Program choice
Level 2
Major only
University
Cambridge
University of Cambridge
Ranking positions
- QS (2026) = 6
- THE (2026) = 3
- RAEX (2025) = N/A
Educational model
Flexibility coordinates
Course choice
Level 2
Distribution requirements ("M of N")
Parameters
- Program duration (bachelor's and specialist degrees):
- 3 - 6 years
Sources
- The structure of undergraduate courses at Cambridge https://www.camdata.admin.cam.ac.uk/structure-undergraduate-courses-cambridge
The official reference page explains the Tripos system, Parts and the common BA degree for undergraduate courses, and shows that some Triposes are available only from the second or third year.
Overall model: Tripos system; students usually progress within one Tripos, while some structures allow later selection of the main field.
- Natural Sciences, BA (Hons) and MSci https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/natural-sciences-ba-hons-msci
The course page shows subject choice across a wide set of physical and biological sciences: three science subjects in the first year, three subjects in the second year, and either specialisation or a broad route in the third year.
Model elements: deferred selection of the main field and distribution-style paper choice within Natural Sciences.
- Engineering, BA (Hons) and MEng https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/engineering-ba-hons-meng
The official Engineering page describes broad first and second years followed by selection of an engineering specialisation from the third year; it also lists the course length as a 4-year MEng or 3-year BA.
Model elements: a main-specialisation choice after a common foundation and limited but substantive paper choice within the course.
- Course overview: Computer Science https://www.cst.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/course-overview
The department page describes a three-year BA in Computer Science and an optional fourth MEng year; the first two years are mainly a common foundation, while the third and fourth years include student choice of courses/modules and project topic.
Model elements: three-year BA lower bound; structured course choice in later Parts.
- Medicine, MB and BChir https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/medicine-mb-bchir?lang=en
The Medicine page gives a six-year structure for the first medical degree: three years of medical sciences and three years of clinical studies, with a BA after the first three years and MB, BChir after the full course.
Model elements: six-year upper bound for undergraduate-level study in the record.