Undergraduate study
Politics and International Studies gives you the opportunity to study some of the most important topics facing humanity—climate change, international security, gender politics, public health, the global economy and public policy. 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.
Our graduates go on to change the world—working in governments, the Civil Service, NGOs, diplomacy, and non-profits along with opportunities in law, business, journalism, and education.
How to study Politics and International studies at Cambridge
There are two ways to study Politics and International Relations as an undergraduate at Cambridge. You can either apply through the Human, Social and Political Sciences course or the History and Politics course. More information can be found on our Course Details page.
See what we are all about
- Visit us on one of our open days.
- Book an applicant webinar.
- Sign up to our student newsletter to be notified when bookings open and for other opportunities, advice and resources.
- Take our virtual tour now.
Watch our Masterclass
Professor 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.
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.
More information on the Undergraduate application process and how to prepare can be found on the Undergraduate Study webpage.