University of Cambridge
Cambridge, United Kingdom • Founded 1209 • World Rank #26
Overview
Established in 1209, the University of Cambridge is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Cambridge (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), East of England.
Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, University of Cambridge is a large-sized coeducational UK higher education institution. University of Cambridge offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 815-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this UK higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
University of Cambridge also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Need to get in touch with University of Cambridge or find your way to campus? Address, phone, email, and online links are below. These reflect what the institution publishes on its official channels.
Academic Details
Institutional vitals for University of Cambridge: how big, how staffed, and how recognised it is. Campus setting (urban, suburban, rural) interacts with these metrics in shaping the daily academic experience.
Academic Structures
University of Cambridge's organisational chart for teaching: faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units. Research-intensive universities often add institutes or centres alongside teaching faculties.
Unit 6 items
- School of Arts and Humanities
- School of Biological Sciences
- School of Clinical Medicine
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- School of Physical Sciences
- School of Technology
Degrees
The degrees available at University of Cambridge are categorised by level. Pathway programmes leading into degree-level entry exist for students with non-standard prior qualifications.
Bachelor's 1 program
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Fine Arts
Doctoral 58 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Ancient Languages
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Asian Studies
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Celtic Languages and Studies
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Classical Languages
- Computer Science
- Criminal Law
- Development Studies
- Earth Sciences
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- English
- French
- Genetics
- Geography
- German
- History
- International Studies
- Italian
- Latin American Studies
- Law
- Linguistics
- Management
- Medicine
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Music
- Neurosciences
- Nordic Studies
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Oncology
- Paediatrics
- Pathology
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Physiology
- Political Sciences
- Portuguese
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Religious Studies
- Slavic Languages
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Surgery
- Theology
- Veterinary Science
- Zoology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
African Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Studies
Business Research (ESRC) (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business and Commerce
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
English and Applied Linguistics (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Linguistics
- English
International Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Studies
Islamic Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Islamic Studies
Language Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Modern Languages
Latin American Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Latin American Studies
South Asian Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- South Asian Studies
Superconductivity Research (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Electrical Engineering
Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Mathematics
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chemical Engineering (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Process Engineer
- Plant Manager
- Materials Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chemistry (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
Common Career Paths
- Chemist
- Lab Researcher
- Quality Control Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Clinical Veterinary Medicine (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Veterinary Science
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
History and Philosophy of Science (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- History
- Philosophy
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Land Economy (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Rural Planning
Physics (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Architecture and History of Art (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Art History
Common Career Paths
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Interior Designer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Studies
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Oriental Languages
Biology (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Botany
- Experimental Psychology
- Genetics
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Biologist
- Lab Technician
- Research Scientist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Classics (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Classical Languages
Divinity (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Theology
Economics and Politics (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- Political Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
English (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Celtic Languages and Studies
- English
History (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- History
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Modern and Medieval Languages (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- French
- German
- Italian
- Linguistics
- Medieval Studies
- Modern Languages
- Portuguese
- Slavic Languages
- Spanish
Common Career Paths
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Language Teacher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Music (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Music
Philosophy (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Philosophy
Agricultural Botany (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Botany
Archaeology and Anthropology (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
Astronomy (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
Biotechnology (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biotechnology
Cancer (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Oncology
Criminology (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Criminology
European Bioinformatics (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Information Technology
Management Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Management
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Manufacturing (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Production Engineering
Mathematical Sciences (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Orthodox Christian Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Christian Religious Studies
Public Health (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Public Health Officer
- Epidemiologist
- Health Policy Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Theology (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Religious Educator
- Pastoral Counsellor
- Faith Community Leader
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Theorical Geophysics (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Geophysics
Common Career Paths
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Computer and Computing Service (Laboratory) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Clinical Medicine (School) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Community Health
- Genetics
- Haematology
- Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Oncology
- Paediatrics
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Public Health
- Radiology
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
University of Cambridge's degree-level programme breakdown, with search. Industry-sponsored programmes often have bonded service or employment commitments — read the terms before accepting any sponsored place.
Master's Degree
25 programmes
University of Cambridge offers 25 programmes at master's level — postgraduate programmes that deepen a specialism, usually over one to two years after a bachelor's degree.
Genomic Medicine (MSt) Medicine
AI Ethics and Society (MSt)
Applied Criminology and Police Management (MSt) Business & Management
Applied Criminology, Penology and Management (MSt) Business & Management
Astrophysics (MASt)
Building History (MSt) History
Construction Engineering (MSt) Civil Engineering & Construction
Corporate Law (MCL) Law
Creative Writing (MSt) Liberal Arts
Education (Mathematics Education) (MEd) Education & Teaching
Education (Primary Education) (MEd) Education & Teaching
Finance (MFin) Finance, Banking & Insurance
Genomic Medicine (MRes) Medicine
History of Art and Visual Culture (MSt) History
Law (LLM) Law
Master of Accounting (MAcc) Accounting
Master of Conservation of Easel Painting (MCEP) Visual Arts
Mathematics (Applied Mathematics) (MASt) Mathematics
Mathematics (Pure Mathematics) (MASt) Mathematics
Medical Education (MSt) Education & Teaching
MSt Healthcare Innovation (MSt) Liberal Arts
Entrepreneurship (MSt) Entrepreneurship
Photonic and Electronic Systems (MRes) Robotics & Automation
Physics (MASt) Physics & Astronomy
Social Innovation (MSt) Liberal Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master of Philosophy
48 programmes
University of Cambridge offers 48 programmes at master's level — postgraduate programmes that deepen a specialism, usually over one to two years after a bachelor's degree.
Advanced Chemical Engineering (MPhil) Chemistry
Advanced Computer Science (MPhil) Computer Sciences
Advanced Materials for the Energy Transition (MPhil) General Engineering
African Studies (MPhil)
American History (MPhil) History
Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic (MPhil)
Anthropocene Studies (MPhil)
Archaeological Research (MPhil) Archaeology
Archaeology (MPhil) Archaeology
Architecture and Urban Studies (MPhil) Business & Management
Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Chinese Studies) (MPhil) Politics & International Relations
Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Japanese Studies) (MPhil) Politics & International Relations
Assyriology (MPhil)
Astronomy (MPhil) Physics & Astronomy
Basic and Translational Neuroscience (MPhil) Translation & Interpreting
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (MPhil) Biotechnology
Chemistry (MPhil) Chemistry
Criminology (MPhil)
Data Intensive Science (MPhil) Natural Sciences
Development Studies (MPhil) Politics & International Relations
Digital Humanities (MPhil) Humanities & Cultural Studies
Digital Policy (MPhil)
Education (Education, Globalisation and International Development) (MPhil) Education & Teaching
Film and Screen Studies by thesis (MPhil) Film & Animation
Finance (MPhil) Finance, Banking & Insurance
Finance and Economics (MPhil) Finance, Banking & Insurance
Genomic Medicine (MPhil) Medicine
History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine (MPhil) Medicine
Human Evolutionary Studies (MPhil)
Human-Inspired Artificial Intelligence (MPhil) AI & Machine Learning
Industrial Systems, Manufacture, and Management (MPhil) Industrial & Systems Engineering
Innovation, Strategy and Organisation (MPhil) Liberal Arts
Land Economy (MPhil) Economics
Latin American Studies (MPhil) Politics & International Relations
Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence (MPhil) AI & Machine Learning
Management (MPhil) Business & Management
Materials Science and Metallurgy (MPhil) Materials Science
Mathematics (MPhil) Mathematics
Medical Science (Oncology) (MPhil) Medicine
Medical Science (Surgery) (MPhil) Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Medieval History (MPhil) History
Modern British History (MPhil) Fashion Design
Molecular Mechanisms of Human Disease (MPhil)
Physics (MPhil) Physics & Astronomy
Polar Studies (MPhil)
Political Thought and Intellectual History (MPhil) History
Scientific Computing (MPhil) Information Systems & Technology
Social Anthropology (MPhil) Social Sciences & Education
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master of Business Administration
2 programmes
University of Cambridge offers 2 programmes at master's level — postgraduate programmes that deepen a specialism, usually over one to two years after a bachelor's degree.
Business Administration (MBA) Business & Management
Business Administration, Executive (EMBA) Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
49 programmes
There are 49 programmes to choose from at University of Cambridge for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.
2D Materials of Tomorrow
Accelerating Nuclear Development and Applications
Aerosol Science Natural Sciences
Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic (PhD)
Antarctic Studies
Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics Physics & Astronomy
Applied Nuclear Physics and Technology Physics & Astronomy
Archaeology (PhD) Archaeology
Architecture (PhD) Architecture
Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (PhD) Politics & International Relations
Astronomy (PhD) Physics & Astronomy
Biochemistry (PhD) Biochemistry
Biological Anthropology (PhD) Biological Sciences
Biological Science (MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology) (PhD) Molecular Biology
Biostatistics Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Biotechnology (PhD) Biotechnology
Cardiovascular Research
Chemical Engineering (PhD) Chemistry
Chemistry (PhD) Chemistry
Criminology (PhD)
Development Studies (PhD) Politics & International Relations
Digital Humanities (PhD) Humanities & Cultural Studies
French (PhD) Linguistics & Language Studies
Genetics (PhD) Biological Sciences
Genomic Medicine (PhD) Medicine
History and Philosophy of Science Philosophy & Ethics
History of Art (PhD) History
Human-Inspired Artificial Intelligence (PhD) AI & Machine Learning
Infection and Immunity
Interdisciplinary Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Liberal Arts
Italian (PhD) Linguistics & Language Studies
Land Economy (PhD) Economics
Latin American Studies (PhD) Politics & International Relations
Law (PhD) Law
Linguistics: Theoretical and Applied Linguistics (PhD) Linguistics & Language Studies
Literature, Culture and Thought (PhD) Literature
Management Studies (PhD) Business & Management
Materials Science and Metallurgy (PhD) Materials Science
Medicine (PhD) Medicine
Philosophy (PhD) Philosophy & Ethics
Physics (PhD) Physics & Astronomy
Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (PhD) Biological Sciences
Plant Sciences (PhD) Natural Sciences
Polar Studies (PhD)
Slavonic Studies (PhD)
Social Anthropology (PhD) Social Sciences & Education
Sociology (PhD) Social & Cultural Studies
Spanish (PhD)
Stem Cell Biology (PhD) Biological Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctor of Medicine
1 programme
There are 1 programme to choose from at University of Cambridge for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.
MD (Doctor of Medicine) Medicine
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
37 programmes
Beyond the main degree tiers, University of Cambridge runs 37 programmes as certificates, diplomas, and associate or foundation programmes — useful for upskilling or as a pathway to bachelor's entry.
Genomic Medicine (PGDip) Medicine
Dental Education (PGCert) Dentistry
Dental Education (PGDip) Dentistry
Genomic Medicine (PGCert) Medicine
Medical Education (PGCert) Education & Teaching
Archaeology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
Architecture (BA+ M.Arch) Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Classics (4 years) Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
Classics Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
Computer Science Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Design Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Economics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Education Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Engineering Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
English Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
Geography Agriculture & Environmental Sciences 3 years On-campus
History of Art Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
Human, Social, and Political Sciences Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
History with Modern Languages Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
History with Politics Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
History Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
Land Economy Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Linguistics Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
Law Law 3 years On-campus
Mathematics Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Medicine Medicine & Health 6 years On-campus
Modern and Medieval Languages Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus
Music Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Natural Sciences Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Psychological and Behavioural Sciences Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Philosophy Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
Bachelor of Theology for Ministry Humanities & Cultural Studies 2 years On-campus
Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion Humanities & Cultural Studies 3 years On-campus
Veterinary Medicine Medicine & Health 6 years On-campus
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to University of Cambridge
Below is a five-step path through the application process at University of Cambridge, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
- 1 Research programmes at University of Cambridge
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. University of Cambridge offers 162 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Each programme at University of Cambridge has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Lodge your application
Apply directly via University of Cambridge's online portal at www.cam.ac.uk. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +44 (1223) 337 733. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Cambridge
Common questions students ask about University of Cambridge — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.
In what year was University of Cambridge established?
University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 (approximately 817 years ago).
What city is University of Cambridge in?
University of Cambridge operates from Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Is University of Cambridge a public or private institution?
University of Cambridge operates as a public institution.
How big is University of Cambridge's student body?
University of Cambridge serves approximately 20,000-24,999 students.
What is University of Cambridge's ranking?
University of Cambridge is ranked #26 globally and #3 in United Kingdom.
What qualification levels does University of Cambridge offer?
University of Cambridge delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
How many faculties does University of Cambridge have?
University of Cambridge is organised into 6 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises University of Cambridge?
University of Cambridge is accredited by Privy Council.
What is University of Cambridge's official website?
The institution's website is www.cam.ac.uk.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Member-only fellowships through European University Association (EUA) are open to students at University of Cambridge and the universities below. These can be less competitive than open competitions because the applicant pool is narrower.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Below are universities sharing regional libraries and consortia with University of Cambridge. Library reciprocity and shared databases can extend research access beyond what any single institution offers alone.
Where Else to Study Humanities & Cultural Studies
Cohort intake size shapes class culture meaningfully in Humanities & Cultural Studies. Some the United Kingdom institutions accept a few dozen, others hundreds — the difference affects peer-learning depth and faculty access.
Universities Often Compared with University of Cambridge
Students applying to University of Cambridge often shortlist similar institutions of comparable scale, prestige, and academic depth. These universities frequently appear alongside University of Cambridge on application lists, useful for hedging or for direct head-to-head comparison.
