The mathematics course lasts three or four years. Students take Parts IA, IB and II of the Mathematical Tripos in the first three years, leading to a BA honours degree. Some students stay for a fourth year in order to take Part III of the Tripos, which leads to the Certificate of Advanced Study in Mathematics.
The course covers the whole range of mathematics, from fluid dynamics, quantum mechanics and cosmology on the applied side, to logic, topology and group theory on the pure side, and includes subjects such as probability, statistics, numerical analysis and computing. First year courses are compulsory, providing a strong foundation in mathematics. In the second and third years students can start to specialise in areas that interest them.
Full details of the course structure can be found on the Department's web site at http://www.maths.cam.ac.uk/undergrad/.
Academic requirements:
The use of STEP allows us to make more conditional offers than if we relied on A Levels alone. As a rough guideline most candidates are asked to obtain A*AA at A Level (or equivalent) and in addition candidates who are taking single subject Mathematics A Level will normally be asked to take both Paper I and Paper II of the Mathematics STEP, and to obtain a grade 1 in both papers. Candidates who are taking Double-Subject Mathematics A Level (or equivalent) will normally be asked to take both Paper II and Paper III of the Mathematics STEP, and to obtain a grade 1 in both papers. The Faculty of Mathematics has indicated that Further Mathematics at least to AS Level is an essential preparation for the degree. Physics is highly desirable as a third A Level, it is not though essential. Applicants need to know, however, that an understanding of physical processes is part of the Mathematics Tripos and if Physics is not being offered then evidence of good understanding of mechanics, for instance, will be required.
We can certainly consider equivalent qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate. Conditional offers to applicants taking the IB are likely to be 7, 7, 6 in Higher Level subjects, with an overall points score of 39 or more. They will also normally include Grades 1, 1 in STEP papers I and II.
We take a flexible attitude to the requirements shown above and are always ready to discuss them with individual applicants in the light of their circumstances.
Further information
Further information about STEP, including copies of past papers, can be obtained from: The STEP Office, OCR, 1 Hills Road, Cambridge CB1 2EU (Tel: 01223-553311; Fax: 01223-460278). Further information is also available on the OCR website.
For further information about the Mathematics Tripos, please contact the Faculty:
Undergraduate Admissions
The Faculty of Mathematics
Centre for Mathematical Sciences
Wilberforce Road
Cambridge
CB3 0WA
Web: www.maths.cam.ac.uk
E-mail: admissions@maths.cam.ac.uk
Or you can visit:
>The Faculty of Maths on the University of Cambridge Website
