Official Course Summary · 2027 Entry
English at University of Cambridge
Official course requirements for English at University of Cambridge, with 1-to-1 tutoring from Cambridge graduates.
In a nutshell
Cambridge English is a three-year BA built on close reading and weekly supervisions. Year 1 is broad (Practical Criticism, Shakespeare and a survey paper); specialisation builds across Years 2 and 3.
Official course summary
What University of Cambridge publishes for English.
- UCAS code
- Q300
- Degree
- BA (Hons)
- Duration
- 3 years
- Typical A-Level offer
- A*AA
- Required subjects
- English Literature
- Admissions test
- For 2027 entry, the Cambridge admissions-test table currently lists no pre-registered admissions test for English — Cambridge has changed this twice in three cycles, so confirm against the official table before the application deadline. Most colleges set a short at-interview pre-read or commentary as part of the College admission assessment, no advance registration.
- Interview
- The pre-read is the centre of the interview. Read it once for sense, twice for argument, three times for what is strange. Write your observations on the page so you can return to them under pressure.
- Official course page
- https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/english
Always verify these details on the official University of Cambridge course page before applying — entry requirements and assessment formats can change between cycles.
Insider tips
Things English applicants commonly miss.
- 01
Submit two pieces of marked school essay work — do not write fresh polished essays for Cambridge. Tutors want your authentic analytical voice.
- 02
Practical Criticism is Cambridge's house specialty. Practise on unseen poems and short prose extracts under timed conditions before interview.