Mathematics

Lucy Cavendish has a small but dedicated Mathematics community, and recent undergraduates have excelled in all parts of the course.

The Cambridge undergraduate mathematics course, known as the Mathematical Tripos, is internationally renowned. Highly challenging but also equally rewarding, it is wide-ranging and flexible, giving scope to students to determine their own work load and pattern. It offers a springboard to success in a variety of sectors, including business, commerce, industry and academia.

In Part IA, students follow a common, core course which introduces both pure and applied Mathematics.

In Part IB the course becomes broader and deeper. There is some choice in the number of courses students can take, and students can begin to specialise in pure or applied mathematics if they wish. There is also an opportunity for students to take a Computational Projects course, which most students take.

In Part II, students typically take 8 to 10 courses, out of an optional 35 different options. This is when students typically specialise in Pure Mathematics, Theoretical Physics, or Statistics. Again, there is an opportunity to take a Computational Projects course.

In the optional fourth year, students can work towards a master’s degree with around 80 different courses available. Most students choose 6 to 8 courses to study in depth. There is also an opportunity to write an essay, chosen from around 100 set titles, or a topic proposed by the student which is agreed upon with one of the lecturers.

Further information can be found on the Faculty and University websites. 

Typical offers require

• A-Level: A*A*A, with an A* in both Mathematics and Further Mathematics
• IB: 42 points, with 776 in Higher Level, with 7 in HL Mathematics Analysis & Approaches
• Advanced Highers: A1, A1, A2 with A1 in Mathematics
• Applicants will also usually be asked to achieve Grade 1,1 in STEP 2 and 3*

*We also operate a Flexible Offer Scheme for STEP. Depending on individual circumstances, we may make an A-Level applicant an offer which will be met if they achieve either A*A*A with at least grade 1 in both of STEP papers 2 and 3 OR A*A*A* with at least grade 1 in either STEP paper 2 or 3 (both papers to be taken).

For other qualifications see the main entrance requirements pages on the University website. 

Subject Requirements

• Required: Mathematics and Further Mathematics

Mature students and those taking other qualifications are encouraged to contact our Admissions Office (at admissions@lucy.cam.ac.uk) to discuss the entry requirements for their qualifications.

Written work

No written work is required.

Assessments

The STEP examination is required. More information can be found here. 

Interviews

Interviews allow us to distinguish amongst excellent applicants by assessing the skills and aptitudes essential for successful study in higher education, and your academic qualities – essentially, how do you think?

For 2023 entry, interviews for all applicants, will take place virtually, except for UK-based applications to Trinity College. However, the aims and content will still be the same as in-person interviews.

Each candidate typically has two interviews, lasting between twenty and thirty minutes. In some cases, you will be given preparatory reading beforehand.

In a few subjects, you will be interviewed by more than one College or in the Faculty. You will be notified of this in your interview invitation.

Supracurricular exploration is an important way to expand your knowledge of your subject, explore your interests and develop your skills. Our new webpage contains guidance on supracurricular exploration and a comprehensive source of resources, grouped according to undergraduate degrees at Cambridge. 

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Attend an open day or event

Our Events and Open Days page advertises regular events held by Lucy Cavendish College. If you can, join us for a College Open Day to discuss your application with a member of our admissions team.