Academics

Studying at Cambridge

The official Cambridge University undergraduate prospectus contains useful information on how the University works, and is an excellent place for prospective applicants to start.

Supervisions

The supervision system is one of the key strengths and advantages of the Cambridge undergraduate teaching system. Cambridge students attend lectures and seminars offered by the University but also typically attend a one-hour weekly supervision, either individually or in small groups, with an expert in the course, or Paper, they are taking. The supervisor will set weekly essays based upon lengthy reading lists and material from relevant lecture and seminar courses. The emphasis is not on 'contact hours' but on closely guided, research-based essay writing and problem-solving.

Director of Studies

All students are assigned a Director of Studies to look after their academic welfare. The Director of Studies is involved in the admissions process and prepares incoming students for their courses, organises supervisions, monitors progress and deals with any academic problems that might arise.

Courses

Most Cambridge degrees have two sections, known as Part I and Part II, and students can generally choose courses from both Parts. Cambridge is about depth: this programme should not be used as a way of fulfilling general requirements, and therefore students are expected to take courses in the subject area of their major.

Students select two Papers, one in each of the two terms which comprise the semester. There are certain limitations to the courses available to Semester Abroad Scheme students: some courses are suitable only for candidates with considerable previous training, e.g. in foreign languages or econometrics, while other Papers may be unviable if vital lectures are delivered in the first term. In addition, students should note that they cannot take courses in the natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, law or geography.

Once they are admitted to the programme students will receive advice on how to choose their courses. A list of courses can be found in the Lecture Listings, or on departmental websites.

Semester students do not take the regular University exams, known as Tripos exams, instead they take College exams designed to reflect what they have studied during their two terms. The assessment for grading purposes is made on the basis of these exams and on their coursework.