University of Cambridge Review: A Complete Guide
The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s most prestigious universities, known for its academic excellence, rigorous standards, and historic legacy. Founded in 1209, it consistently ranks among the top global institutions and has produced a long list of influential thinkers, scientists, and leaders. Cambridge is made up of 31 autonomous colleges and over 150 departments, faculties, and institutions.
University of Cambridge Summary
- City: Cambridge
-
Graduate Employment Rate：
91% within 15 months of graduation.
Table of Contents
Overview of the University of Cambridge
Cambridge offers a deeply academic, research-intensive learning environment. Students benefit from small-group teaching through supervisions, access to world-class libraries and facilities, and a supportive collegiate system. Undergraduate programmes (referred to as “Triposes”) are broad in their early years and allow for increasing specialisation. The teaching style is intellectually demanding, ideal for students who enjoy academic depth and independence.
Cambridge combines traditional values with cutting-edge research. It supports student growth through close academic mentorship, a strong focus on original thinking, and active participation in the academic community. Its graduates are highly regarded globally across fields such as law, medicine, science, politics, and the arts.
University of Cambridge Rankings 2026
UK Ranking (Complete University Guide 2026): 1st
World Ranking (QS World University Ranking 2026): 6th
University of Cambridge Courses and Programmes
The Linguistics, BA (Hons) programme at Cambridge explores the universal features of human language and what they reveal about the mind.
You’ll study language from multiple perspectives. This includes:
- How grammar has changed over time by analysing historical texts
- The physical production of speech, such as how the larynx generates sound
- How the brain processes language using modern recording techniques
The course is highly interdisciplinary.
You’ll engage with fields such as:
- Philosophy – when studying meaning
- Physics and engineering – for speech signal analysis
- Psychology – to understand language learning and development
From the second year, you can tailor your degree by choosing optional papers that match your interests.
Teaching and Facilities
- You’ll be taught by leading experts in linguistics.
- The course is housed within the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics.
Facilities include:
- A well-stocked faculty library
- Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) tools
- A Media Centre and phonetics laboratory
- Custom teaching resources at the Language Centre
- Access to the world-renowned Cambridge University Library
Career Prospects
Cambridge Linguistics graduates develop strong analytical and transferable skills. Employers highly value this background.
Recent graduates have joined:
- Amazon
- The UK Foreign Office
Others have pursued postgraduate study at top institutions in the UK, Europe, and the US.
The degree also provides a solid foundation for careers in:
- Speech therapy
- Language teaching
- Speech and language technology (e.g. translation software, speech recognition)
- Law
- Translation and interpreting
- Forensic linguistics
Minimum Entry Requirements:
A level: A*AA
IB: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Applications per place: 3
Accepted: 43
The Architecture BA (Hons) course at Cambridge blends scientific understanding with creative design. You’ll explore the history, philosophy, and social aspects of architecture while developing hands-on skills in structural, environmental, and construction design.
What You’ll Study
- Architectural history and theory
- Urbanism, inclusivity, and participatory design
- Environmental and structural design
- Technical construction methods
- Design studio work with practising architects
Cambridge offers a 4-year integrated master’s degree (MArch) designed to meet new Architects Registration Board (ARB) standards. After 3 years, you may choose to graduate with a BA (Hons) or continue to the final integrated year.
Facilities
- One of the UK’s top architectural libraries, including rare texts
- Fully equipped workshop with CNC routers and woodworking tools
- Digital fabrication studio with 3D printing machinery
- Reprographics facilities with scanners and plotters
- Department pays for materials and printing
- Access to Cambridge University Library
Career Prospects
Many graduates go on to professional architectural training. Others explore roles in:
- Environmentally responsible design
- Urban planning and transport
- Research in architecture and society
- Visual media and design
- Humanitarian and disaster-relief architecture
Minimum Entry Requirements:
A level: A*AA
IB: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Applications per place: 8
Accepted: 64
The University of Cambridge offers one of the most prestigious and comprehensive undergraduate physics programmes in the world, taught at the renowned Cavendish Laboratory. Whether you’re interested in quantum computing, nanotech, or cosmology, this is where some of the most advanced and exciting research happens.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Department | Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics |
| Degree Structure | Offered through the Natural Sciences Tripos (NST) |
| Interdisciplinary Approach | Combines physical and biological sciences, encouraging wide exploration and cross-disciplinary thinking |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) |
| Focus Areas | Covers full spectrum: theoretical physics, experimental methods, and modern interdisciplinary fields |
| Learning Environment | Collegiate system with personalised support and access to world-leading researchers |
Degree Options:
| Programme | Description |
|---|---|
| BA in Physics | 3-year degree, ideal for students with a strong interest in physics |
| MSci in Physics | 4-year Integrated Master’s (BA + MSci), for students seeking deeper research focus |
| BA in Physical Sciences | Broader science degree; pathway chosen at end of Year 2 |
| Course Flexibility | Possible to transfer to Astrophysics or other Triposes after Year 2 or 3 |
Why Choose Cambridge Physics?
- Taught at one of the world’s most innovative physics labs
- Deep, rigorous training in both experimental and theoretical physics
- Strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and discovery
- Opportunities to join a community of researchers shaping the future of science
University of Cambridge Entry Deadline
| Date | What Happens |
| 13 May 2025 | Applications open. Students can start filling in their UCAS forms. |
| 2 Sep 2025 | Students can start submitting completed applications to UCAS. |
| 15 Oct 2025 (6pm) | Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, and most medicine, dentistry, vet courses. |
| 14 Jan 2026 (6pm) | Main deadline for most undergraduate courses. |
| 26 Feb 2026 | UCAS Extra opens. Students with no offers can apply for more courses. |
| 30 Jun 2026 (6pm) | Last date to apply before Clearing. After this, applications go to Clearing. |
| 5 Jul 2026 | Clearing opens. Students can view and apply to available places. |
| 24 Sep 2026 | Final deadline to apply for 2026 entry. |
| 19 Oct 2026 | Last date to add a Clearing choice. |
University of Cambridge Entry Requirements
A Level Requirements
- Typical offer: A*AA
- Offers are usually based on 3 A levels taken together in Year 13.
- Taking 4 A levels is not required and will not usually give an advantage.
- For STEM courses, Further Mathematics as a fourth subject is often expected from strong applicants.
- If A* grades are not available in your country, AAA may be acceptable.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 41–42 points out of 45 |
| Higher Level Subjects | Typically 776; some Colleges may require 777 |
| Subject Scores | A 7 may be required in specific subjects |
| SL subjects | Count towards AS level subject requirements |
| HL subjects | Count towards A level subject requirements |
Colleges such as Churchill, Corpus Christi, and Selwyn may make offers above the minimum.
English Language Requirements (if applicable)
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 7.5, with no component below 7.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 110, with minimum 25 in each element |
| Cambridge C2 Proficiency | Overall 200, with no element below 185 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Overall 193, with no element below 185, plus other proof |
| EU School-Leaving Qualifications | Must show C1-level English competence (e.g. Abitur) |
University of Cambridge Fees
Fees vary by course, here are some of the 2025/2026 fees:
Computer Science
UK
International
Economics
UK
International
University of Cambridge Facilities
The University of Cambridge offers a wide range of high-quality sports facilities for students, staff, and university teams. These facilities support both recreational and competitive sport, across a variety of disciplines.
On-Campus Facilities:
- Gym – Fully equipped with cardio machines, resistance equipment and free weights.
- Strength & Conditioning Room – For tailored athlete training and performance development.
- Multi-Purpose Room – Used for fitness classes, martial arts, yoga and other group activities.
- Sports Hall – A large, versatile space for basketball, badminton, volleyball, and indoor football.
- Squash Courts – High-standard courts suitable for casual play and competitive matches.
- Team Training Room – Dedicated space for university sports teams’ meetings and preparation.
- Fives Courts – Unique handball-style courts for traditional British sports like Eton and Rugby Fives.
Outdoor & Specialist Facilities:
- Athletics Track – For track and field training and competition.
- Hockey Ground – Floodlit and maintained to international standards.
- Indoor Cricket School – Allows year-round cricket practice regardless of weather.
- Cricket Ground – Used by university and college teams for training and matches.
- Tennis Ground – Outdoor courts available for both casual and team use.
- Padel Courts – A newer addition for the fast-growing racquet sport.
- Wilberforce Road Sports Complex – Includes a pavilion and conferencing facilities, often used for larger events and team gatherings.
University of Cambridge Notable Alumni
Sir Isaac Newton – Physicist and mathematician; formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation.
Charles Darwin – Naturalist and biologist; developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
Stephen Hawking – Theoretical physicist; known for his work on black holes and author of A Brief History of Time.
Alan Turing – Mathematician and computer scientist; key figure in the development of theoretical computer science and codebreaking during WWII.
Sylvia Plath – Renowned poet and novelist; known for The Bell Jar and her confessional poetry.
Emma Thompson – Academy Award-winning actress and screenwriter.
David Attenborough – Natural historian and broadcaster; known for his work in wildlife documentary filmmaking.
John Maynard Keynes – Influential economist; founder of modern macroeconomics.
Zadie Smith – Acclaimed novelist and essayist; author of White Teeth.
Amartya Sen – Nobel Prize-winning economist; known for his work on welfare economics and social justice.
Experience the City of Cambridge as a Student
Studying at the University of Cambridge offers a unique and rigorous academic experience alongside a vibrant student life.
Collegiate Community
Cambridge is made up of 31 colleges, each with its own community, accommodation, and social spaces. You’ll have close contact with tutors and peers, building strong academic and personal support networks.
Societies and Clubs
There are over 700 student-run societies covering everything from drama and journalism to debating and robotics. You’ll also find niche interest groups and opportunities to start your own.
City Life
Cambridge is a compact, student-friendly city with everything within walking or cycling distance. You’ll find historic architecture, riverside walks, independent cafés, bookshops, and green spaces everywhere.
Culture and Events
There’s no shortage of music, theatre, exhibitions, and lectures. You can attend formal dinners (“formals”) in college dining halls, or relax at student-run comedy nights and concerts.
Careers and Networking
With regular career events, internship opportunities, and one of the most powerful alumni networks in the world, Cambridge prepares you well for future success in any field.
How much does it cost to live in Cambridge as a Student
Accommodation
£500 – £900
Food and Groceries
£150 – £250
Transport
£20 – £40 (most students walk or cycle)
Social Activities
£50 – £100
University of Cambridge Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.cam.ac.uk/
- Address: The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge CB2 1TN, United Kingdom
- General information for international students: +44 1223 337733
