Human, Social and Political Sciences
The Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) course at Cambridge offers students the flexibility to explore Politics and International Relations, Sociology, and Social Anthropology before pursuing advanced study in one or two specific subjects in the second and third years.
It also offers an opportunity to study topics from other disciplines, such as Archaeology, Biological Anthropology or Psychological and Behavioural Sciences.
- UCAS Code: L000
- Campus Code: 4
- Duration: 3 years
- Places per year: 6-8
Entry requirements
Minimum offer level
A-Level:Â A*AA
IB Diploma: 42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Please also read our Entry Requirements page.
Subject requirements
While we don’t ask for any specific subjects to apply to Human, Social, and Political Sciences, we’d recommend any of these subjects for a strong application:
- English (language or literature)
- History
- Languages (ancient or modern)
Why Trinity Hall?
When you study Human, Social and Political Sciences at Trinity Hall, you join a tradition of students contributing to public and political life. Those who studied here include British politicians Geoffrey Howe and Norman Fowler, Canadian politician David Johnson, and leaders such as Stanley Bruce, who became Prime Minister of Australia, and Guy Scott, who served as President of Zambia.
You’ll be taught by Fellows with wide-ranging expertise in fields such as African politics, ancient Greek political thought, contemporary political theory, feminist theory, and comparative political economy, who will support you closely as you navigate your options within the course. Outside formal study, the Trinity Hall Politics Society offers a space to engage with speakers and current debates in an informal setting.
Our academics
Directors of Studies
Other Fellows
HSPS at Cambridge
Admissions process
Written work
Two school essays, at least one of which should preferably be related in some way to politics, international relations, sociology or anthropology.
You do not have to send this work before applying; we will write to you after you have applied and let you know exactly what you need to send and when.
Admissions assessment
We do not require a written assessment for this course.
Interviews
Two interviews of around 25 minutes each.
