Undergraduate Study FAQs

Welcome to our Undergraduate FAQs page!

Here, you will find answers to many common questions. If you can't find what you're looking for, please reach out to our Academic Office.

For our international applicants, we have a dedicated International FAQ, be sure to check that out alongside the answers below.

I am studying for qualifications other than A Levels. Does that matter?

While we often refer to A Levels in our minimum offer conditions, we welcome applicants with alternative qualifications. Many of our students have taken the International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers, or Cambridge Pre-U qualifications, among others.

If you're studying an Access to HE Diploma or a stand-alone Foundation Year Programme, please check the Undergraduate Study Entry requirements page. While these qualifications may be acceptable for some arts subjects, they usually do not suffice for competitive applications in science subjects.

If you're unsure about your qualifications, please contact our Academic Office for guidance.

Can I apply post A Level (or equivalent)?

Yes! We welcome applications from individuals who have already received their A Level results (or equivalent). Successful post A Level applicants typically meet or exceed the minimum offer level for their subject. Often, offers made to these applicants come with no academic conditions.

Can I apply for deferred entry?

Certainly! You can apply for deferred entry for the following year. However, you cannot apply for both immediate and deferred entry simultaneously, and deferred applications can only be made one year ahead.

Each year, we offer a small number of places for deferred entry, but we need to be confident that you are as strong as any prospective applicant in the next round. As such, deferred offers may come with slightly stronger conditions. If you meet those conditions, your place at Cambridge for the following year will be secure.

We will also consider your plans for your gap year. Activities that contribute to your academic growth are encouraged. For example, relevant work experience or internships can be particularly beneficial, especially in subjects like Engineering.

I am already studying at another university. Can I apply to Magdalene?

If you are an undergraduate at another UK university and not in your final year, our university policy is to not accept applications. However, in rare cases, we may consider your application if:

• You are changing direction to a distinctly different subject.
• You are unable to study your desired subject at your current institution.
• Your current institution supports your application.

If you're currently studying at a university outside the UK, you're welcome to apply here. Just note that you cannot transfer into Cambridge mid-course; you would need to start again in Year 1. Final-year students may apply for a second undergraduate degree, but offers will be conditional on the outcome of their current degree.

I will not yet be 18 years old in October next year. Can I still apply?

There’s no age requirement for admission to Cambridge, though most of our undergraduates are 18 or older when they start. All applicants must demonstrate maturity and the personal skills necessary to thrive in university-level study. If you’re applying for Medicine, note that national regulations restrict students under 18 from participating in clinical elements of the course. Therefore, all medical students must be at least 18 years old by 1 November of their first year.

Can I apply other than through UCAS or later in the year?

No. All undergraduate applications to Magdalene must be submitted through UCAS.

Do you accept visiting students?

Yes! Magdalene currently accepts 2-3 incoming exchange students from partner institutions as part of successor schemes to the Erasmus+ programme. We typically host two students in Modern and Medieval Languages, with an additional student occasionally studying History and Modern Languages or Law. For inquiries, please contact the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics.

Do you accept mature students?

We encourage applications from mature students—defined as anyone over the age of 21 on the day they start their studies. Your application will be assessed alongside all other applicants without regard to age. However, if you have family commitments, please note that we provide single accommodation for undergraduates, and facilities at designated mature Colleges may better suit your needs.

Do you accept affiliate students?

Affiliate students are those who have already completed one degree and wish to apply for a second undergraduate degree.

If your qualifications are recognised and your application is successful, you may be exempt from part of the regular undergraduate course. Typically, affiliate students join Year 2 of a three- or four-year course, although some first-year exams may still be required.

For instance, in Law, affiliate students must take certain papers covered in Part IA exams to gain exemption from Part I. In English, affiliate students typically complete a two-year Part II that includes one paper from Part I.

We consider qualified applicants for entry as affiliate students across most subjects. Successful candidates usually hold First Class honours or equivalent in their first degree. You will also need to meet the Entrance Requirements for your chosen subject, and your application will be evaluated alongside standard applicants for that academic year.

Please note that we cannot accept applications for affiliate students in Architecture, Mathematics, Medicine, or Veterinary Medicine.

How many applications do you receive?

We typically receive between 550 and 650 applications each year, with a commitment to interview at least 75% of applicants.

How many places are available each year?

Magdalene College aims to admit 105 new undergraduates annually, resulting in a success rate of around 5:1 for applicants.

What is the profile of your students?

Our student body is diverse, with a balanced distribution between arts and sciences and male and female students. Approximately 25% of our undergraduates come from outside the UK.

Does my school impact my chances?

Not at all. We focus solely on academic ability and potential. Our experienced interviewers and Admissions Tutors are adept at assessing candidates from all educational backgrounds.

In the words of the Vice-Chancellor: “If you have the ability, enthusiasm, and motivation to study here, we want you to apply.”

What constitutes a 'strong academic record'?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Context matters. If you're among the top students in your year, your academic record is likely strong. Most successful applicants will have achieved mostly A and A* grades (or 7s, 8s, or 9s in the reformed GCSE system). Your A-level predictions should meet or exceed our minimum offer levels for your chosen subject. If you’ve taken AS levels, we expect those to also reflect high achievement.

If your grades are lower but you have valid reasons—such as a challenging educational background or personal circumstances—we consider these factors. Our main focus is how your academic performance compares to your peers rather than to candidates from very different contexts.

Each year, we receive many more applications from strong candidates than we have places available. Cambridge degrees are demanding, and we must ensure you have the academic foundation to succeed. The weight we place on grades varies by subject.

Ultimately, the best way to discover the outcome of your application is to apply. We promise to review each application fairly, considering your individual context.

How important is the personal statement? What makes a good one?

Your personal statement is an essential component of your application, but it is just one part of a holistic review process.

We recognise that your personal statement will be tailored for all institutions to which you apply, not solely Cambridge. Unlike many other universities, we conduct interviews to understand the individual behind the statement, but the statement remains significant.

Aim to make your personal statement genuinely reflective of who you are. Discuss your passion for your chosen subject and any initiatives you've taken to explore it outside the classroom. We value self-motivation and an independent spirit.

While we appreciate a well-rounded extra-curricular life, we focus primarily on your academic interests. If you mention activities unrelated to your field, we will consider them less important than your academic pursuits.

Keep in mind that your personal statement may serve as a discussion point during your interview. If you cite a book or experience, be prepared to elaborate.

Are you looking for a particular 'type' of student?

We do not have a specific profile for our students. There is no "typical" Cambridge student. In fact, individuality is an asset. We seek intelligent, hardworking individuals who are eager to think independently. Beyond that, we have no preconceptions.

At Cambridge and Magdalene, we pride ourselves on our diverse and international communities. Our students and staff come from various backgrounds, encompassing social, economic, ethnic, national, gender, sexuality, age, and belief differences. This diversity is a significant strength of twenty-first-century Cambridge. We believe everyone has something to teach and something to learn.

I have already taken one A Level and achieved an A*. Will that count towards my offer?

If you have completed an A Level and received an A*, this may enhance your chances of receiving an offer. However, it will not count toward the conditions set for your admission.

Generally, we expect applicants to sit a minimum of three A-levels (or equivalent) in their final year. We want to see that you can achieve high grades while managing the workload of three A-levels. The intensity of a Cambridge degree during the first year is significantly higher than that of A-levels, and we need to be assured that you are well-prepared for it.

Will I get an interview, and will I receive an offer?

It is challenging to provide a definitive answer to these questions without reviewing a complete application. However, the key takeaway is that you won't gain admission without applying.

If you possess a strong academic record and are motivated to learn and excel, while also meeting the specific entrance requirements for your desired subject, you have a chance. The only way to understand your prospects is to submit an application.

Each year, we interview over 75% of our applicants.

Why do I have to sit a written assessment?

Most written assessments were introduced across the university in 2016, although some had already been used by several colleges, including Magdalene.

One key reason for their introduction is the diverse range of school qualifications we receive, such as A-levels, Highers, IB, Pre-U, and various international qualifications. Each qualification tests different skills. Uniform written assessments help create a level playing field, allowing us to compare applicants' performance under similar conditions.

Additionally, many subjects we offer are either not taught in all schools or require skills not typically assessed by school leaving qualifications. The written assessments aim to evaluate your aptitude for the specific course you wish to study. Importantly, they do not require in-depth specialist knowledge beyond what is reasonably expected at the end of Year 12. The assessments focus on evaluating thinking skills and aptitude, and they do not necessitate special preparation or revision.

Qualification reforms mean that most UK students no longer take public examinations at the end of Year 12, as was the case with the old AS levels. These AS results were useful indicators of suitability for Cambridge, especially since some students flourish academically after their GCSEs. Therefore, these assessments provide an additional means of gauging your current abilities, rather than reflecting on your performance from a year and a half ago.

It’s essential to remember that these assessments are just one component of the admissions process. Your performance in the written assessment will be considered alongside other elements of your application.

What will happen in my interviews?

This will vary slightly depending on the subject you are being interviewed for, but there are common traits that all interviewers seek:

• Evidence of intellectual curiosity
• Aptitude for the subject and motivation for studying it
• Ability to think critically and a willingness to engage thoughtfully
• A desire to learn and openness to new ideas

You need not be confident, widely travelled, or exceptionally original. While you may face challenging questions, you won’t encounter trick questions.

Remember that nerves are completely normal, and we understand that. Most interviewers were once in your position, either at Cambridge or elsewhere, and they are aware of how it feels.

You can find more information about what to expect on our Interviews page.

Why was I not invited for an interview?

We strive to interview at least 75% of applicants, often slightly more, and we give careful consideration to every application we receive.

Several reasons might explain why an applicant is not invited for an interview:

• Your application may have been incomplete.
• You may not have the qualifications required for the subject you applied for.
• We may have received a particularly strong set of applications in your subject this year, leading us to conclude that your application was not competitive compared to others, irrespective of your potential interview performance.
• If admissions assessments are required for your subject, your results may have placed you in the bottom 20% of applicants.

Admission to Cambridge is highly competitive. Not receiving an interview does not necessarily reflect poorly on your application; rather, it may indicate that other applications were significantly stronger. We believe it is unfair to invite applicants for an interview if they do not have a realistic chance of receiving an offer, regardless of interview performance.

If Magdalene turns me down in January, is that the end of my application to Cambridge?

Not necessarily. Strong applicants who cannot be offered a place at Magdalene may be placed in the Winter Pool, where other Colleges can consider them if they seek candidates with stronger applications than those submitted directly to that College. The Winter Pool is crucial in ensuring that the strongest applicants are offered places at Cambridge, even if their first-choice College is unable to accommodate them.

Additionally, as part of our commitment to outreach and access, some applicants rejected in January may be invited to participate in the August Reconsideration Pool.

Can I get feedback on my application?

We do not provide feedback to applicants who receive an offer; the offer itself serves as feedback.

If you are invited to an interview but do not receive an offer, we are happy to provide feedback on your application. However, requests for feedback must come from your referee, not directly from you. The deadline for requests will be communicated in the decision letter.

Feedback is typically sent to your referee, who will relay it to you as they deem appropriate. We believe it is essential for you to receive feedback from someone who knows you and can answer any questions that may arise.

We aim to send all feedback by the end of April, although this may depend on the volume of requests received.

What is a 'minimum offer level'?

The 'minimum offer' level is the minimum level of condition that successful applicants for a given subject are expected to achieve, and the level of condition most commonly attached to an offer in that subject. At A Level the minimum offer is A*AA or equivalent for Arts subjects (except Economics), and Veterinary Medicine; it is A*A*A or equivalent for Economics and for Science subjects other than Veterinary Medicine. Offers for Mathematics will invariably include an additional STEP condition. It is very rare indeed for us to set an offer lower than the minimum level. It is not uncommon for us to set a condition higher than the minimum offer.

It is important to realise that these are the minimum levels of conditions attached to offers, not the minimum level of achievement attained by successful applicants. The vast majority of successful applicants go on to achieve grades higher than the minimum offer level.

Every offer is tailored to the individual and is decided upon with regard to particular circumstances and context. We endeavour not to set unrealistic offers and do not ordinarily set an offer condition that exceeds an applicant's predicted grades.

Why have I been set a higher offer condition than the 'minimum'?

This can occur for several reasons. When faced with a particularly strong group of candidates, setting slightly higher conditions enables us to make more offers without significantly risking exceeding the available places in the College. This approach allows us to challenge strong candidates with good predictions to demonstrate their capabilities. The alternative would involve making fewer offers, denying some candidates the opportunity to earn a place.

Sometimes, we may be impressed by a candidate but want reassurance that they can handle the demands of the Cambridge course. In other cases, an applicant may have performed well overall but may be slightly weaker in one area, leading us to set a tougher condition. Ultimately, these more challenging conditions benefit students by assuring both us and them that they are prepared for the rigours of a Cambridge degree.

What happens if I am made an offer, but I don't quite meet the exact conditions set?

Each year, we extend a few more offers than available places. Candidates who meet their offer conditions automatically confirm their places. Any remaining spots are considered individually. Typically, we can only relax a very small number of offers under normal circumstances. In a year when many offer-holders meet their conditions, we may not have the ability to relax any offers. Candidates who do not meet their offer conditions should reach out to the Admissions Office as soon as they realise they have fallen short.

If you narrowly miss your offer conditions and we cannot confirm your place at Magdalene, you may be placed in the Summer Pool for consideration by other colleges. This occurs the day after A-level results are published. If you prefer not to be placed in the Summer Pool to avoid delaying your opportunity for an insurance offer or entering clearing, please let us know.

I've missed my offer conditions, should I retake and reapply?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and we cannot provide specific advice. However, reapplying to Magdalene is generally discouraged unless there is a valid (and usually unforeseen) reason for not meeting the conditions of your offer. We especially advise against giving up a secure place at another university to reapply to Cambridge the following year. While some reapplications succeed, many do not.

Offers are usually made on the understanding that conditional grades in three or four A-levels will be achieved in one sitting. The workload in the first year of a Cambridge degree is considerably greater than that of three or four A-levels, and we must be confident in your ability to manage that workload while performing at a high academic level.

That said, exceptions always exist. Ultimately, this decision should involve you and your advisors (parents, guardians, teachers).

What will my accommodation be like? Can I live in College for the duration of my course?

Magdalene offers undergraduate accommodation for the entire duration of their course. In the first year, students are randomly assigned a room near the College's centre. In subsequent years, students can select their rooms through a ballot system. Room rents vary based on the type of accommodation chosen. Typically, all rooms are equipped with a sink and internet access. Several 'sets' that combine a study room and bedroom, along with en-suite facilities, are also available. Further information see the undergraduate accommodation page.

What financial support is available at Magdalene?

Magdalene College is part of the Cambridge Bursary Scheme, offering a non-repayable bursary of up to £3,500 for students with Home Fees status and a residual household income of up to £62,215.

The Education Premium, which is an additional non-repayable bursary of £1,000 per year, is available to students who receive a Cambridge Bursary and have been eligible for free school meals, funded by their local authority.

Additionally, Magdalene College provides an enhanced bursary of £2,000 annually for students receiving the maximum Cambridge Bursary Scheme award. A student receiving both the Education Premium and the maximum Cambridge Bursary will receive a Magdalene bursary of £1,000. Students receiving extra funding through the Cambridge Bursary Scheme will not qualify for the Magdalene bursary.

More information can be found on our Fees, Funding and Finance pages

If I change my mind between applying and arriving at Magdalene, can I change course?

Your application is assessed based on your aptitude for your chosen subject, and you will generally be expected to study that subject for at least your first year. Changes of course before then are rarely permitted.

The Cambridge Tripos system, however, allows some flexibility to switch subjects after one or two years. Transfers are not automatic and are not possible for all courses (e.g. Medicine), but many students successfully change subjects. Some courses, like Management Studies or History and Philosophy of Science, are only available in later years.

To switch, you need approval from your tutor and directors of studies, ensuring the change is in your academic interests and that you have the necessary background. In some cases, extra preparation or restarting from an earlier year may be required. You should also check whether switching courses affects your financial support.