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Overview

Typical offer:

Biological Natural Sciences: A*A*A including A* in both Mathematics or Further Mathematics (if taken) and Chemistry (or equivalent)

Physical Natural Sciences: A*A*A including A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics (if taken) and A* in Chemistry or Physics (or equivalent)

Required subjects:

Biological Natural Sciences: Mathematics, Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Physics, or Further Mathematics

Physical Natural Sciences: Mathematics and at least two of Chemistry, Further Mathematics and Physics

Useful subjects: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Further Mathematics

Number of students per year:

Biological Natural Sciences: Up to 10

Physical Natural Sciences: Up to 10

The Natural Sciences Tripos is the framework within which most science is taught in Cambridge. Sixteen departments contribute to the course, and Natural Scientists can choose from a wide range of options in the physical and biological sciences, as well as the history and philosophy of science. About half of Cambridge Natural Sciences graduates go on to further study or research; others enter banking, accountancy, law, consultancy and the media.

Natural Sciences is one of the most diverse and dedicated subject communities in college. We also have a very strong postgraduate presence, with around fifty MPhil and PhD Biologists, Biochemists, Biotechnologists, Chemists, Earth Scientists and Physicists, alongside teaching and research staff.

 

 

In order to find accurate information regarding a specific track’s structure, visit the Faculty and University websites. 

Typical offers require

  • A Level: A*A*A including A* in both Mathematics or Further Mathematics (if taken) and Chemistry for Biological Natural Sciences. A*A*A including A* in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or Further Mathematics (if taken) and A* in Chemistry or Physics for Physical Natural Sciences.
  • IB: 42 points, with 776 at Higher Level including 7 in Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) and 7 Higher Level Chemistry for Biological Natural Sciences. 42 points, with 776 at Higher Level including 7 in Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) and 7 in Higher Level Chemistry or Higher Level Physics for Physical Natural Sciences
  • Advanced Highers: A1, A1, A2 including A1 in both Mathematics and Chemistry for Biological Natural Sciences and A1 in Mathematics and A1 in Chemistry or Physics for Natural Sciences

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

Subject Requirements

A-level

Required: Mathematics, Chemistry and at least one of Biology and Physics for Biological Natural Sciences.

Mathematics and at least two of Chemistry, Further Mathematics, and Physics for Physical Natural Sciences.

Highly recommended: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Further Mathematics

IB

Required: Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) Chemistry and at one of Biology or Physics for Biological Natural Sciences.

Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) and at least two of Chemistry, Biology and Physics for Physical Natural Sciences.

Highly recommended: Biology, Chemistry, Physics

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 for this subject.

Assessments

Students are required to sit the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA) for both Biological and Physical Natural Science, for which pre-registration is requied. Further details 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 2024 entry, interviews for all applicants to Lucy Cavendish will take place virtually. The aims and content will still be the same as in-person interviews. You can read more about Lucy Cavendish's online interviews here and you can read the University's information on interviews here.

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