English

If you have a passion for literature, we have a challenging course that will inspire you in your reading, and help you develop your critical and imaginative abilities.

English at Cambridge balances a strong grounding in the core of English literature with the chance to explore literature from around the world, other art forms, the English language, and related intellectual traditions.

There is a case that can be made for Magdalene as the home of modern English Studies. I. A. Richards, who is sometimes credited as the 'founding father' of modern literary criticism, began as an undergraduate at Magdalene in 1911. After 35 years teaching at Harvard, he returned to the College and lived here until his death in 1979. Much of his early work was done in collaboration with the polymath C. K. Ogden, who had joined Magdalene in 1908 and went on to invent 'Basic English', which still forms the standard vocabulary for much English language teaching across the world. One of Richards' early students at Magdalene was the poet and critic Sir William Empson.

Thomas Hardy, Rudyard Kipling, T. S. Eliot, Seamus Heaney, and C. S. Lewis were all members of Magdalene; three of them were also recipients of the Nobel Prize for Literature. Former Poet Laureate, Dame Carol Ann Duffy, is an Honorary Fellow, as was the late distinguished American literary critic and Harvard University Professor, Helen Vendler.

Magdalene has a thriving community of English scholars, including the current Director of Studies, Dr Jane Hughes, who specialises in medieval literature, and Professor Marcus Waithe, whose teaching areas include Victorian literature and contemporary poetry. At Magdalene, at any one time there are usually about 14-18 undergraduates in English across all years, as well as a varying number of postgraduate students. There is an active student-led poetry society, which runs a range of events.

More details of the course and the optional papers available can be found on the University’s Undergraduate Study pages and the Faculty of English website.

Applicants who are invited to interview should try not to worry too much about them (regard your interviews as a chance for you to meet us as well as for us to meet you!), but it is a good idea to think carefully about the two essays you will send in, and perhaps ask a teacher for advice. It is sensible to choose essays on books you would like to discuss with us at interview. If you send in a piece of practical criticism or a critical appreciation, don't forget to include a copy of the piece itself (we can sometimes guess what it is you are describing, but not always!). We prefer recent essays if possible. 

To apply for English at Cambridge, you will need to be studying English Literature at A-level, IB Higher Level, or equivalent. English Literature and Language is also acceptable at Magdalene (for example, if English Literature is not available at your school). Beyond that, there are no other specific subject requirements and a wide range of combinations will be acceptable, including a mixture of arts and science subjects.

Minimum offer

A-level: A*AA

IB: 41-42 points overall, with 7, 7, 6 at Higher Level. 

Sometimes we may ask for an A* (or 7 at IB Higher Level) in English Literature specifically. 

Other qualifications: Check which other qualifications we accept 

Candidates will normally have two interviews of around 20-25 minutes each.

The interview process aims to assess your intellectual ability, potential, and commitment to the subject.

We also usually ask for two samples of written work (such as school essays) to be submitted with the application.

There is no admissions assessment for English.

More information is available on the Interviews, Written Work and Assessments page.