What can I study?

Pembroke admits students to study all the Honours Degree courses (known as 'Triposes', apparently because the examiner used to sit on a three-legged stool) available at Cambridge, except for Geography and Education Studies.

The Cambridge Tripos courses are distinctive for their breadth and flexibility. Most courses cover their subject very broadly in the first year or two, and then become more specialised in the second or third year. This breadth allows you to choose from an exceptionally wide variety of options, and thus to a great extent, to design your own programme of study. Unlike at other universities, it is not necessary to have a very clear idea when you apply of the detailed options you may wish to study.

The Triposes are divided into blocks lasting one or two years. In some subjects there is a two-year Part I (sometimes divided into Part 1A and Part 1B), and a one-year Part II, while in others the Part I lasts for one year, and is followed by a two-year Part II. In order to achieve a Cambridge BA Honours degree, it is necessary to pass two parts, lasting not less than three years in all. In Engineering and in some of the science subjects, there is a fourth year course (Part II B or III) leading to a degree of MEng or MSci.

Subjects available

• Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic
• Architecture
• Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
• Chemical Engineering
• Classics
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Engineering
• English
• History
• History of Art
• Human, Social, and Politcal Sciences
• Land Economy
• Law
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Medicine
• Modern & Medieval Languages
• Music (see also organ scholarships)
• Natural Sciences
• Philosophy
• Psychological and Behavioural Sciences
• Theology & Religious Studies
• Veterinary Medicine

Changing Subjects

Most students take successive parts of the same Tripos. However, it is possible to change subject after Part I. Not all changes are clearly possible or desirable. If you think you might like to combine two different Tripos subjects, it is sensible to consult the Admissions Tutor about your choices before you apply.

What support will I have while studying?

Each undergraduate has a Director of Studies who arranges each term's 'supervisions' (i.e. teaching in small groups, usually of two or three students) as well as giving advice about study and University lectures. Pembroke is well provided to cover a wide range of subjects and topics with supervisors from within the College but, like all Colleges, we also arrange teaching by experts from University departments or other Colleges to match the interests and needs of our undergraduates.

In addition to a Director of Studies, each undergraduate has a personal Tutor. This is someone to whom you can go to ask advice about non-academic matters, such as personal and financial problems. The Tutors administer the various College funds which are available for student support.

The College cat is also most willing to offer support and advice, particularly during the examination period...