The course
The Engineering course is the same for all students reading Engineering at Cambridge and is run by the Cambridge University Engineering Department (CUED - see link below), which organises lectures, practicals and classes; sets, supervises and marks the examinations. We, in turn, help you to organise your work in the department and support you through the system of supervisions with the best available scholars in each subject. The College is conveniently situated just 15 minutes walk from the Department; and our Directors of Studies are always there to assist with any kinds of problems, give advice and help to deal with difficulties.
CUED currently offers two courses in Engineering, both involving a total of four years study for the BA and MEng degrees. The first two years form the "essential core" covering the main branches of engineering at a fundamental level followed by specialisation in the chosen professional area in the third and fourth years. Since all Cambridge undergraduates study the same subjects for their first five terms there is no need to specify this field at the point of applications. Department has also extensive language learning facilities and a variety of language courses available.
Triposes
Cambridge University Engineering Department (see course content and structure)
- The Engineering Tripos (with specialisation in one of the main engineering disciplines in the third and forth years).
- The Manufacturing Engineering Tripos (specialist training in marketing, design, manufacturing engineering and factory operation in the third and forth years).
Chemical engineering specialists normally change to the Chemical Engineering Tripos (Department of Chemical Engineering - see link below) after one year of Engineering, Natural Science or Computer Science.
Two years in Engineering can also be followed by the one year Management Studies Tripos leading to a BA degree after a total of three years study (see link below).
Application and Interviews
Mathematics and Physics at A Level (or equivalent qualifications) are essential plus a third A Level in a relevant science including (in alphabetical order) Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronics, Design & Technology and Further Maths. Economics or Modern Language as a contrasting subject at AS level are beneficiary. Offers are typically A*AA or A*AAA or A*AAB (without specifying which should be A*).
We can certainly consider equivalent qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement Exams or Scottish Advanced Highers.
Those who are invited to attend for interview will have a general and a subject-specific interview as part of the admissions process: one interview will be with a Tutor or college officer who may well have an academic interest in one element of your subject, and your second with the Director of Studies in Engineering. The interviews are designed to examine your academic potential, your approach to solving problems and your motivation for studying rather than to test the levels of knowledge already achieved. It also provides a great opportunity for you to ask us about the course, the College or the University. Applicants will also be asked to take the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA), which is designed to assess critical thinking and problem solving skills. More information about the TSA and sample questions can be found by following the link shown below.Deferred entry
Deferred entry applications for Engineering are encouraged by the College. A gap year can offer a valuable opportunity to travel and/or gain work experience in an industrial setting, which is an advantage in the course. Information about a gap year placement or sponsorship is provided by CUED, which also has a full-time Industrial Placement Co-ordinator who is ready to help if the College makes you an offer.
