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Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS)

Undergraduate study

As an undergraduate student at Cambridge, you will be taught by members of a dynamic community of researchers working on the world's most complex and pressing issues.

Politics and International Studies gives you the opportunity to study the world's most important issues—climate change, gender politics, public health, the global economy and public policy. 

Our graduates go on to change the world—working for governments, NGO's, international policymakers, non-profits and so much more.


How studying Politics and International studies works at Cambridge

There are two ways to study Politics and International Relations at Cambridge. You can either apply through the Human, Social and Political Sciences course or the History and Politics course.

Find out more


See for yourself what we are all about 

Visit us on one of our open days

Sign up to our Student Newsletter to be notified when bookings open and for other opportunities, advice and resources.

Find out more

Take our virtual tour now


Watch our Masterclass

Dr Jeremy Green's  lecture on 'Political Economy in the Age of Political Crisis'

 

Attending one of our Subject Masterclasses will help you understand more about our course. 

Subject Masterclasses offer students a first taste of undergraduate study at the University of Cambridge.

Our masterclasses are for all Year 12 students from any school/college who are interested in studying with us

Each masterclass includes:

  • two taster lectures delivered by leading academic members of staff from the University
  • the opportunity to discuss and ask questions
  • an introduction to the Cambridge admissions process
  • the opportunity to hear about life as a Cambridge student, from current undergraduates

Find out more about future Masterclasses


Participate in our Essay Competition

Every year, POLIS runs an essay competition - the R.A. Butler Prize - for Year 12 students, jointly with Trinity College Cambridge. The essay titles are published in March each year, with a deadline for submitting the essay in the Summer. First prize wins £600, to be shared between the winner and their school

Find out more about the R.A. Butler Prize


Need more information about the course?

Book an applicant Webinar here

Visit the History and Politics Tripos information here


The Application Process

The application process for the University of Cambridge is conducted through UCAS just like any other University. More information on the UCAS process for the University of Cambridge can be found here.

The entrance requirements for the Human, Social and Political Sciences Tripos and the History and Politics Tripos are A*AA at A-level. No specific subjects are required at A-level for the HSPS Tripos; for History and Politics some Colleges may require a History A-Level. 

It is important for the student to choose a college that they will be happy in at the University of Cambridge as this is where student accommodation is provided and can also be a large part of the student's experience at the University. 

More information on the Undergraduate application process and how to prepare can be found on the Undergraduate Study webpage.


Find us on social media

Keep up with us on Twitter @Dept_of_POLIS