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In assessing applicants taking A levels for all Cambridge courses, Trinity takes into consideration not only the individual A level subjects offered but also the combination of subjects.  Applicants are adequately prepared for studying here if they have taken A levels that both provide suitable preparation for university in general and are relevant to the subject matter of the degree programme to which they are applying.

First, if you are selecting your A levels, we have some general advice on good subjects to choose if you are thinking of applying for entry to this College.  Second, we have more specific requirements for A levels for some of our courses.

A Level choices

The choices available to you at A level often contain a mix of broader, more general subjects and those which are more narrowly focused.  It is generally a good idea to be taking at least two A levels that give you a good general grounding in a field of knowledge.  If you are primarily interested in sciences and maths, this means taking at least two out of Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Biology.  If you are interested in arts and humanities, then taking two out of English Literature, History, Geography, a language, a Sciences subject and Maths is usually a good idea.  These combinations enable you to keep your options open as your interests develop through your A levels.  We stress: these are not eligibility requirements for admission to this College, and we will consider seriously applicants who are high-achieving but not taking a combination as listed above (though see the subject requirements below).  It is however worthwhile when making A level choices to be thinking ahead so that the set of subjects put you in a strong position to be applying to a good range of degree courses.

Subject requirements

These are the requirements for individual subjects. If the subject is not listed, there are no specific requirements. Further information may be available in the pages about individual subjects (https://www.trin.cam.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/).

  • Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology: Maths and Chemistry at A-level are usually required. Applicants will usually be expected to have a third A-level in either another science or Further Maths.
  • Classics (three-year course): applicants must take Latin or Greek A-level. If not, the four-year course can be considered.
  • Computer Science: applicants should ideally offer Maths, Further Maths and Physics. Maths, Further Maths and Computing or Maths, Physics, Computing and AS Further Maths are acceptable alternatives.
  • Economics: applicants must take Maths A-level.
  • Engineering: applicants are expected to take Maths, Further Maths and Physics. Those unable to take Further Maths A-level may take Maths, Physics, an AS in Further Maths, and an A-level in any of Chemistry, Biology or Electronics.
  • English: applicants need to take either English Literature or combined English Language and Literature at A-level.
  • History: applicants must take History A-level.
  • History and Modern Languages: applicants must take an A-level in the relevant language, unless they are applying for Russian or Portuguese in which case another foreign language A-level is recommended.
  • Maths: applicants are normally expected to offer Maths, Further Maths and Physics, although if necessary another facilitating subject may be substituted for Physics.
  • Medicine: applicants must take Chemistry A-level, and two further A-levels out of Biology, Physics, Maths and Further Maths.
  • Modern Languages: applicants must take at least one of their selected languages at A-level.
  • Music: applicants must take Music A-level.
  • Natural Sciences: all applicants should take Maths A-level (or equivalent).  For candidates with a main interest in Physics or Chemistry, we strongly recommend A level Further Maths and two other sciences (including your main subject interest) as well as Maths.  Physics students are advised to take the Mechanics modules in Further Mathematics.  If Further Maths A level is not available at your school, Further Maths can be taken at AS level alongside A Level Maths.  Those intending to study subjects in the first year that are primarily on the Biological Sciences side should ideally take two out of the Chemistry, Biology and Physics A levels, although applications from those with only one of these three are not discouraged.
  • Psychological & Behavioural Sciences: applicants must take at least one out of Maths, Biology, Physics and Chemistry

If you are unsure that your A-level combination is suitable, please consult the College’s Admissions Office.

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