How to choose a course at Oxford or Cambridge

Choosing a course is the most important decision in an Oxbridge application. Oxford and Cambridge both admit students to study a specific subject, and tutors are looking for applicants who are genuinely enthusiastic about it. This guide explains how to approach the choice.

Start with what you enjoy

The best course for you is one you will be happy to study in depth for three or four years. Ask yourself:

• Which subjects do I read or watch things about in my own time?
• Which lessons do I look forward to, and why?
• What kinds of questions do I find myself wanting to answer?

Enjoyment matters because interviews and admissions tests are designed to see how you think about a subject, not just what you have memorised.

Read the course pages carefully

Courses with similar names can be very different at different universities. For each course you are considering, look at:

• What you study each year, including compulsory and optional papers
• Entry requirements, including any required or recommended A-level subjects
• How you are assessed, and whether there are admissions tests or written work
• How the course is structured. Some Cambridge courses (called Triposes) are broad at first and allow you to specialise later, while some Oxford courses combine two subjects, such as History and Politics.

Oxford or Cambridge?

In most cases you can only apply to one of them in a given year. Some subjects are offered at one university but not the other, and the same subject can be taught quite differently. Compare the course content side by side rather than choosing based on reputation.

Think about colleges, but do not overthink them

Both universities are made up of colleges. You can usually choose a college or make an open application. Your college choice does not change the course you study, and strong applicants can be considered by, and receive offers from, a college other than the one they applied to.

Show your interest

Once you have a course in mind, go beyond the school syllabus:

• Read books, articles and essays related to the subject
• Listen to lectures, podcasts or talks
• Enter essay competitions or take part in subject-related activities
• Reflect on what you have learned and what you found interesting

This “super-curricular” exploration helps you confirm your choice and gives you plenty to talk about in your personal statement and at interview.

Still unsure?

That is completely normal. Talking your options through with someone who understands the process can help. Send Shajara Pathways an enquiry and we can explore your options together.