The Old Schools
Trinity Lane
Cambridge CB2 1TN

Tel 01223 333 308

admissions@cam.ac.uk

www.cam.ac.uk

Sunday Times ranking 1 (1)

Teaching excellence 96.3%

Student satisfaction 84%

Head teacher ranking 1 (1)

Peer ranking 2 (2)

Research quality 92.3%

A/AS-level points 526

A-levels for entry 89%

Unemployment 5.4%

Firsts and 2:1s 86%

Student/staff ratio 12.3:1

Dropout rate 2% (4%)

World ranking 2

Undergraduates 12,413 (3,881)

Postgraduates 8,266 (903)

Teaching staff 1,441

Applications/places 14,172/3,329; 4.3:1 (+0.6%)

Clearing entry 0%

Bursaries 25%: £400-£3,100

Scholarships None

EU/overseas 5.2%/10%

Mature 3.9%

State school 58%

Lowest social classes 12%

Low-participation areas 5%

Live in 100% (100%) £65-£100

Cambridge has never finished anywhere other than top of our league table. Of course, its 10-year run of success in this guide pales by comparison to the 800 years of success that will be commemorated in 2009. Even so, it earns Cambridge our University of the Year title.

There is little to choose between Cambridge and Oxford academically (hence the rivalry). The two compete on a global stage in a multitude of disciplines, which is reflected in the consistently high rankings achieved in world university league tables.

That Cambridge is determined to maintain its position is evidenced by the £1 billion fundraising campaign under way. The money will be used as an endowment to invest in staff, students, research and its numerous collections and architectural heritage.

Most people have some idea of the entity that is Cambridge University, fewer appreciate the huge differences that exist between the colleges. Old v new (or at least newer); science v arts (although most now admit students across all subjects, traditions remain); mixed v single sex (there are still three all-female colleges). Visit the college you are thinking of applying to and get a feel for the place. Talk to the students; ask them what it is like.

Cambridge is working hard to diversify its intake and has achieved more than Oxford in breaking down the dominance of private schools. The university has revised its bursary provision in line with the new grant thresholds. All students from families with income under £25,000 will get a full bursary of £3,150 to add to a state grant of £2,825. An extra 500 students will benefit. Tapered bursaries will be paid to an earnings ceiling of £60,000, adding £1m to the annual bursary bill.

Employers snap up Cambridge graduates, virtually all of whom leave with a first or 2:1. Even so, students seem to fit in an extraordinary amount of extracurricular activities alongside their academic work. Sports facilities are excellent and the arts scene is legendary. Inspired? You have until October 15 to apply.

Open days Contact the university.

Student view Mark Fletcher, students’ union president:

USP There are so many different worlds outside of the academic to explore.

Worst feature The presumption you are something beyond the normal student.

Location The city centre is the university.

Social scene Does not conform to a stereotypical student lifestyle.

Rated excellent (36) Anatomy and physiology; anthropology; archeology; architecture; Celtic studies; chemical engineering; chemistry; classics and ancient history; computer science; east and south Asian studies; economics; education; English; general engineering; geography; geology; history; history of art, architecture and design; land and property management (land economy); law; materials technology (materials science and metallurgy); maths, statistics and operational research; Middle Eastern and African studies; modern languages; molecular biosciences; music; organismal biosciences; pharmacology and pharmacy; philosophy; physics and astronomy; politics; psychology (experimental psychology); sociology; teacher training; theology and religious studies; veterinary medicine.

Degree of student satisfaction: 84.0%

Human and Social Geography 87.2; Other Languages and Area studies 86.9; Other subjects allied to Medicine 84.7; Biology and related Sciences 84.7; Physical Science 84.7; Education studies 82.0; Performing Arts 77.8; Politics 75.2

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