a copy of virtually every bookpublished in the UK and Ireland as well asan enormous collection of materialsprinted overseas. Here you have access tomore than eight million books, journalsand other documents, written in over2,000 languages and ranging in age from3,000 year-old manuscripts to the latestelectronic articles

To ensure you get the most from theUniversity’s libraries, the UL offers a range ofpractical sessions and one-to-one helpthrough its Research Skills Programme. Thisincludes introductory tours for those who’renew to the UL, subject sessions to highlightthe resources available for particulardisciplines, and information skills classesgiving tips and strategies for searching online.If you’re looking for a specific title, you cansearch the online catalogue (accessible fromanywhere) or the library staff will be happy tohelp you locate it.

Computing and ITYour College and department, together withthe University Computing Service, provideyou with computing facilities to help youwith your academic work. You’ll have aUniversity email account, and access tocentral file storage for your work and forpublishing web pages.

You can use your own computer, if you haveone – almost all student rooms areconnected to the University computingnetwork and internet, and wireless hotspotsare available throughout the University andColleges. However, you don’t have to haveyour own computer; all Colleges and manydepartments provide networked PCs andMacs in their computer suites, with access toa range of general and specialist software,together with printers and scanners.

Further to this, the Computing Service offers acomprehensive range of support, including:

• a Help Desk and extensive online helpinformation

• Assistive Technology advice and trainingfor users with specific requirements

• a year-round programme of free trainingcourses that range from introductory toadvanced levels

University librarieswww.lib.cam.ac.uk/students/

For further info...

Computing and ITwww.cam.ac.uk/cs/new-students/

For further info...

University Library Reading Room

My point of view

If you can’t decide on a course, maybeyou’re looking in the wrong place. Youdon’t have to go for one of the obviousones like History or Natural Sciences.Maybe you’d prefer PPS or Engineering.Look at everything on offer, and don’t beafraid to think about doing somethingtotally new – it’s more exciting that way!

Some people think that Cambridgestudents have to work 24/7 on essays,problems, or whatever their supervisorsfeel fit to throw their way. But this simplyisn’t true. As long as you have good timemanagement, you can fit in loads of extra-curricular stuff along with your academiccommitments. You could run for yourCollege union, join a choir or orchestra,join a film-making society, hear (or takepart in) debates at the Union Society, or if you can’t find the right society, start your own.

My advice?Manage your time sensibly – if you havesome spare time and no extracommitments, do some work. That willmean that when that show you really want to go to comes around, you’ll begood to go.

Kenichi, London

Teac

hing

and

Lea

rnin

g: A

wor

ld-c

lass

pro

vision

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

9

WEL

COM

E

Language CentreThe University’s Language Centre providesopportunities for all students, regardless oftheir degree subject, to learn a new languagefrom scratch or to maintain/improve existingskills. As well as offering taught classes, theCentre houses multimedia self-studyresources in over 170 languages, runsAdvanced Level Discussion Groups and a verypopular Conversation Exchange scheme, anda team of advisers is on hand to help youplan how to reach your language-learninggoals.

• Taught classes – through the CambridgeUniversity Language Programme (CULP),seven languages are currently offeredfrom basic to advanced levels. Studentswho successfully complete a basic orintermediate course receive a Certificateof Proficiency from the Language Centre,and those completing advanced levelcourses are awarded a University ofCambridge Certificate of HigherEducation.

• Self-study – the Language CentreAdvising Team offer one-to-oneappointments to discuss learningstrategies, formulate a learning plan, andcan support you while you learn.

• Discussion Groups – for students whohave studied A Level (or equivalent)French, German, Italian, Spanish orRussian, and who wish to keep up theirconversational skills.

• Conversation Exchange scheme –language learners and native speakers arepaired up in order to practise the newlanguage.

The Centre also offers an English forAcademic Purposes programme forinternational students, aimed at improvingboth language and related academic skills(see p28).

Museums and collectionsCambridge is extraordinarily fortunate inhaving nine specialist museums andcollections, as well as the University BotanicGarden, all of which are open to the public.These provide extensive resources for studyand research, or simply for enjoyment.

The fascinating collections range fromdinosaurs to modern art, and rock samples toRembrandt. Even if none relate directly toyour course, a look at the whale skeletons,classical sculpture or the totem poles fromVancouver has to add something to youruniversity experience!

Museums and collectionsMuseum of Archaeology and Anthropology: www.maa.cam.ac.ukThe Botanic Garden: www.botanic.cam.ac.uk Museum of Classical Archaeology: www.classics.cam.ac.uk/museum/Fitzwilliam Museum: www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk Kettle’s Yard: www.kettlesyard.co.ukScott Polar Research Institute Museum: www.spri.cam.ac.uk/museum/The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences: www.sedgwickmuseum.orgUniversity Library: www.lib.cam.ac.uk/students/Whipple Museum of the History of Science: www.hps.cam.ac.uk/whipple/Museum of Zoology: www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk

For further info...

Language Centrewww.langcen.cam.ac.uk

Map reference E

For further info...

Faculty library University Library

Fitzwilliam Museum

The St

uden

t Exp

erienc

e: Life

out

side

the lect

ure th

eatre

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

10

WEL

COM

E

Cambridge and the surroundingareaCambridge combines and embraces the oldand the new. You’re surrounded by (and livingand studying in) historic architecture as wellas modern buildings and shopping centres. Ithas the charm and welcoming feel of a smalltown but also the variety and energy of alarger city.

It’s small in size so it’s easy to get around andyou quickly start to feel at home here.However you like to spend your time, there’salways something to keep you entertained –whether that’s having coffee with friends,going punting, catching a film, having a nightout, or getting involved in clubs and societies.

If you want to escape and explore furtherafield, there’s even more to discover:

• take one of the walking or cycling routesfrom the city centre to nearby villages

• visit Ely Cathedral or one of the localNational Trust properties, such as WickenFen National Nature Reserve

• have a go at karting, a high-wire obstaclecourse, or skydiving in a wind tunnel

• play in the snow on a real snow slope

EntertainmentCambridge certainly likes to keep its residentsand students entertained. There are fourtheatres, three cinemas, and two majorentertainment venues – The Junction andThe Corn Exchange (offering variedprogrammes which include comedy, drama,dance, concerts and club nights) – plusnumerous other events and festivals.

Live music is a big part of life in Cambridge,as well as in the University. Every musicaltaste is catered for and ranges from buskers inthe street, to gigs in pubs and classicalconcerts, to big name acts. Amongst manyothers, Plan B, Professor Green, Fun Lovin’Criminals, The Go! Team, Seth Lakeman,Klaxons, Ellie Goulding, Diana Vickers, theEnglish Symphony Orchestra, Pendulum,Mumford and Sons, and Motörhead have allperformed in Cambridge during the last year.Cambridge also plays host to a world famousFolk Festival and an up-and-coming RockFestival.

Pubs, clubs and restaurantsCambridge is well known for its great rangeof pubs – there are around 120 to choosefrom even before you start to count thedozens of College and University bars! Thereare several clubs in the city as well, and mosthave student nights with cheap entry andoffers.

There’s also a great selection of places to eat;something for any mood, palate, occasionand price range. Better still, the student cardyou receive when you start at Cambridge willget you discounts and special deals atnumerous restaurants and cafés.

ShoppingWithin Cambridge’s four shopping centresand the city centre streets, most high streetnames are represented, as well as manyindependent shops and boutiques. The dailymarket on Market Square sells everythingfrom jewellery and vintage clothes to breadand fruit; and at the weekend there are alsofarmers’, and arts and crafts markets. Perhapsthe most exciting and diverse shopping canbe done on Mill Road, where you can find justabout anything, from just about anywhere inthe world, all on one street!

The Student Experience: Life outside the lecture theatre

Cambridge is a small city about 50 minutes north of London onthe train. Students account for about a fifth of the city’s population(there are over 22,000 here) and are a significant and importantpart of the community. As a result Cambridge is a great place tobe a student.

What’s on in CambridgeFurther information about Cambridge andguides to what’s on in the city can be foundat: www.visitcambridge.org

For further info...

My point of view

Teaching tailored to your needs, incrediblefacilities and world leading experts makestudying at Cambridge a truly world-classexperience. But it’s not all about the work:at Cambridge, we work hard but play evenharder! With a vibrant social scene and over600 student societies providing amazingopportunities for students to pursue theirinterests, there really is something foreveryone. Whether it’s sport, music, art,media, going out or staying in, you won’t be stuck for choice and you’ll definitely find other students who’ll join you.

During my time at Cambridge I wasinvolved in politics, volunteering andcharity work before becoming President ofmy JCR (the College students’ union), andthen President of Cambridge UniversityStudents’ Union (CUSU). The experiencesI’ve had doing these things have beenfascinating, fun and every bit as valuable as the time I spent studying.

The community here is both welcomingand diverse, as Cambridge students comefrom a huge range of backgrounds andfrom all over the world. Drawing from thisdiverse student population, CUSU ensuresthat the student experience is as fun andfulfilling as possible. As you plunge intostudent life, CUSU will be right therealongside you, campaigning about yourinterests while providing entertainment and welfare support.

Rahul, CUSU President

The St

uden

t Exp

erienc

e: Life

out

side

the lect

ure th

eatre

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

11

WEL

COM

E

Work hard, play hardThere’s a great social scene within theUniversity. Most students describe theirCambridge experience as ‘work hard, playhard’ and it’s always amazing how much theymanage to fit in alongside their studies.

Throughout term-time, there’s a whole rangeof student-organised entertainment andevents (or ‘ents’) on offer, and among thehighlights of the year are the legendaryCollege May Balls, held during May Week(which is actually about two weeks in June,after exams have finished).

Students’ unionsCambridge University Students’ Union (CUSU)represents the interests of all Cambridgestudents within the University and provides arange of central services, education andwelfare support, and entertainment (inaddition to the social and recreationalfacilities provided by the Colleges).

Run on a day-to-day basis by six full-timeofficers, known as sabbaticals – students orformer students of the University who areelected annually by the student body –CUSU:

• campaigns on issues affecting andinteresting students

• supports the student-run societies• organises a diverse range of club nights

at various venues in town

CUSU also offers information, advice andguidance about life at Cambridge from a student perspective to prospectiveapplicants. A new Alternative Prospectuswebsite will be launched in Summer 2011and, in the meantime, more information is available online at:www.applytocambridge.com.

In addition to CUSU, every College has itsown students’ union, or JCR (Junior Commonor Combination Room), to which studentofficers are elected each year. If you want tohave a say in student affairs in your Collegeyou might want to consider running forelection one year.

,,

Cambridge University Students’ Union(CUSU)www.cusu.cam.ac.uk

Map reference G

For further info...

King’s Parade Tinie Tempah performing at a College May Ball

College ent

My point of view

Coming from a bit of a party city, I was soworried that Cambridge was going to bedull and boring, with people never leavingthe library. I couldn’t have been morewrong! With club nights in town everynight of the week and all the sports andsocieties, there’s always something (oftentoo many things!) to do any time of theday and any night of the week.

I’m on my College’s JCR (which is like amini students’ union), helped organise myCollege Spring Ball, am a member of theMassage Society, and this term I’ve finallybeen persuaded to give rowing a go. Don’tworry – I can also be found clubbing untilthe early hours at least two or three timesa week!

The support here is brilliant – you’re welllooked-after and everyone reallyunderstands if you find things difficult.Among other things you have a personalTutor, an academic Director of Studies,Welfare Officers on your College JCR, aswell as CUSU and a whole host of student-run things such as Linkline.

My advice?Come to Cambridge and see what it’s likefor yourself! Take advantage of all thethings the University organises, such assummer schools and open days.

Kate, Newcastle

The St

uden

t Exp

erienc

e: Life

out

side

the lect

ure th

eatre

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

12

WEL

COM

E

Student societiesUniversity, with its clubs and societies, isabout trying things you’ve never had thechance to do before (and might never getthe chance to do again). At Cambridge youcan do almost anything at almost any level,from ‘having a go’ to semi-professional.Societies such as the Footlights, the UnionSociety (debating), the Varsity newspaper, the University sports teams and the Collegechapel choirs can even provide aspringboard for subsequent careers intheatre, politics, journalism, professional sport and music.

Currently, there are over 600 clubs, societiesand groups to choose from. The table belowgives just a few examples of what’s on offer.

And in the unlikely event that there’s nosociety for your particular passion, you couldstart one yourself. All you have to do is find afew like-minded people and the University ora College will probably support it, byproviding a venue or even a grant.

PoliticsCambridge has a vibrant political scene andmore than 50 political clubs and societieswith a range of affiliations which allowstudents to debate local, national andinternational political issues.

You could also get involved in CUSU or yourCollege students’ union; learn the arts ofcanvassing, public speaking and working on committees; or go along to the UnionSociety’s topical debates, where celebritiesfrom the media and politics are regularlyinvited to speak alongside the studentmembers.

Community ActionStudents at Cambridge are very active in a wide range of community projects,campaigns and charity work, both locally and worldwide. There are societies fororganisations like Amnesty International,while Student Community Action organisesand promotes student volunteering acrossthe city.

Considerable energy goes into planning andrunning various University-wide and College-based RAG events. Every year CambridgeRAG, one of the biggest charitable studentsocieties in the country, raises over £150,000for local, national and international charitiesin all manner of fun and outrageous ways.The highlights include:

• RAG Week – when Cambridge hosts ahuge street carnival

• RAG Jailbreak – when students raisemoney by trying to travel as far aspossible (often all over the world) withoutspending anything

• Anime and Manga Society• Business Association• Competitive Debating• Darts Club• Energy Network• Faiths Forum• Gog Magog Molly• Hellenic Society• iPhone Society• Jazz Orchestra• Kosher Wine and Whisky Society• Lifesaving Club• Massage Society• Natural History Society• Opera Society• Pastafarian Sparrowists• Quiz Society• Real Ale Society• Spaceflight• Tea Society• United Nations Association• Vegan Society• Writers’ Guild• Asian Exchange• Young Friends• Zoological Society

A sample of our 600 clubs and societies

Find out more about these clubs and societies and see the full list at:www.cusu.cam.ac.uk/societies/

• Assassins’ Guild• Breakdance Club• Computer Games Society• Diplomacy Society• Engineering World Health• Fire Troupe• Gastronomic Discovery• Howard League Society• Indie Music Society• Jugglers’ Association• Kenya Education Partnerships• Literature Society• Magic Society• Network for African Development• Officer Training Corps• Photographic Society• Quebec Society• Rock Society• Sheila and Her Dog Society• Travel Society• Underwater Exploration Society• Velvet Events• Wireless Society• Expeditions Society• Yoga Society• Zero Carbon Society

Students taking some time out Freshers’ Week Societies Fair

The St

uden

t Exp

erienc

e: Life

out

side

the lect

ure th

eatre

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

13

WEL

COM

E

MediaIf you’d like to try your hand at journalism,there are two regular term-time studentnewspapers (Varsity and The CambridgeStudent) and a variety of other publicationsthat you can get involved in, such as:

• The Hill Magazine – arts and creativity• Polyglossia – modern languages • The Triple Helix – science and law• The Cambridge Spy – satire• Bluesci – science

The University also has a number of prizes fororiginal student writing.

In addition, there are groups for thoseinterested in film-making and photography,and the University’s award-winning radiostation, Cam FM, is always keen for newmembers. Presented, engineered andmanaged by students, there are plenty ofopportunities to have a go at presenting ashow or support the running of the station.

DramaCambridge is renowned for the amount andquality of student-produced drama. Most well-known is the Cambridge Footlights, wheremany now-famous comedians and actorsstarted their careers. Based in the ADC Theatre,the Footlights stages fortnightly ‘Smokers’(informal evenings of original sketches andstand-up), as well as putting on four mainshows and performing at the EdinburghFringe each year.

However, the Cambridge Footlights is just oneof around 30 drama societies and groups,including:

• amateur dramatics• improvised comedy• musical theatre• Japanese drama• Gilbert and Sullivan

Auditions are often open to all and theopportunities don’t just include being onstage – you can have a go at directing,producing, set design, lighting, sound, stagemanagement, costume, make-up and front of house.

To support all this drama, there are excellentfacilities. In addition to the ADC Theatre, anumber of Colleges have their own purpose-built auditoria and several major productionstake place in the city’s Corn Exchange andArts Theatre. During May Week, Collegegardens also become theatres for open-airsummer productions.

MusicThere’s a great deal of music-making at theUniversity and all sorts of music can be heardin College common rooms, the UniversityConcert Hall, and venues in the city itself.Whether you want to sing, play an instrumentor be the Musical Director for a studentproduction, there’ll be something to suit you.Acoustic and open mic nights are put on byseveral Colleges; and numerous bands, choirsand orchestras regularly record and tour,performing around the country and globe forthousands of audience members every year.The Faculty of Music sponsors a great array ofmusical activities too, including supportingstudent-organised concerts, and offeringmaster classes and workshops.

There’s an enormous range of musicalsocieties and student bands catering for anytaste or style. While you have to audition orhave minimum standards for some, others areopen to all students regardless of experienceand ability.

If you’re an organist, singer/chorister or playan instrument to a really high standard, youmay like to consider applying for one of ourmusic awards. For more information aboutOrgan Scholarships, Choral Awards andInstrumental Awards, see p142.

ADC Theatre University Brass Band

My point of view

Everyone gets worried before going touniversity, but within days we all realisedour concerns were unfounded. Settling insocially and academically is really painlessand surprisingly quick, and the Universityand Colleges are well geared-up to helpthe process along.

One of the best things I found during thefirst term is that you can quickly and easilyfind groups of friends with the same sortsof social preferences (room parties, clubs,pubs, or anything else) as you. In addition,fitting work around socialising is alsopretty easy, and the close-knit universityatmosphere means something is alwayshappening, and you can always findpeople to go along with.

Extra-curricular activities are available for arange of interests, levels of commitment,and prior experience, and operate on bothCollege and University levels. They providea fantastic way of meeting people, and canoften be a major part of your universitylife. The Cambridge drama scene is one ofthe best of any university in the country,with over 30 shows per term, a massiverange of theatres, and societies for anydramatic interest and experience.

My advice?Bring a diary. A lot happens in Freshers’Week, and you don’t want to miss any of it!

Oliver, Manchester

The St

uden

t Exp

erienc

e: Life

out

side

the lect

ure th

eatre

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

14

WEL

COM

E

SportThe sports scene at Cambridge is huge.There’s a broad range of activities to help youachieve your goals; whether you want toimprove health and wellbeing, try a newactivity, become a coach/match official, ortrain for competitions. Just about every sportyou can think of is catered for, includingteam games, water sports, martial arts, racketsports, and extreme sports. In fact there areover 100 sports clubs and societies to choosefrom.

Sport for all levelsAt Cambridge, you have a choice of sport forfun, health or serious competition. Manyclubs have taster sessions at the beginning ofthe year for newcomers to find out a bitmore.

There are College teams in a diverse range ofsports offering opportunities for novices andexperts alike to compete in inter-Collegeleagues and cup competitions. Alternatively,if you’re already very good and are moreserious about your commitment to yoursport, you may want to try out for one of theUniversity teams – to represent Cambridgeand compete against other university, localand national club sides.

FacilitiesTo support all this activity, Colleges providefacilities for all the traditional team gamesand other sports such as tennis and rowing.Many also have their own gym and provideindoor facilities for squash and badminton.

In addition the University has:

• a UK Athletics grade 1 athletics track(floodlit for training purposes)

• a floodlit sand-based synthetic hockeysurface

• Fenner’s Cricket and Tennis Ground(home to the ECB Cambridge UniversityCentre of Cricketing Excellence)

• the Indoor Cricket School• a recently refurbished fitness suite

housing £50,000 worth of the latestcardiovascular equipment, complete withFreeview TV and iPod connectivity

There are also a number of sports centres,gyms and swimming pools around town thatoffer membership discounts to students.

Financial supportSome financial support is available throughthe Colleges, trust funds and bursaries forstudents who play competitive sport at ahigh level or wish to progress withincoaching or officiating. For further details andadvice contact the Department of PhysicalEducation.

SportDepartment of Physical EducationTelephone: 01223 336580Email: enquiries@sport.cam.ac.ukwww.sport.cam.ac.uk

For further info...

Urban sports Competing for the University

Canoe polo

My point of view

There’s so much to get involved with atCambridge – I wish somebody wouldinvent a 36-hour day! In my first year Irowed for College, as well as organisingthe world’s largest student ski trip forOxford and Cambridge. I’ve also sat on theCollege students’ union and chaired theFreshers’ Week Committee.

Societies and clubs are a fantastic way tomeet people and it’s amazing how closeyou become in such a short period oftime. At the end of my first year, me andsix friends packed up our backpacks andwent travelling around Asia for sevenweeks.

The opportunities to get involved withsomething that interests you areboundless and there’s so much I still hopeto try while I’m at Cambridge. It’s definitelynot all about studying – it’s aboutmanaging your time as best you can andstriking a great work/life balance.

My advice?Try everything that Cambridge throws atyou in the first term and see what grabsyour attention. Get a good diary and makesure you include loads of downtime andstick to it.

Sam, Hertfordshire

The St

uden

t Exp

erienc

e: Life

out

side

the lect

ure th

eatre

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

15

WEL

COM

E

• Aerobics• Athletics• Badminton• Basketball• BMX• Boxing• Canoeing• Capoeira• Caving• Cheerleading• Clay pigeon shooting• Cricket• Curling• Cycling• Diving• Eco racing• Fencing• Football• Gaelic football• Gliding• Golf• Gymnastics• Hillwalking• Hockey• Hurling• Ice hockey• Kickboxing• Kitesurfing• Korfball• Lacrosse

• Martial arts • Modern pentathlon• Motor sport• Mountaineering• Netball• Orienteering• Polo• Powerlifting• Riding• Rollerblading• Rowing• Rugby – league, union• Scuba diving• Skateboarding• Skiing and snowboarding• Skydiving• Squash• Surfing• Swimming• Synchronised swimming• Tennis – lawn, real, table• Trampolining• Triathlon• Ultimate frisbee• Volleyball• Wakeboarding• Water polo• Windsurfing• Yachting• Yoga

Sports available include

Varsity rowing crew Cyclocross

Blues rugby match

My point of view

The social life is very different atCambridge compared to otheruniversities. There’s no doubt that we’rehere to work hard, but that’s not to saythat we don’t have a LOT of fun. You cango clubbing, join societies, go on swaps toother Colleges and experience their foodand drink, join sports clubs and take partin theatre productions (whether you canact, sing, dance or prefer to be backstage).

I’m a cox for my College Boat Club, as wellas a member of the students’ union and afew other societies. The Boat Club alonegives me a great social life: I’ve madeloads of friends from other years andsubjects who I may never have metotherwise. The Club’s social calendarincludes Boatie Cocktails, termly dinners,barbeques and swaps as well as LOADS ofraces to spice things up and make it reallycompetitive.

My advice?Cambridge is a busy and hectic place andit can take some people a longer time tosettle in or get used to it – even the mostorganised of us can get stressed trying tojuggle so many things – but there’s alwayssomeone to talk to: College parents,welfare reps, Tutors, Directors of Studies,and friends.

Pixie, Essex

Acc

omm

odat

ion:

A h

ome from

hom

ew

ww.cam

.ac.uk

16

WEL

COM

E

Somewhere to liveUnlike many universities, Cambridgeguarantees most students College-ownedaccommodation for three years, and manyColleges provide for fourth-year studentstoo1. This means:

• you don’t have to worry about findingsomewhere to live after your first year

• you don’t have to pay commercial rentsand large deposits

• you only pay for your accommodationwhen you’re actually in residence (ie youdon’t pay rent during the vacations unlessyou stay in Cambridge). Most students arein Cambridge for 30 weeks of the year,meaning they pay 30 weeks of rentinstead of 52

Colleges have a variety of accommodationavailable, and you have some choice in yoursecond and third years. For instance, you mayfind yourself in a purpose-builtaccommodation block outside the mainCollege site, or sharing a College-ownedhouse with friends. The map on the insideback cover shows the location of the mainCollege sites within the city.

What’s the accommodation like?The style of rooms varies a lot: from themedieval with little arched windows, throughspacious Victorian and Edwardian, to practicalmodern. However, whatever the style, you’llhave a room of your own (unless you chooseone of the specially-designed shared options)and access to a shared kitchen.

• You (usually) have a choice of en suite orshared bathroom facilities.

• Your room is cleaned for you (Collegecleaners are often still called ‘bedders’), butit’s up to you to keep it tidy.

• Colleges have laundry rooms, so you don’thave to take it all home at the end ofterm!

PortersEvery College has a team of Porters on dutyaround the clock to maintain the safety andsecurity of staff and students. One of thelinchpins of College life, the Porters are oftena first point of call about any problems inCollege or if you need any information.

Most students are guaranteed accommodation by theirCambridge College for at least three years1. Much more than just ahall of residence, your College is also where you do a lot of yourstudying and socialising. For most, it provides experiences andfriendships that last a lifetime.

Accommodation: A home from home

1 Accommodation guarantee applies to singleundergraduates without a family at all Collegesexcept St Edmund’s. All single undergraduates areexpected to live in College-owned accommodationwhere possible.

College Porters

My point of view

When I arrived at the College open day, Iwas overwhelmed by its beautiful groundsand incredible location but mostly by thefriendly students and staff. I did visit otherColleges but out of them and the otheruniversities I’d visited I liked my College’satmosphere the best – so absolutely hadto apply!

Living in College is great – there’s always acup of tea on offer somewhere and yourfriends are never very far away. There’spretty much everything you’d need andthe student-run bar is one of the cheapestin Cambridge. Mine is one of the smallerColleges which means there’s a real senseof community and we all tend to go outtogether.

The accommodation is all of a fairly decent standard and there’s a real mix –staircases, corridors and houses, modernen suite rooms and old character-filledsets. At my College, in the second yearthere’s a random ballot which getsreversed in third year. I balloted low insecond year and stayed in reputedly theworst house, but even that was quite nice.

My advice?When choosing a College, think aboutwhat’s most important to you. All theColleges have their quirks and you can geta feel by visiting or reading the Prospectusbut above all don’t worry too much aboutit – the Colleges are more alike thandifferent and everyone seems to lovewhere they end up!

Mhairi, Glasgow

Acc

omm

odat

ion:

A h

ome from

hom

ew

ww.cam

.ac.uk

17

WEL

COM

E

How much does it cost?The actual rate you pay varies from College toCollege, and depends on the type and styleof your room (size, en suite etc) but it usuallycovers heating, cleaning, internet access andbasic self-catering facilities.

As a rough guide, based on a 30-week year2:

• most single study bedrooms with a sharedbathroom cost £70–£120 per week

• most rooms with en suite cost £90–£130per week

In some Colleges it’s possible to rent a roomfor the full year (ie including vacations) withcosts adjusted accordingly. If you work outyour rent on a termly or yearly basis, the costscompare favourably with most otheruniversities.

Somewhere to eatThe Colleges encourage communal dining –it’s a chance to have a break, catch up withfriends, and meet new people. All studentshave access to College dining facilities whereyou can buy cafeteria-style meals as well asmore formal dinners (known as ‘formal halls’)at a reasonable price if you don’t fancyshopping and cooking (and washing up!) foryourself.

Some Colleges levy a charge towards the costof the College kitchens – the kitchen facilitiescharge – and then offer meals at lower pricesas a result.

• An individual meal costs around £3–£4(including a drink and dessert).

• ‘Formal halls’ (three-course served dinners)cost around £6–£10.

• Most kitchen facilities charges (whereapplied) are in the range £12–£17 perweek.

• A number of diets can be catered for butyou should check in advance.

Alternatively, basic self-catering facilities areavailable if you want to cook for yourself.

Somewhere to studyWhen you need a book, a computer or justsomewhere quiet to work, you won’t need togo far as all of the Colleges provide a libraryand computer suite. See p8–9 for furtherdetails about facilities and resources availableto our students.

Somewhere to relaxThe main social hub of every College is itscommon room and bar (also known as a JCR,or junior common/combination room). Hereyou can find TVs, newspapers, pool tables andcomputer games. College bars are verypopular as they’re never far away and thestudent prices mean that they’re generallycheaper than many of the pubs and bars intown. This relaxed, non-commercial settingalso means that those who choose not todrink don’t feel under pressure to buy alcohol.

Colleges have a wide range of sports facilitiestoo – such as playing fields, courts,boathouses and gyms. For the musically-inclined, many Colleges have practice roomsand performance venues. Most Colleges havea choir and orchestra which put on one ormore concerts each year, and many othermusical ensembles, such as swing bands,gospel choirs and rock groups, flourish incollegiate Cambridge. See p13–5 for moreinformation about sport and music at theUniversity.

2 Costs are for students starting a course at theUniversity of Cambridge in October 2011. Figures for2012–13 will be published on the UndergraduateAdmissions website as soon as they’re available.

Student accommodation College dining hall

My point of view

The best thing about College life is havinga real community. Everything’s on yourdoorstep, and because they’ve all only gota few hundred students, you always seesomeone you know in the bar or thecanteen. There’s also the (friendly) rivalrybetween sports teams. The worst part isprobably that it’s harder to make friendsoutside your College (if you want to!), butit’s not much of a problem if you join aUniversity club or just talk to people inyour faculty.

I chose my College pretty much byaccident, as it happened to have an openday when my parents were free to takeme. But if you’re putting more thoughtinto it, a College is basically somewhereyou want to live, so you can choose it onthings like how close it is to your faculty orwhat it looks like. The quality of teachingis the same everywhere, and Collegechoice doesn’t affect your chances ofgetting into Cambridge.

My advice?Try to prepare all the practical things(paperwork, stuff for your room/kitchenetc) and make a budget before you comeup for each term, and try to stick to it!When you first arrive, there’ll be one-offcosts like books and a TV licence (if youwant one), so don’t forget about them.

Stefan, Oxford

Suppor

t: Lo

okin

g af

ter o

ur stu

dent

sw

ww.cam

.ac.uk

18

WEL

COM

E

College welfareThe College system means that as well asbeing part of a large university, you’re alsopart of a smaller College community thatensures its members are supported andvalued. Therefore, students who arestruggling with a particular problem orfeeling a bit lost and lonely won’t gounnoticed.

Within your College you have a number ofpeople looking out for your academic andpersonal welfare, and supporting youthroughout your time at Cambridge.

Director of StudiesYour Director of Studies (DoS) is usually aFellow of your College (a senior member ofthe College whose main duty is teaching,administration or research) but sometimesmay be a Fellow of another College.Appointed to look after your academicwelfare, they:

• advise you on your subject generally• guide you through your course choices• arrange your weekly supervisions• monitor your progress• help you with any problems arising from

your studies

He/she is also involved with the admissionsprocess and will probably be one of thepeople who interview you if you apply.

TutorAs well as a Director of Studies, manyColleges allocate you a Tutor, who’s also anacademic but normally in a different subjectfrom the one you’re studying. He/she is thereto:

• protect your interests• provide pastoral support• offer you specific personal advice if you

want it

Tutors can advise you about hardship fundsand other grants and bursaries as well.

College staffIf it happens that you need medical orpersonal support (or even just a cup of teaand a chat), Colleges have a variety of peopleyou can turn to, such as:

• a nurse• chaplaincies for various faiths and

denominations• a College-based counsellor

All students need a bit of support from time to time and theextensive welfare system in place here at Cambridge means wehave one of the lowest drop-out rates in the UK. As well as thesupport you receive through your College, there are a number ofUniversity services that provide specialist assistance should youwant it.

Support: Looking after our students

Newnham College gardens

My point of view

The support here is great and the Collegecommunity really makes you feel at home.You can talk to anyone if you need to, andthere’s specific counselling services andthe like to help you out. I’ve had a lot ofhealth issues, so have spent quite a bit oftime with the College nurse and physioand they’ve been extremely supportive.Also, the Porters are incredible – theyseem to do everything and are alwayshelpful dispensers of College information.

My main concern about coming here wasnot having the support that I have athome – parents to look after you whenyou’re ill, friends to chat to when you’redown. But those concerns were gone afterjust a few weeks of the first term. I gotstruck down with belated freshers’ flu, andwithout even needing to ask my staircasewere buying me food, handing in mywork on my behalf, and just being aroundfor me. I think the College lifestyle really islike an extended family and I’m alreadysad thinking about leaving Cambridge!

My advice?Visit the universities you’re interested in –the place you spend all term at is reallyimportant, it’s got to be somewhere you’dlike to live. Also, try and speak to studentsat the university to see what life’s likethere and if it’s something you’d like to bea part of.

Natasha, St Albans

Suppor

t: Lo

okin

g af

ter o

ur stu

dent

sw

ww.cam

.ac.uk

19

WEL

COM

E

Students supporting studentsThroughout the University and Colleges,there’s an extensive student-run welfarenetwork. Cambridge University Students’Union (CUSU) provides a Student AdviceService, which offers independent, non-judgemental, confidential support for allstudents. A full-time, professional StudentAdviser, as well as four trained student adviceofficers, can be contacted for information,support and impartial advice on the StudentSupport phone line or in person at the CUSU offices.

In addition, every JCR (College students’union) has its own welfare officer(s), andmany Colleges have a College Parent system,where first-year students are assigned ‘parents’(students in other years) to help them settlein and find their feet.

And don’t forget, you have your friends to talk to. One of the best things about being at university is that you can make a lot of very close friends. You’re all in it together and dealing with much the same situations,so you’re able to support each other.

CounsellingThe University’s Counselling Service offers afree and confidential service to all students at the University. Professional counsellors are available to talk through any personal or emotional concerns that you might haveduring your time at the University.

More information, as well as a wide range of self-help resources, is available from theService’s website, where appointments can also be arranged(www.counselling.cam.ac.uk).

Student parents and childcareAll Colleges welcome applications fromstudent parents and some Colleges canprovide family accommodation. However,where this isn’t available you’ll be directed tothe central Accommodation Service instead(www.accommodation.cam.ac.uk).

The University Nursery on the WestCambridge Site has a limited number ofplaces available for students’ children agedthree months to five years (www.cam.ac.uk/cambuniv/childcare/nursery/). Gonville andCaius, and Queens’ Colleges have their ownnurseries, and the Wolfson Court nursery on Clarkson Road serves Churchill, Girton, St John’s and Trinity Colleges. Please contactthe individual Colleges to discuss thesefacilities. If you have school-aged childrenplease speak to the University ChildcareInformation Advisers for advice.

Information on government financial supportfor student parents is available from theDirectgov website (www.direct.gov.uk). Inaddition, a Central Childcare Bursary Schemeassists eligible overseas and EU students withthe costs of childcare (see the UniversityChildcare Information Service website fordetails).

Student parentsUniversity Childcare Information AdvisersTelephone: 01223 332249Email: childcare@admin.cam.ac.uk www.cam.ac.uk/cambuniv/childcare/

Cambridge Guide for Student Parents www.cam.ac.uk/studentparentguide/

Childcare in Cambridge www.opportunity-links.org.uk

For further info...

Student parents University Dental Service

My point of view

My College has been extremelysupportive. The Senior Tutor has beenexceptionally understanding of medicalconditions and the College was able topay for medical equipment that I required,and for me to receive private counsellingso there wasn’t a delay in my treatment.The College has also ensured that I’vebeen given a room suitable for mymedical needs every year.

The College system is geared to help yoube social as there’s so much to do – myaverage week contains two or threeclubbing nights, a hockey match, twonetball matches (and I’m rubbish at sport),Pilates and a cocktail-making lesson, plus I usually go to formals or a dramaproduction every other week. Like at anyuni, what you experience depends onwhat you make of it.

My advice?There are so many Colleges it’s impossibleto visit them all! Decide whether you’d liketo be central or slightly further out, thenperhaps decide if you’d like a big or smallyear group, and rule out any you don’t likethe sound of. That should leave you withjust a few to visit and if you like oneslightly more then just apply! There aren’tany bad Colleges; just find an arbitrarypreference and if you can’t do that go foran open application!

Adele, London

Suppor

t: Lo

okin

g af

ter o

ur stu

dent

sw

ww.cam

.ac.uk

20

WEL

COM

E

Disabled studentsThe University of Cambridge welcomesapplications from disabled people and/orthose with a chronic illness. The DisabilityResource Centre (DRC) is an essentialcontact, offering guidance, information andsupport to disabled students.

If you’re considering Cambridge, you’readvised to get in touch with the DRC and aCollege admissions office as early as possibleto discuss your application and any specificrequirements you may have. Should youthen decide to apply to Cambridge westrongly recommend that you also discloseyour disability in your UCAS application. This is so we can ensure that interviews arescheduled in accessible rooms and thatappropriate adjustments can be put in placebefore you start your course. If a disability isnot disclosed in sufficient time for reasonableadjustments to be made before the start ofyour first term, the University may deferadmission so that the required modificationscan be made.

Accommodation, location andaccessibilityCambridge is a collegiate university, sostudents are based in Colleges for day-to-dayliving and go to a faculty or department forlectures, practical work etc.

Prospective students with mobility and/orsensory impairments are advised to apply toa specific College rather than make an openapplication (see p97). When deciding whichCollege to apply to, you should consider theaccessibility and facilities of the Colleges andyour department, as well as their locations inrelation to each other.

In addition, Cambridge itself is an historic citywith some narrow and cobbled streets.Therefore, we also encourage you to visitCambridge before making your applicationto assess the suitability of your intendedCollege and department. Arrangements canbe made for informal visits with therespective Colleges and/or departmentswithin the University.

Study and academic supportWith your agreement, the DRC will liaise withrelevant staff within the University before youbegin your studies to ensure that appropriatesupport is in place. If you require supportworkers such as note-takers or interpreters tocomplete your course, the DRC may be ableto offer appropriate support through its Non-Medical Assistance (NMA) Scheme. Pleaseseek advice from the DRC regarding eligibilityand funding for NMA support.

The information in this publication can be found on ourwebsite at: www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/.However, if you would like this information in an alternativeformat (eg large print), please contact the CambridgeAdmissions Office to discuss your requirements.

Cambridge Admissions Office (CAO)Telephone: 01223 333308Email: admissions@cam.ac.uk

Alternative formats

University Counselling Service Disability Resource Centre

My point of view

The support system here is amazing!!Cambridge is incredibly supportive of itsstudents, especially those with disabilities,and no disabled student should be put offapplying.

I’ve had a really rough couple of years andI’ve found all the support services to beincredibly useful. The DRC were reallygood in first sorting out my beingdiagnosed with dyslexia, and thenproviding study skills to help me throughmy degree. CUSU have also always beenthere with advice and support, and myTutor always wants what’s best for me andto help me do well.

The teaching at Cambridge is amazing andI’ve been so lucky with my supervisors.They’ve always been willing to give meextra supervisions when I think I can’tanswer any questions or let me know thatI don’t need to panic when I turn up attheir room before an exam saying ‘I’mpanicking!’

My advice?I think that as an individual you know howmuch you can take on. Some people liketo be busy, some like to have no bindingcommitments, it’s all about what worksbest for you. But the key thing toremember is that you’re here to study –your degree should always come first, andeveryone should understand this!

Victoria, Melton Mowbray

Suppor

t: Lo

okin

g af

ter o

ur stu

dent

sw

ww.cam

.ac.uk

21

WEL

COM

E

Financial supportUK students are currently eligible to apply forthe Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). It’simportant that you begin the applicationprocess for your DSA as soon as possible toensure your funding is in place for the start ofterm. In addition, once at Cambridge, thereare specific grants that disabled students mayapply for.

Care leaversAll Colleges welcome applications fromstudents who are or have been in care, andthe University of Cambridge was awarded theFrank Buttle Trust Quality Mark in 2010 inrecognition of our commitment tosupporting care leavers.

As well as the support that’s available to allstudents:

• care leavers are entitled to year-roundCollege-owned accommodation, shouldyou wish to stay in Cambridge over thevacations

• Colleges are keen to support you shouldany financial or pastoral issues arise

Cambridge has a diverse population withstudents from a wide range of backgroundsand you’ll be able to have the same universityexperience as any other student here.However, in order to ensure you get thesupport available to you as a care leaver, youshould indicate your time in care in yourUCAS application.

If you are or have been in care and would likemore information and guidance aboutvisiting or studying at the University, pleasesee the website or contact the CambridgeAdmissions Office (telephone: 01223 766872;email: care@cao.cam.ac.uk).

Care leaverswww.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/care/

For further info...

Disabled studentsDisability Resource Centre (DRC)Keynes HouseTrumpington StreetCambridge CB2 1QATelephone: 01223 332301Textphone: 01223 764085Email: ucam-disability@lists.cam.ac.ukwww.cam.ac.uk/disability/

Map reference J

Disability Access Guide www.admin.cam.ac.uk/univ/disability/guide/

National Bureau for Students with Disabilities www.skill.org.uk

For further info...

Examination arrangementsIf you’re disabled or have a chronic illness you may require specific arrangements forexaminations, such as additional time,someone to write on your behalf and/orspecialist equipment. The DRC team canadvise on how these arrangements areorganised.

Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)including dyslexia and dyspraxiaIf you have a Specific Learning Difficulty youneed to have an up-to-date, full EducationalPsychologist assessment as evidence forobtaining appropriate adjustments.Information and advice about assessmentsare available from the DRC’s SpLD Adviser and on the DRC website.

Having a break in the UL Tea Room New Court, St John’s College

Relaxing by the River Cam

Mon

ey: F

inan

cing

you

r stu

dies

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

22

WEL

COM

E

The following details are for UK and EUstudents starting a course at the University ofCambridge in October 2011. Figures for 2012–13 will be published on the UndergraduateAdmissions website as soon as they areavailable. If you’re from outside the EU, thereare different arrangements, and you shouldcheck p30 for details.

Why Cambridge?While a student at Cambridge you enjoy verycompetitive living costs and, after you leave,as a Cambridge graduate you’re highlyemployable and sought after.

• Statistics indicate that only three per centof Cambridge students are still seekingemployment or further study six monthsafter graduating – well below the nationalaverage of 7.6 per cent.

• Independent studies also suggest thatCambridge graduates can earnsubstantially more over their lifetime thanthose without a degree.

The table below outlines the costs involvedwith studying at Cambridge, and for moreinformation about career prospects, pleasesee p24–5.

Tuition feesPlease see the statement above and refer tothe website for the latest information.

Living costsYour living costs include whatever you needto pay for, excluding tuition fees, while you’reat university. For example:

• accommodation• food• study materials• transport• spending money

We’ve estimated that you should allowapproximately £7,170 a year for living costs.

AccommodationThe cost of accommodation will vary fromCollege to College and also depend on thetype and style of your room (size, en suite etc).

The great things about studentaccommodation at Cambridge are that:

• your College provides accommodation forthree and often four years (if appropriate)3,so you don’t have to pay commercial rentsor large deposits

Money: Financing your studies

Cost-effective Cambridge 2011–12

Whichever university you choose to apply to, there are two coststhat you need to consider – the cost of your tuition and your livingcosts.

1 Students from outside the EU should refer to p30regarding fees and finance arrangements.

2 Figures based on an academic year of 30 weeks.

3 Accommodation guarantee applies to singleundergraduates without a family at all Collegesexcept St Edmund’s.

Following the recent government review of student finance arrangements, it is anticipatedthat there will be changes to tuition fees and the financial support available for UK/EUstudents1 applying to enter higher education in October 2012 and beyond.

At the time of going to press (January 2011), how any such changes will affect studentsapplying to the University of Cambridge is uncertain. Please refer to the UndergraduateAdmissions website (www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/finance/) regularly for thelatest updates and information.

Student finance arrangements 2012 entry

What am I paying for?Living costs total

Accommodation2

Kitchen facilities charges2

College mealsTransport

How much does it cost per year?c£7,170 £2,100–£3,600£2,700–£3,900 en suite£360–£510 £3–£4 each (including drink and dessert)Cheap or free!

My point of view

Costs of food, accommodation etc varyfrom College to College, but it’s generallyvery reasonable. Don’t forget that atCambridge your accommodation isusually guaranteed for the first three yearsof your course. This means you aren’tthrown out into the world after your firstyear and told to rent a flat for two years,despite the fact you aren’t there half thetime! So in that sense Cambridge isactually cheaper than other universities.Also, most Colleges have funds andbursaries available for those who need itso apply for everything, even if you don’tthink you’ll get it – you just never know.

Cambridge has everything you need and most things you want, and all withincycling distance. The nightlife ispredominantly cheesy but 1) we don’t care and 2) there’s so much going on thatif it does bother you then there’s plenty of other things to entertain you!

My advice?Make use of any contacts available to you(most Colleges will assign you to someonein the year above for this very purpose orspeak to anyone you know at Cambridge)and ask as many questions before youcome so you’re ready to hit the groundrunning as soon as you get here.

Rebecca,Northamptonshire

Mon

ey: F

inan

cing

you

r stu

dies

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

23

WEL

COM

E

• you only pay for your accommodationwhen you’re actually in residence (ie youdon’t pay rent during the vacations unlessyou stay in Cambridge). Most students arein Cambridge for 30 weeks of the year,meaning they pay 30 weeks of rent insteadof 52

As a rough guide, the rent for a 30-week yearfor most single study bedrooms is as follows:

• £70–£120 per week without en suitebathroom

• £90–£130 per week with en suite

Please see p16–7 and individual Collegewebsites for more information aboutaccommodation.

College feesUnlike overseas-fee-status and Islands4

students, UK or EU students who are eligiblefor public support don’t normally have to payan additional College fee, unless they’restudying for a second degree. Moreinformation about College fees is given onp30.

FoodColleges encourage communal dining andsome levy a charge towards the costs of theCollege kitchens – the kitchen facilities charge– and then offer meals at lower prices.

• Most kitchen facilities charges are in therange £12–£17 per week.

• Individual meals with a drink and dessertcan typically be purchased for £3–£4.

• Many Colleges also have regular ‘formalhalls’ (three-course dinners) that are stillvery good value at around £6–£10.

Basic self-catering facilities are also available ifyou want to cook for yourself.

Study materialsThe cost of study materials will naturally varydepending on your course but may include,for example, equipment such as calculatorsand lab coats, and photocopying costs.However, the University’s numerous well-stocked libraries and up-to-date IT provisionhelp to keep your costs down and Cambridgehas a number of good second-handbookshops if you do decide to buy your owncopy of any essential text books.

If your course includes a dissertation,depending on the topic you choose, youmight incur additional costs such as for traveland you should bear this in mind whenproposing your dissertation title.

You can find details of specific course costs onthe relevant faculty or department website,and if you need further information pleasecontact the faculty or department concerned.

Personal expensesYour personal expenses – food, clothing, traveletc – will obviously depend on your lifestylebut you can have a good social life herewithout spending a fortune: there are plentyof free sports facilities and loads of College-based and student-run events and activitiesthat don’t cost very much. What’s more,Cambridge is a small place so transport ischeap or free: most students walk or cycleeverywhere and the ‘Uni 4’ bus service offersdiscounted fares to students.

Part-time workWith the exception of some opportunitiesavailable within the University and Colleges(such as working in the College bar, or as astudent helper during open days and summer schools), the University discouragesits students from working during term-timefor a number of reasons:

• our terms are short (eight weeks) and it’simportant that you have sufficient timeboth to keep up with the academicdemands of your course and to giveyourself time out to take advantage of thesocial and recreational opportunitiesavailable to you. Conversely, we have longvacations during which you have thechance to earn some money and getsome work experience

• we offer very competitive living costs,which are much lower than many imagine

University supportThe anticipated changes to tuition fees andgovernment financial support for UK/EUstudents applying for 2012 entry will alsoaffect the financial support the University isable to offer its students. However, at the timeof going to press (January 2011), the nature,extent and eligibility criteria of any suchUniversity support is uncertain. Please refer tothe Undergraduate Admissions website(www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/finance/) regularly for the latest updates andinformation.

College awardsThere may be additional sources of fundingavailable at College level for which studentscan apply, such as book and equipmentgrants to help with specific study-relatedcosts. Colleges also award scholarships andprizes for academic achievement. In addition,grants and loans are available from Colleges todeal with unforeseen difficulties. Informationon these funds is available from each College.

4 Islands students are students from the ChannelIslands and from the Isle of Man.

The ‘Wedding Cake’ Market Square

Car

eers: T

rans

form

ing

your

futu

rew

ww.cam

.ac.uk

24

WEL

COM

E

Plenty of opportunitiesCambridge graduates are highly employableand sought after by employers: large andsmall, local and international, conventionaland unconventional.

• Last year, over 91 per cent of ourgraduates were employed or in furtherstudy just six months after graduating,with another six per cent taking time out.

• The Careers Service promotes morevacancies each year than there areCambridge graduates seekingemployment.

• The most common complaint theCareers Service receives from employersis that not enough of our students areapplying to them!

Career destinationsDegree subjectCambridge courses are challenging, rigorousand respected all over the world so you don’tneed to worry that the course you choose tostudy might limit you to one career path:

• the majority of employers recruitstudents with any degree discipline

• it’s the flexibility, teaching style anddemands of your degree course, as wellas the range of transferable skills that youdevelop, that are of interest to employers

Remember, law students can, and do,become journalists, musicians becomebankers, historians become lawyers,economists become civil servants, andengineers become teachers.

You can find out more about the careerdestinations of recent Cambridge graduatesin most of the course entries within thisProspectus. Further information is alsoavailable as part of the CamDATA website(www.admin.cam.ac.uk/univ/camdata/).

Transferable skillsDuring your time at Cambridge, you developa wide range of ‘transferable skills’ throughboth your studies and social activities. Theseskills are required in a wide range of careers,and employers look for evidence of them inyour CV and job applications.

Examples of transferable skills that you’relikely to acquire at Cambridge include:

• learning quickly – you work at a fastpace here and get used to taking on newinformation and approaches

• commitment and ambition – ourstudents are motivated and striving forthe highest standards in their work

• good organisational skills andflexibility – Cambridge terms are shortbut students pack a lot in so you quicklylearn how to manage your time to meetdeadlines, prioritise your work and fit in a social life

• effective communication – you’reregularly required to present your ideasboth in writing and orally for supervisionsand seminars

• analysis and attention to detail –studying at Cambridge you learn to thinklogically, explore ideas and informationsystematically, and find connections

• creativity and problem-solving – in your studies you’re encouraged todevelop your own new approaches tosubject matter and find solutions toproblems

• confidence – the tuition you receivethrough supervisions as well as thesupportive learning environment herehelp you to develop your confidence,and to be articulate and decisive

Employers value other achievements andexperiences gained through involvement in clubs and societies, and vacationemployment as well. For instance, running a student society for a year helps you todevelop your leadership and team workingskills. Potential employers also interact withsome department-based societies so youhave opportunities to network and makecontacts long before graduation.

Careers: Transforming your future

Cambridge graduates of all disciplines enjoy numerousopportunities after completing their studies. In fact, Cambridgehas one of the highest proportions of graduates enteringgraduate-level employment or further study in the country.

My point of view

One of the most useful things about aCambridge degree in my opinion is thefact that during your time here you’reexpected to learn and absorb a largeamount of new information on a dailybasis. Therefore, I’ve developed the abilityto learn quickly; a skill that shouldhopefully make it possible for me to adaptto many different types of jobs should Ichoose to move into a different sector lateron in my life.

Cambridge has turned out to be very closeto what I expected it to be. The work canget really hard, and there’s definitelyenough of it to keep me busy throughoutterm-time. That being said, it’s notimpossible to complete, and becauseeveryone around you is in exactly thesame position, working for your degreejust becomes a normal part of life.

My advice?If you’re unsure about what sort of careeryou want to go into after university, youdon’t have to worry. You still have a lot oftime to decide and the skills you learnduring your degree will be very valuable to you in whatever career you eventuallychoose to follow.

Ares, London

Car

eers: T

rans

form

ing

your

futu

rew

ww.cam

.ac.uk

25

WEL

COM

E

Cambridge students in theemployment marketCambridge students are ambitious,intelligent, motivated, hard-working,passionate, committed, keen to learn, curious,intellectually creative, independent thinkers,and able to manage and prioritise their time.

Employers know and value this and arelooking for the same attributes in potentialnew employees, which is why our graduatesare so sought after. The pie chart (right)shows the destinations of 2009 Cambridgegraduates, six months after graduation.

The Careers ServiceAs a student at the University you have accessto the Careers Service and the wide range ofservices it offers right from day one. Staffcome from a wide variety of backgroundsand most have worked in the sectors theyadvise on. They can help you make informedcareer choices and work out what to do next,for instance:

• advising you on vacation workexperience

• matching your interests and skills topossible careers

• helping you to think about postgraduatestudy

• guiding you through the job applicationprocess

There are also numerous opportunities foryou to meet employers so you can interviewthem before they interview you.

And even after you’ve graduated, the CareersService is still available to you; online as wellas in Cambridge itself.

Choosing a career • Individual careers consultations.• Advice about vacation work experience. • Briefing sessions on over 80 different careers and study options

to give you a flavour of what’s involved in each.• Online careers health check package and Prospect Planner.

Researching • Career information events, with around 1,000 organisations occupations and talking about themselves and career opportunities available. employers These include events on banking, consultancy, law, not-for-profit,

media, advertising, the Civil Service, teaching, vacation work and an event for opportunities in Cambridgeshire.

• More than 50 skills training sessions on employment-related topics on offer.

• GradLink – contact details for Cambridge alumni who have volunteered to talk to current students about their careers and offer first-hand advice.

• Information booklets, sector guides and personal feedback from alumni on over 100 occupations, further study courses and funding.

Finding vacancies • Online vacancy information on more than 5,500 organisations.• Email subscription service to regularly send you information,

news and advice on your chosen career interests.

Making successful • CV and Cover Letters book to help you identify and describe applications your transferable skills.

• Help to get your CV in shape and advice and support on being interviewed.

• Practice interviews.

How the Careers Service can help you

Careers Servicewww.careers.cam.ac.uk

Map reference F

For further info...

Not available for employment or further study(eg year off, travelling etc) 5.6%

In employment 52.5%

In further study or training 38.6%

Still seeking employment or further study 3.1%

Known destinations of 2009 Cambridge graduates (six months after graduation)

Students graduating Careers Service

Mat

ure St

uden

ts: R

etur

ning

to stu

dyw

ww.cam

.ac.uk

26

WEL

COM

E

Colleges for mature studentsAll Cambridge Colleges admit maturestudents, but there are four that take onlymature or graduate students:

• Hughes Hall• Lucy Cavendish College (women only)• St Edmund’s College• Wolfson College

While mature students can apply to any ofthe undergraduate Colleges, the majoritychoose one of these ‘mature’ Colleges, wherethey live with other students who also have a bit more life experience and aren’t straightout of school. Mature students who decide to make an open application (see p97) areallocated to one of the mature Colleges.

Supporting mature studentsFinanceDetails about the living costs involved withstudying at Cambridge can be found on p22–3 and information about the financialarrangements for mature students from the UK/EU will be published on theUndergraduate Admissions website(www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/)as soon as it’s available. Information abouttuition fees and financial support for maturestudents from overseas can be found on p30–1.

Student parentsFor students with children, the University’sChildcare Information Advisers can offerguidance on childcare, and some Colleges areable to provide family accommodation. Moreinformation for student parents can be foundon p19.

Preparing for CambridgeThose who are returning to study and whohave successfully secured places at theUniversity, may be able to attend the PREPCourse in September 2012. The courseprovides an opportunity to develop studyskills and covers practical issues that are partof day-to-day life at university. Please see thewebsite for further details and availability.

Entrance requirementsMature applicants are expected to achievethe same academic standards as schoolleavers. The nature of Cambridge courses, andthe requirement to produce independentwork every week, does need some form ofacademic preparation. Therefore, we wouldrecommend a course of study such as anAccess to HE Diploma, A Level(s) or an OpenUniversity course (Level 2 or above) topractise essay writing, autonomous study andexaminations skills.

Cambridge also considers applications fromthose who have previously completed ahigher education qualification and now wantto return to study in a different discipline asan affiliated student (see below).

For most courses we’re able to offer someflexibility in terms of entry requirements andwe take the work and life experience ofmature students into account when assessingapplications. However, some subjects (such asMedicine, Economics, Mathematics) dorequire specific academic preparation –please read the requirements in the courseprofiles carefully, including the notes onAccess to HE Diplomas on p138, and contactone of the mature Colleges for advice.

It’s a good idea to get in touch with one ormore Colleges well before you make yourformal application, to check their response toyour academic preparation.

Mature Students: Returning to study

If you’ll be aged 21 or over by 1 October in the year in which youhope to come to Cambridge, and haven’t already completed ahigher education course, then you’ll be applying as a maturestudent. The University welcomes mature students who want tocommit to a full-time course with the same demands,opportunities and facilities that our school-leaving studentsexperience.

Mature studentsAdmissions Tutors are happy to discuss yourplans, eligibility and circumstances. Pleasecontact any College admissions office (seep98).

Information from UCAS www.ucas.com/students/maturestudents/

For further info...

My point of view

I was nervous about applying and beingrejected but the Faculty Liaison Officerhelped me decide on which course toapply to, and also to choose a College thatwould support me as a mature student. Ichose a mature College in the end and I’mreally pleased I did as the Collegeunderstands the special difficulties youcan have juggling family life withundergraduate study. The students arefriendly and supportive too, and there’susually someone who’s met and solvedsimilar difficulties – I really value beingable to go in to Hall or the common roomand catch up with students on differentcourses and of different ages.

I came from Open University study andwas used to studying on my own and inoccasional group seminars, so theintensity of the supervisions was a bit of ashock to me. However, a good supervisionreally helps you to understand the topic ingreater depth.

My advice?Anyone thinking of applying as a maturestudent should get in touch with a mature College for useful advice relevantto their circumstances; I got lots ofencouragement and support throughoutthe process and it really made adifference.

Carol, Wakefield

Mat

ure St

uden

ts: R

etur

ning

to stu

dyw

ww.cam

.ac.uk

27

WEL

COM

E

ApplyingTo make a formal application to theUniversity, you need to submit a UCASapplication (see p130–5). After submitting aUCAS application with Cambridge as one ofyour choices, you’ll be asked to complete anonline questionnaire called the SupplementaryApplication Questionnaire (SAQ).

If you’re applying from outside the EU youalso need to submit a Cambridge OnlinePreliminary Application (see p131) and thoseapplying for the Graduate Course in Medicineneed to complete an additional form as well(see p83).

Application deadlinesThe standard deadline for applications to bereceived is 15 October.

However, the mature Colleges (Hughes Hall,Lucy Cavendish, St Edmund’s and Wolfson)will consider applications from some matureand affiliated applicants submitted after thisdate, as part of a second application round,the deadline for which is 1 March 2012. Pleasenote:

• all mature applicants making an openapplication or applying to a standard-ageCollege must submit their application bythe 15 October deadline

• all applicants for Architecture; History ofArt; Law; Medicine; Music; Philosophy;Politics, Psychology and Sociology; andVeterinary Medicine must submit theirapplication by 15 October

15 October 2011 Mature applicants• applying to any College to study Architecture; History of Art; Law;

Medicine; Graduate Course in Medicine; Music; Philosophy; Politics, Psychology and Sociology; or Veterinary Medicine

• making an open application• applying to a standard-age College• applying in the first application round to Hughes Hall, Lucy

Cavendish College, St Edmund’s College or Wolfson College

1 March 2012 Mature applicants applying in the second application round to• Hughes Hall, Lucy Cavendish College, St Edmund’s College or

Wolfson College

Application deadlines for mature applicants

Further adviceMature students can get information andadvice from the Cambridge AdmissionsOffice, as well as details about events andactivities run by the University for prospectivemature applicants by contacting the AccessOfficer (telephone: 01223 764025; email:mature@cao.cam.ac.uk).

Affiliated studentsMost Colleges will consider applications fromgraduates with an approved degree fromanother university, who wish to apply to takea Cambridge BA course as an affiliatedstudent. This means that you could take adegree in a year less than usual.

Please note that affiliated students mustchoose a College, open applications are notpossible. Only Lucy Cavendish, St Edmund’sand Wolfson Colleges consider affiliatedapplications for Medicine or VeterinaryMedicine, and it’s not possible to apply forArchitecture as an affiliated student.

FinanceThere is very little financial support availablefor affiliated students, whether from theUK/EU or overseas. In addition, as an affiliatedstudent you are liable to pay both tuition feesand a separate College fee (see p30).

A very small number of awards are madeeach year by the Gates Cambridge Trust to EU/overseas affiliated students. Moreinformation can be found online(www.gatesscholar.org).

Lucy Cavendish College library Old Combination Room, Wolfson College

My point of view

I come from a far from traditionalbackground. I was born in Afghanistanand spent most of my childhood there,coming to Britain as a political refugee atthe age of 15. I took my A Levels at an FEcollege in West London and it’s still quitesurreal that I’m studying a subject Iabsolutely love at Cambridge.

My two interviews, each of about 20minutes, went well. I was greeted warmlyand given ample time to answer thequestions. I was asked about my interestin my subject and the work experience I’ddone. The second interview was led by anexpert in the specific area I’m interested inwhich made me very nervous, but it waslike a relaxed discussion – they nevermade me feel embarrassed, even when Icouldn’t guess the answer.

My advice?At first, I thought that studying atCambridge would mean thinking andbreathing work with hardly any time torelax, have fun or do extra-curricularactivities. However, as I learned within aweek of starting, taking a break fromstudies is an essential part of learningeffectively. Much to my own surprise, I’vedeveloped an interest in poetry, especiallyShakespeare and John Milton!

Mohammad, London

Inte

rnat

iona

l Stu

dent

s: A

glo

bal com

mun

ity

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

28

WEL

COM

E

Student lifeCambridge is a great place to be a studentand has a truly diverse University community.Wherever you’re from, you’ll quickly start tomake friends and feel at home here; and witheverything that’s on offer at the University andin the city, you’ll soon start to wonder howyou’re going to fit it all in!

To help you settle in there’s a huge range ofinformation, events and activities for newoverseas undergraduates. For example:

• the University’s International Office runsan orientation programme at the start ofeach year to give basic information aboutthe University and an opportunity tomeet other international students

• there is a variety of publications foroverseas freshers, such as the A-Z forInternational Students and theInternational Freshers’ Guide

• CUSU International (part of CambridgeUniversity Students’ Union, CUSU),represents international students studyingat Cambridge. The group welcomes newinternational students when they arrive inCambridge and organises social eventsbefore freshers’ week and throughout theyear. For more information, see thewebsite at: www.international.cusu.cam.ac.uk

English language requirementsIt is essential that your English language skillsare good enough for you to undertake anintensive and challenging academic coursethat is taught and examined in English.Therefore, if your first language is not English,you may be asked to achieve one of thefollowing formal qualifications as part of theconditions of your offer1:

The University Language Centre runs anEnglish for Academic Purposes (EAP)programme for students who aren’t nativeEnglish speakers. Designed to help improveEnglish language and academic skills relevantto your course through workshops andindividual supervisions, attendance on theprogramme may be included as a condition of entry to the University.

Entrance requirementsCambridge courses specialise in singlesubjects or subject areas, for which A Levelexaminations (or equivalent), covering threeor four subjects in depth, are the usualpreparation. We ask for the highest grades inthese subjects, and assess students not onlyon their achievements in these exams, butalso on their ability and readiness to join indiscussion of their subject. This is one of thereasons for interviewing as many applicants as we can.

Just over 10 per cent of our undergraduatescome from overseas (outside the UK and EU).(The proportion of postgraduate studentsfrom overseas is much higher, at around 40 per cent.) If you wish to apply for anundergraduate place here, you need to be inthe top one or two per cent of your yeargroup, and doing very well in the subject areayou would like to study.

• IELTS – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.0, usually with 7.0 in each element

• EU students – a high grade in English taken as part of a leaving examination (eg theEuropean/French Baccalaureate, Abitur etc) may be acceptable

• GCSE in English Language/IGCSE in English Language (as a first language) – grade C or above

• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English – grade A

• Cambridge Certificate in Proficiency in English – grade A or B

English language requirements

Currently, there are around 1,200 overseas students from over 120 countries studying undergraduate courses at the University of Cambridge. If you’re interested in joining them, you need totake account of the following information about the entrancerequirements, application process and costs.

International Students: A global community

1 Dispensation may be made if you don’t have oneof these formal qualifications but are currentlybeing taught in English. Please contact one of theCollege admissions offices for advice.

All students must ordinarily be available tostudy in Cambridge for the full duration oftheir course (with the exception of a yearabroad where part of the course).

Please note

My point of view

Before I arrived, I got a letter from myCollege ‘parents’ so I knew what to bringand expect. The College also sent somematerials to prepare us for uni life and Ijoined Facebook groups where I coulddiscuss things with current students.

The support here has been very good;from my Tutor to my DoS to the Dean,Porters, nurse, Senior Tutor. It’s sohumbling to know there are so many people looking out for you. When I hadimmigration problems, the Collegeprovided all the necessary support and my Senior Tutor kept in touch, answeringevery question I had about the process.

My advice?It’s important to read about your subjectof interest so you’ll be able to talkconfidently during your interview –interviewers want to know that you have a real passion for and commitment to yoursubject. When deciding what to read,don’t fall into the temptation of surfingrandom sites that come up on an internetsearch. Go to the library and read properbooks, academic and professional journalsand of course the newspapers. Also,before answering questions take yourtime to think about your answer and ifthere’s something you don’t understand,ask the interviewer.

Isabella, Nigeria

Inte

rnat

iona

l Stu

dent

s: A

glo

bal com

mun

ity

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

29

WEL

COM

E

Typical offer levels for a range of qualificationscan be found on p136–40. If you’re studyingfor a different education qualification, youshould get in touch as soon as possible todiscuss the appropriateness of yourqualifications for study at Cambridge. In thefirst instance you should contact theCambridge Admissions Office for advice,providing:

• brief details of the qualifications that youhave taken/are taking

• your achieved/expected grades• the subject you’re interested in applying

for at the University

You’ll then be advised on course requirements,further information needed, and how you’ll beassessed.

ApplyingAll applicants must complete a UCASapplication and submit it to UCAS by therelevant deadline. In addition to a UCASapplication, applicants who are living incountries outside the EU must complete and submit a Cambridge Online PreliminaryApplication (COPA)2 by the relevant deadline(see table below and p130–5). For moreinformation see: www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/international/.

Please note that entry to Medicine is subjectto limits for both UK/EU and overseasstudents.

InterviewsIn the recent past the University hasconducted admissions interviews in Canada,Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, PR China,and India. These are intended for applicantsunable to travel to Cambridge for interviewbut who can travel to one of these countriesinstead. See the website for up-to-date detailsof where overseas interviews will beconducted for 2012 entry.

If you would like to be interviewed overseas,both your COPA and your UCAS applicationmust be submitted by the appropriate datestated in the table below. Where interviewsare conducted in an applicant’s home country,they can only be considered for interview inthat country or in Cambridge.

2 There is an overseas application fee associatedwith the COPA as well as an interview fee for thosewho are interviewed overseas. Please see theUndergraduate Admissions website for moreinformation and guidance on how to pay these fees.

3 Earlier application deadlines may apply tostudents who are also applying for certainscholarships. Please see the website for moreinformation.

Visas and immigrationThe UK operates a points-based immigrationsystem, which affects students from outsidethe European Economic Area (EEA) andSwitzerland, and ties a student’s visa to theuniversity which he/she will be attending. Tostudy in the UK requires a Tier 4 visa. To applyfor a visa you must receive sponsorshipthrough a ‘confirmation of acceptance forstudies’ (CAS) and prove that you have thefunds to meet all of your tuition fees andliving costs (as set by the UK Border Agency,UKBA).

If you are made an offer of a place at theUniversity, you are eligible for a CAS once youmeet all the conditions (where required) andformally accept it. Since you can only makeyour visa application three months ahead ofyour course start date, the earliest you mightreceive your electronic CAS statement is July.You must use this information to completesome of the questions asked in the visaapplication.

It is your responsibility to make sure youunderstand and meet the immigrationrequirements of the UK.

The primary source of information on allmatters concerning immigration is the UKBA.Information on whether you require a visa,how to apply, guidance notes and applicationforms are available on the UKBA website. Youmust consult this website regularly, as therules and documentation change frequently.

The University’s Student Immigration andVisa website (www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/pbi/) provides more detail on visas and linksto other sources of information and help forinternational students hoping to study in theUK, such as the Council for InternationalStudent Affairs (UKCISA) and the BritishCouncil.

9 September 2011 Students who would like to be interviewed in India

20 September 2011 Students who would like to be interviewed in Malaysia, Singapore or PR China

15 October 2011 All other overseas students who would like to be interviewed in Cambridge, Canada or Hong Kong

COPA and UCAS application deadlines for overseas students3

International students www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/international/

UKBA www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/

UKCISAwww.ukcisa.org.uk

The British Council www.educationuk.org

For further info...

Cambridge Colleges Emmanuel College

Inte

rnat

iona

l Stu

dent

s: A

glo

bal com

mun

ity

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

30

WEL

COM

E

Costs to considerAs an overseas student at Cambridge thereare three costs that you need to consider.These are your:

• tuition fees• College fees• living expenses

You have to prove that you can financeyourself for your entire course as it’s notpossible for you to work during the academicsession to pay your way through theUniversity. Colleges ask for financialguarantees and proof is also required whenapplying for a visa.

Tuition feesIf you’re a national of a European Union (EU)country, then for fees purposes you’re usuallytreated on exactly the same basis as UKstudents (see p22). Fees are higher foroverseas students (those from outside theEU). If you’re uncertain about your status –whether you’re Home (UK/EU) or overseas –for fees purposes, refer to the guidance onour website, or contact the CambridgeAdmissions Office or a College admissionsoffice.

Details of the tuition fees for overseasstudents in 2011–12 are given below and youshould allow for increases in subsequentyears.

College feesAll overseas-fee-status and Islands1 students,and those UK/EU students who are noteligible for tuition fee support (eg becausethey are taking a second degree), normallyhave to pay College fees in addition toUniversity tuition fees.

• The College fee covers the cost to yourCollege of providing a range ofeducational, domestic and pastoralservices and support.

• College fees vary slightly betweenColleges but are typically in the range of£4,400 to £5,200 per year.

• You should allow for increases insubsequent years.

Living expensesYour living expenses may be higher than for aUK student, for instance if you have to stay inCambridge or the UK during the vacations.The minimum resources needed per year(excluding tuition and College fees) areestimated to be approximately £8,060,depending on your lifestyle.

Groups 1 and 2Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic; Archaeology and Anthropology; Asian £11,829and Middle Eastern Studies; Classics; Economics; Education; English; History; History of Art; Land Economy; Law; Linguistics; Mathematics; Modern and Medieval Languages; Philosophy; Politics, Psychology and Sociology; Theology and Religious Studies

Group 3Architecture, Geography, Music £15,480

Group 4Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, Management £18,000Studies, Manufacturing Engineering, Natural Sciences

Group 5Medicine and Veterinary Medicine (both Pre-Clinical and Clinical training) £28,632

Overseas fees 2011-12

1 Islands students are students from the ChannelIslands and from the Isle of Man.

Rose Crescent Punting under Clare College Bridge

My point of view

There’s no shortage of activities to getinvolved in at Cambridge. I’m mainlyinvolved in College activities, including theMusic Society and College lacrosse. AndI’ve even started up my own jazz-funkband.

The amount of work you get means thatsometimes you have to prioritise workover some of your hobbies, but you canalways reserve a time-slot in your weeklyschedule to accommodate them. That way,you can concentrate on your work,knowing that you won’t be neglectingyour interests and passions.

In many ways, Cambridge is just as I’dexpected – with its academic rigour,vibrant College life and rich extra-curricular activities. Studying here haschanged the way I perceive the world, andI definitely want to work in a field that willallow me to use and develop the skills andknowledge that I’ve gained at theUniversity.

My advice?If you’re considering applying here, talk toa current undergraduate – you can’tdetermine whether you’ll enjoy it unlessyou talk to students already here who cantell you what it’s really like. And remember,there’s no such thing as a silly questionwhen you’re picking universities!

Rin, Japan

Inte

rnat

iona

l Stu

dent

s: A

glo

bal com

mun

ity

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

31

WEL

COM

E

Financial support and scholarshipsThe financial support available for overseasundergraduate students is limited. Few fullscholarships are available at undergraduatelevel; most support is a partial contribution toyour overall costs and is means-tested.

Cambridge Commonwealth and OverseasTrustsThe Cambridge Commonwealth Trust and theCambridge Overseas Trust offer awards(mostly part-cost) to overseas students,including affiliated students, who have beenaccepted for admission by a CambridgeCollege.

You cannot apply for funding through theTrusts until you’ve been offered a place at oneof the Colleges. At this point, the College willsend you full details of the Trust awards andan application form. All awards are means-tested.

College awardsSome Colleges offer partial financial supportfor overseas students. Further information canbe obtained from College admissions offices.

Country-specific scholarshipsCambridge has a number of scholarshipsopen to applicants from particular countries:

• Blyth Cambridge Commonwealth TrustScholarships – Canada

• Prince Philip Scholarships – Hong Kong• Manmohan Singh Scholarships – India• 800th Anniversary Scholarships – Pakistan

Details about each of these scholarships, andinformation about how to apply for them isavailable online at: www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/international/.Please pay particular attention to theapplication requirements and deadlines.

International Summer SchoolsThe International Summer Schools take placeduring July and August and provideparticipants with an opportunity to study anumber of specialist subjects on programmeslasting from one to six weeks. Specialist topicsinclude Art History, Literature, Shakespeare,Science, Medieval Studies and History. Thereare also two interdisciplinary summer schoolsavailable which offer an even wider range oftopics. International Summer School studentstake part in special subject classes, plenarylectures, evening activities and excursions,and usually live in one of the CambridgeColleges. For more information see theInstitute of Continuing Education website(www.ice.cam.ac.uk/intsummer/).

Downing College Christ’s College

My point of view

Everyone at Cambridge has a life outsidetheir academic studies. There’s alwayssomething you can get involved with inCollege, and you’ll discover hundreds ofclubs and teams you can join at theannual Societies Fair. Coming from acertain ethnic group, you can also meetwith students who have similarbackgrounds as you; who’ll help you settlein to the unfamiliar environment andbecome a great support to you.

As an overseas student, I was able to applyfor a Cambridge Overseas Trust awardwhich funded my studies significantly.There are a lot of scholarships andbursaries you could apply for, includingtravel grants within the College whichwould be useful if you plan to work orvolunteer overseas during the vacations.

My advice?If you like one of the courses atCambridge, apply – it won’t do any harmto give it a try! And for me, applying was avaluable learning experience in itself.Enjoy the interview process too. TheFellows who interviewed me put me atease and each interview turned into a bitof an academic chat at the end. You’dnever be expected to know the answers toall the questions, but it’s important thatyou convey your thought process clearly.

Summie, Hong Kong

ww

w.cam

.ac.uk

32

COURS

ES