Overview:
The English course at Cambridge University has a rich literary tradition. It produced renowned writers such as Milton, Wordsworth, Plath, and Zadie Smith. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in English literature. It also allows students to explore its intersections with other art forms, including music and film, and its connections to disciplines like philosophy and politics.
Cambridge’s faculty comprises world-class scholars, fostering critical thinking and writing skills. Students have access to extensive library resources and modern facilities, including a drama studio. Prospective English students should demonstrate intellectual curiosity, analysing texts and ideas while posing incisive questions.
While some students may choose to purchase specific texts, the course itself has no compulsory additional costs. Cambridge offers access to an array of library collections. It will lend copies of essential texts, and the possibility of requesting new books through college librarians.
| UCAS Code | Q300 |
| Minimum Entrance Requirements | A Level- A*AAIB- 40-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level |
| Admission Test for English at Cambridge | Colleges ask applicants to submit two pieces of written work prior to the interview. |
| Extras things admission tutors look for | Non-specific, however, most of our applicants tend to focus on academically challenging disciplines. These include History, a foreign language, or Mathematics. |
| Duration | 3 years – BA (Hons) |
| Admissions Statistics | Applications per place: 4 Number accepted: 185 |
| What is English at Cambridge? | The English course at Cambridge University is a programme with a rich historical legacy. This course equips students with a strong foundation in English literature. It also encourages exploration of its connections with various art forms, including music and film, as well as intellectual traditions such as philosophy and politics. Students benefit from the guidance of world-class scholars, who instill critical thinking and writing skills. The course provides access to extensive library resources and modern facilities, ensuring a comprehensive and intellectually stimulating educational experience. |
| Cambridge Colleges that offer English | Available at all Colleges |
| Structure of English at Cambridge | Year 1 (Part IA): You take two compulsory papers: Practical Criticism and Critical Practice, Shakespeare (assessed by a portfolio of essays submitted in Easter Term) You also start work on two of the period papers, which will be examined in Part IB. Year 2 (Part IB):You take one compulsory paper (English Literature and its Contexts 1300-1550) and a further three papers from the following list: Early Medieval Literature and its Contexts 1066-1350, English Literature and its Contexts 1500-1700, English Literature and its Contexts 1660-1870, English Literature and its Contexts 1830-1945 or English Literature and its Contexts 1870-Present Year 3 (Part II)You take two compulsory papers: Practical Criticism and Critical Practice II Tragedy, which ranges from ancient Greek drama to contemporary writing You also write a compulsory dissertation (of 6,000-7,500 words). You also either submit a second dissertation (of 6,000-7,500 words) and take one optional paper, or choose two optional papers. |
| Common Careers after English at Cambridge | Graduates of English at Cambridge secure opportunities in: Teaching, Academia, Journalism, Theatre and film, writers, critics or campaigners. |
