Studying at Cambridge

Cambridge University degree courses (called Triposes) are divided into Parts, with each Part lasting one or two years. There are examinations at the end of each Part and these must be passed in order to achieve the typical Cambridge degree, BA Hons.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of Cambridge courses is that they cover their subjects very broadly in the initial years and then become more specialised, offering a wide range of options in the later years. This can be a real advantage for you as when you start the course, you may not have a clear idea of the options you want to end up focusing on. Indeed, you may not even be aware that some options even exist! The Cambridge curriculum allows for this, enabling you to delay specialisation until you have explored the broad scope of your subject.

Undergraduate teaching is shared between the University and the College. University faculties and departments organise lectures, seminars and practical classes, which are attended by students from all colleges. They also design the syllabi and set examinations.

Individual or small-group teaching is provided by the College, and these are known as supervisions. This system is one of the key things that sets Cambridge apart from most other universities, and is hugely beneficial to all of our students. Students and supervisors work closely together, discussing work prepared in advance and clarifying any problems encountered in lectures or reading. Typically, you will have between 1 and 4 supervisions per week. Each supervision is about an hour in length and is attended by you, your supervisor, and sometimes one or two other students. Your supervisor may be a Fellow of Trinity Hall or another College, and may even be the person delivering the current lecture course in the Faculty! Regardless, they will always be an expert in your subject.

Your Director of Studies (frequently abbreviated to DoS) will be responsible for organising your supervisions, and for taking care of your academic welfare in general; whether advising you on what courses to take, what lectures to attend or addressing any work-related problems you might have, your DoS is always at the end of an email.