How to Apply

To study Engineering at Cambridge you need to be accepted by a College. The Department of Engineering has produced a brief "Guide to Undergraduate Admissions" for reference purposes.

The University's Undergraduate Prospectus is the best starting point for details about how to apply. Your school or college should have a reference copy and the information is also on the University's website.

Further copies of the Undergraduate Prospectus are available from:

Cambridge Admissions Office (CAO)
Fitzwilliam House
32 Trumpington Street
Cambridge
CB2 1QY

Tel:		(01223) 333308
E-mail:		admissions@cam.ac.uk

For a copy of the Alternative Prospectus, contact:

Cambridge University Students' Union (CUSU)
Old Examination Hall
Free School Lane
Cambridge
CB2 3RK

Tel:		(01223) 333313
E-mail:		access@cusu.cam.ac.uk
website:		www.cusu.cam.ac.uk

You must apply well in advance; most students apply at the end of their first year in the sixth form. If you wish to take a year out between school and university (in industry for example) you can still apply at the end of your first year in the sixth form and ask for deferred entry. In this case you may also apply after taking your A Levels. Applications must be made by mid-October. All decisions on applications to Cambridge are made by the end of the following January.

Requirements

In considering applicants, Colleges look for evidence both of academic ability and of motivation towards Engineering. There are no absolute standards required of A Level achievement, but it should be noted that the average entrant to the Department has three A* grades. The essential A Level subjects for entry to the Engineering course are Mathematics and Physics, and a third A Level in a relevant (to Engineering) subject is highly desirable.

If your school or college does offer Further Maths, you are strongly encouraged to study this. If Further Maths is not available or you have recognised its desirability too late, we would advise you to do as much additional pure maths and mechanics as possible, e.g. by taking stand-alone units or Further Maths AS Level.

All Colleges, except Trinity, welcome applications from students taking Maths A Level and a suitable vocational qualification, e.g. a BTEC Higher National Diploma, in an engineering discipline. Applicants are expected to achieve the highest possible grades in Maths A Level and the vocational qualification.

Those taking the Single Award Applied A Level in Engineering or the Principal Learning components of the Advanced Diploma in Engineering must also be taking A Levels in Maths and Physics. The Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics for Engineering is a suitable alternative to Maths A Level for these purposes.

The Department's "Guide to Undergraduate Admissions" gives more information about individual College preferences. College Admissions Tutors will also advise potential applicants preparing for other qualifications such as Scottish Advanced Highers or the International or European Baccalaureate.