University of Cambridge Top Courses & Programs Complete Guide for Applicants (2025)
A concise guide to Cambridge's most popular and high-performing courses — what to expect, how to prepare, and career routes after graduation.
🎓 Overview
Cambridge offers a wide range of rigorous undergraduate and postgraduate courses. This guide highlights the top programs applicants target: Medicine, Law, Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Economics, PPE, Architecture, and MPhil/PhD research tracks.
Use this guide to understand entry requirements, admissions tests, sample modules and career outcomes for each course area.
🏥 Medicine (MB BChir)
Who it's for: Students aiming for careers in clinical medicine and medical research.
Entry requirements: High academic grades (A*A*A or equivalent), BMAT required, strong science background.
Course structure: Clinical and pre-clinical training, early patient contact and hospital placements.
Careers: NHS doctors, clinical researchers, specialist training; strong employability and progression to junior doctor roles.
⚖️ Law (BA/BCL)
Who it's for: Aspiring solicitors, barristers, legal scholars, and policymakers.
Entry requirements: High academic achievement; LNAT may be required for some applicants.
Course highlights: Core law modules, optional specialisms, and strong mooting/debate culture.
Careers: Magic Circle firms, in-house counsel, judiciary, academia.
🔧 Engineering (MEng)
Who it's for: Future engineers across civil, mechanical, electrical, and aerospace sectors.
Entry requirements: Strong maths and physics background; A*A*A typical.
Course structure: Rigorous maths and applied engineering, lab work, project design and team-based work.
Who it's for: Students passionate about design, space, and the built environment.
Entry requirements: Portfolio often required for architecture courses; strong academic record.
Course highlights: Design studios, technical modules, history/theory and practical workshops.
Careers: Architectural practice, urban design, heritage conservation, and construction leadership.
🎓 Postgraduate Research (MPhil/PhD)
Cambridge is a research powerhouse — postgraduate applicants should focus on strong research proposals, supervisor fit, and funding routes (e.g., Gates, departmental studentships, UKRI studentships).
🛠 How to Choose the Right Course
Match interests & strengths: Choose courses aligned with your passion and academic profile.
Check entry tests: BMAT, NSAA, LNAT, TSA, STEP, MAT — research which tests your course requires.
Review sample papers: Practice admissions test questions and past interview topics.
Consider college fit: College size, facilities, and subject strengths can influence your experience.
📅 Application Timeline (Undergraduate)
When
Action
June–Sept
Research courses, prepare personal statement and test prep.
Early Oct
UCAS deadline for Oxbridge applicants (mid-October).
Oct–Nov
Sit admissions tests (dates vary by test).
Nov–Dec
Interviews — typically held in November/December.
Jan–Mar
Offers made and decisions returned.
💡 Interview & Admissions Test Tips
Practice under timed conditions: Use past papers and sample questions.
Show thinking, not memorised answers: Interviews test your reasoning and problem-solving.
Read around the subject: Demonstrate curiosity and wider engagement in interviews and personal statements.
Prepare evidence for extracurriculars: Be ready to discuss projects, research, or society leadership.
❓ FAQs — Courses & Admissions
Do I need to choose a college before applying?
You can choose a preferred college or make an open application; college allocation considers subject availability and preferences.
What is the STEP/MAT?
STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper) and MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test) are maths-based admissions tests used by some Cambridge colleges for mathematics-related courses.
How important are interviews?
Interviews are extremely important — they assess aptitude, problem-solving and suitability for Cambridge’s tutorial/supervision system.
✅ Final Advice for Applicants
Start early, prepare for admissions tests, practice interview-style questions, and research colleges and supervisors for postgraduate study. Cambridge admissions reward curiosity, clarity of thought, and a readiness to engage deeply with your subject.
Choosing the right course is as much about passion as it is about grades — let curiosity lead your application and prepare to demonstrate it at every stage.