Natural Science

This Natural Science course at the University of Cambridge offers students a comprehensive and flexible introduction to the fundamental principles that underpin the natural world. Designed for academically outstanding students with varied scientific interests, the programme provides a broad-based education that combines the core sciences—biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics—allowing students to explore different disciplines before specialising in their chosen field. Throughout the course, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and experimental skills through a combination of lectures, practicals, tutorials, and research projects. The curriculum is structured to foster an in-depth understanding of scientific theories, methods, and applications, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in research, industry, education, or further study. Students also benefit from the university’s world-class research facilities and close collaboration with leading scientists. The course aims to cultivate versatile scientists who are adaptable, innovative, and prepared to meet the challenges of the evolving scientific landscape. With opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and team-based projects, students gain a well-rounded scientific education. The duration of the programme typically spans three to four years, during which students may have optional industrial placements or study abroad options to enhance practical experience and global perspective. Graduates of the Natural Science programme at Cambridge graduate with a strong foundation for postgraduate study or employment in diverse scientific, technical, and research fields, reflecting the programme’s commitment to developing future leaders in science.

Year 1 (Part IA)

Broadening your horizons, exploring new subjects, confirming your choices

In your first year, you study three experimental sciences (from eight, plus one mathematics option (from two).

You choose your Part IA subjects at the start of the first term in discussion with your Director of Studies, but you should indicate in your Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ) whether your interests lie broadly in biological or physical sciences. The choice isn’t absolute, and many students change direction before they start or as they progress.

For each option, you usually have three hours of lectures, some practical work and one supervision per week. Assessment varies depending on the option taken but always includes written examinations. There may also be practical examinations or continuous assessment of practical work.

Further information about the options, and the various teaching and assessment methods can be found on the Natural Sciences website.

• Biology of Cells
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Earth Sciences
• Evolution and Behaviour
• Materials Science
• Physics
• Physiology of Organisms
• Mathematics
• Mathematical Biology

Year 2 (Part IB)

Follow up previous studies, explore new areas and begin to specialise, but flexibility is still key

In the second year (Part IB), you choose three of 19 subjects (see below). Some build directly on Part IA subjects and some introduce what are essentially new areas.

In deciding on a combination of options to study in Part IB, most students choose subjects that complement and reinforce one another, and which lead on to at least a couple of possible options in their third year.

For most subjects you can typically expect to have three lectures, some practical work and a supervision each week.

Further information about the options, and the various teaching and assessment methods can be found on the Natural Sciences website.

Please note that for timetabling reasons not all combinations are possible.

• Animal Biology
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Cell and Developmental Biology
• Chemistry A
• Chemistry B
• Earth Sciences A
• Earth Sciences B
• Ecology
• Experimental Psychology
• History and Philosophy of Science
• Materials Science
• Mathematics
• Neurobiology
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Physics A
• Physics B
• Physiology
• Plant and Microbial Sciences

Years 3 and 4 (Parts II and III)

Your choice of a broad curriculum or degree course specialisms

In Part II, students can retain a broad study of science, though most pursue a single subject to a depth matching that of single science degrees elsewhere.

Specialising in Part II is appropriate if you wish to continue to a fourth year (Part III) and progression to Part III is dependent on a satisfactory level of performance.

At these levels you study to the edge of what's known. In Part I much of the material covered can be found in textbooks. From Part II you read research papers with less well-established facts and theories, requiring you to weigh up the evidence.

Lectures in Parts II and III are given by staff actively researching the topics being covered, many of whom are world leaders in their field, and by expert guest speakers.

You also gain considerable research experience in our extremely well-equipped laboratories, using state-of-the-art technology. Practical work is exploratory and open-ended, and most students carry out a significant research project which is assessed as part of the final examination.

Further information about the options, and the various teaching and assessment methods can be found on the Natural Sciences website.

Please note that some options have a competitive entry (based on performance in the second year) due to restrictions on laboratory space. This means that you're not guaranteed your Part II subject choice. However, around 80% of students are typically able to study their first choice of subject.

Choose to study a broad curriculum:

• Biological and Biomedical Sciences
• Physical Sciences

Or pursue a specialism:

• Astrophysics1
• Biochemistry1
• Chemistry1
• Earth Sciences1
• Genetics
• History and Philosophy of Science1
• Materials Science1
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Physics1
• Physiology, Development and Neuroscience
• Plant Sciences
• Psychology
• Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour
• Systems Biology (Part III only)
• Zoology

1 These subjects offer a fourth year/Part III option, leading to an MSci degree.

• All applicants to the University of Cambridge must submit an application to UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) by the relevant deadline.
• The Attestat o (polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) is not considered to be suitable preparation for a competitive application to the University of Cambridge. We strongly recommend that you undertake further study if you wish to apply for an undergraduate degree. Examples of the qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge are A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), five or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or possibly the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university outside the UK. We recommend that you contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance.
• IELTS – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element.
• Cambridge English: Advanced – grade A or B.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency – grade A, B or C.

Course requirements

Please note that in the following 'science/mathematics subjects' refers to Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics. It does not include Psychology.

• Required by all Colleges: A Levels/IB Higher Levels in at least two science/mathematics, see also the Part IA paper descriptions for specific subject requirements for the Year 1 options
• Required by some Colleges: AS or A Level/IB Standard or Higher Level in a third science/mathematics subject and/or particular subjects (see individual College websites for details)

If you don’t have A Level Mathematics, you’re required to complete some preparatory work before the start of the course and must take Mathematical Biology as your mathematics subject in Year 1.

All undergraduate admissions decisions are the responsibility of the Cambridge Colleges so check College websites for College-specific requirements. See also Entrance requirements and  The Subject Matters for additional advice about general requirements for entry, qualifications and offers.

A Levels

Most students have at least three science/mathematics A Levels. The minimum requirement is two, but this will restrict your choice of Part IA options. In these circumstances, you'll normally be expected to achieve A* in both of the science/mathematics subjects and encouraged to take an additional science/mathematics AS Level. The more useful combinations are:

• A Level Biology, A Level Chemistry, and AS Level Mathematics or Physics
• A Level Chemistry, A Level Mathematics, and AS Level Biology or Physics
• A Level Physics, A Level Mathematics and AS Level Further Mathematics

See also the Part IA paper descriptions for specific subject requirements for each Year 1 option.

International Baccalaureate

The advice above about A Level subject combinations also applies to the IB. For these purposes:

• Standard Level subjects will satisfy AS Level subject requirements
• Higher Level subjects will satisfy A Level subject requirements

Other examination systems

We expect applicants taking other recognised qualifications to have a level of understanding in science and mathematics roughly equivalent to those applying with A Levels.

Refer to our main Entrance requirements pages and consult a College Admissions Tutor for further advice.

Admission assessment

All applicants are required to take the pre-interview written assessment for Natural Sciences at an authorised centre local to them (for a lot of applicants, this will be their school/college).

Assessment format

• Section 1: Maths and Science MCQs (80 minutes)
• Section 2: Science-specific longer questions (40 minutes)

 Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment Specification 2017

You must be registered in advance (separately to your UCAS application) to take the assessment – the registration deadline is 15 October 2017. Your assessment centre must register you for the pre-interview assessment; you’re not able to register yourself. See the written assessments page for information about assessment centres and registration.

The pre-interview written assessment for Natural Sciences will be taken on 2 November 2017. Please check the Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing website for scheduled start times.

Please note that your performance in the pre-interview assessment will not be considered in isolation, but will be taken into account alongside the other elements of your application.

In addition to the pre-interview assessment, applicants who are invited to interview are required to take a College-set written assessment at interview at the following Colleges (see individual College websites for details):

• Magdalene
• St John's
• Trinity

Mature students (aged 21 or over) applying to one of the mature Colleges should refer to the relevant information about pre-interview assessments on the written assessments page.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Natural Science program at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and flexible approach to financing studies, recognizing the diverse needs of its students. The university provides a range of financial support options including scholarships, bursaries, grants, and loans to assist both domestic and international students in funding their education. Scholarships are available based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both, and are awarded through various college and university-wide competitions. Notable among these are the Cambridge Trust scholarships, which support outstanding students from around the world with full or partial funding. Bursaries and grants are also available for students demonstrating financial hardship, ensuring that talented individuals from less privileged backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their studies without undue financial burden.

Furthermore, the university participates in national student loan schemes such as the UK student finance system, offering loans to eligible residents to cover tuition fees and living costs. For international students, external funding sources, sponsorships, and scholarships offered by home governments or external organizations are often necessary to support their studies. Students are encouraged to explore the university's dedicated financial support pages and contact the university's student funding office for personalized guidance and application assistance.

In addition to external funding, many colleges within the university also offer their own bursaries and scholarships, which are awarded on various criteria including academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and financial need. The university's flexible funding options aim to make studying Natural Science at Cambridge accessible to high-caliber students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Prospective students are advised to apply early and ensure they meet all relevant deadlines to maximize their chances of securing financial aid. Overall, Cambridge's approach to financing studies is designed to support students throughout their academic journey, minimizing financial barriers and enabling them to focus fully on their scientific education and research pursuits.

Your living expenses may be higher than for a Home student (eg if you stay in Cambridge/the UK during vacations). The minimum resources needed in Cambridge for the year (excluding tuition and College fees) are estimated to be approximately £10,080 in 2017-18 and £10,310 in 2018-19, depending on lifestyle (you should allow for increases in future years).