Entrance Requirements

Some Cambridge courses have prerequisites: subjects you must have taken to A-level (or equivalent) to apply.

Most Cambridge courses have specific subject requirements, usually at A Level or an equivalent qualification. If your chosen course isn’t listed below, there are no formal prerequisites. However, we strongly recommend checking the relevant course page for subjects that are considered useful or strongly recommended. While not mandatory, studying these subjects can strengthen your application and better prepare you for university study. Understanding these recommendations can help you make informed A Level choices.

All applicants should take at least three A Levels or Cambridge Pre-U exams. We also consider Scottish Advanced Highers when applicable. If you cannot study Advanced Highers, a combination of two Advanced Highers and one or two additional Highers may be acceptable. The relevant Cambridge Pre-U or Scottish Advanced Higher can substitute for A Level in any required subject. For International Baccalaureate (IB) students, necessary subjects should be taken at Higher Level.

Cambridge Subject-Specific Requirements

  • Asian and Middle Eastern Studies: If you are planning to take a Modern European Language as part of your degree, you must be studying that language to A-level or equivalent; otherwise, no specific requirements.
  • Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology: Chemistry, Mathematics, and another science or mathematics course
  • Classics (3-year course only): Latin (contact us if you have Classical Greek)
  • Computer Science: Mathematics and, where available, Further Mathematics (if not available at your school, applicants are encouraged to take the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme) plus a physical science
  • Design: Mathematics
  • Economics: Mathematics, Further Mathematics (if available)
  • Engineering: Mathematics, Physics, and Further Mathematics to AS or A level if your school offers it.
  • English: English Literature (English Literature and Language may be accepted if English Literature is not available)
  • History: History
  • History and Modern Languages: History, the language you plan to study (if to be studied from post-A-level)
  • History and Politics: History
  • Mathematics: Mathematics, Further Mathematics; a STEP condition will be added to any offers
  • Medicine: Chemistry and normally Mathematics, plus at least one of Biology or Physics
  • Modern and Medieval Languages: At least one modern foreign language at A Level (or equivalent) is essential and this will be one of the two languages you apply to study.
  • Music: Music (ABRSM Grade 8 Theory at Merit and above may be accepted as a substitute)
  • Natural Sciences (Biological): Mathematics and two other science or mathematics subjects
  • Natural Sciences (Physical): Mathematics and two other science or mathematics subjects
  • Psychological and Behavioural Sciences: At least one of Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or Physics
  • Veterinary Medicine: Chemistry, and at least one of Biology, Mathematics, or Physics*

* Whilst we will consider applicants who meet these requirements, most successful applications in these subjects will offer at least three science/maths subjects.

Additional Information

To be eligible to apply, you must study the specified subjects to A Level (not AS) or an equivalent qualification. While some courses may suggest additional subjects that most successful applicants take, not doing so will not disqualify you. Please see individual course pages for details.

If you are taking qualifications other than A Levels, Advanced Highers, IB, or Cambridge Pre-U, aim to study the listed subjects to the highest level your educational system allows. If you have questions about meeting the requirements, please reach out to our Academic Office for assistance.

Flexible Admissions

We recognise that not all schools or educational systems provide the combinations of subjects listed here. We are committed to being flexible regarding any inability to study required subjects or combinations due to circumstances beyond your control.

We are aware, however, that not all schools or educational systems allow for the combinations of subjects listed here and we can be flexible where the inability to study a required subject or combination of subjects to A-level equivalent is beyond the applicant's control.

STEP Conditions for subjects other than Mathematics

In certain cases, we may attach STEP conditions to offers for subjects requiring strong mathematical skills, such as Computer Science, Economics, or Engineering. This typically occurs when we believe it benefits candidates, especially if they do not sit A Level Mathematics or an equivalent qualification before beginning their degree. Resources and support for Sixth Term Examination Paper in Mathematics (STEP).