If you are considering studying at the University of Cambridge (UK), it is useful to know what courses are available and how they are structured. Here is a clear and easy‐to‐understand guide to the undergraduate courses, how you choose them, and key things to keep in mind.

What kinds of courses are available

1. Cambridge offers around 30 undergraduate courses covering more than 65 subject areas.
2. On the subject A-Z list you will find options such as Aerospace Engineering, Ancient Languages, Anglo-Saxon, Norse & Celtic, Architecture, Computer Science and many more.
3. The courses are full‐time studies, typically 3 years (for a BA) or 4 years (for those with an integrated Master such as MEng) depending on subject.

How the courses are structured

1. At Cambridge many undergraduate courses are organised as a Tripos. A Tripos is the teaching/examination structure for a subject.
2. A Tripos is often divided into Parts (for example Part IA, Part IB, Part II, optional Part III) which reflect the progression through the years of study.
3. In many courses you begin with a broad base in your first year and then specialise in later years.

Examples of popular subject areas

Here are some typical course subjects you will find at Cambridge and what they involve:

1. Engineering (for example General Engineering or Aerospace Engineering)
2. Computer Science (BA or MEng options)
3. Natural Sciences (covering physics, chemistry, biology, earth sciences)
4. Economics, English, History, Classics, Architecture, Education
5. Languages – Ancient and Modern – and their combinations.

Why this matters when choosing a course

1. Because the first year tends to be broader, you may have flexibility to explore adjacent subjects before specialising.
2. You should check the specific course page for your chosen subject to see what the first year covers and what specialisation or options are available in later years.
3. Admissions requirements (such as subject-specific tests or interviews) vary by course, so you must check the details for the course you want.

Steps to choose your course at Cambridge

1. Review the Subject A-Z list to spot all possible subjects of interest.
2. Visit the detailed course page for the subject you are interested in and look at:
3. Duration of the course (3 or 4 years)
4. What the first year covers and how specialisation works in later years
5. Admission processes, assessments, and whether additional tests are needed
6. Think about what you enjoy and are good at – some courses require strong background in maths, sciences or languages.
7. Consider how your career ambitions match the course. Some courses lead into specific professions (engineering, architecture, teaching, etc).
8. Prepare for a competitive admissions process – Cambridge is highly selective.

Summary

In short, the University of Cambridge offers a wide range of well-structured undergraduate courses across many subject areas. When choosing one, it is important to understand how the course is organised, what the early years will involve, and what attributes you bring to match admission requirements. With careful planning you can select a subject that fits your interests and sets you on the path you want.