How to apply
All applications for undergraduate study at Cambridge are handled by the individual Colleges that make up the University of Cambridge. Information about the application procedure can be found on the University’s Undergraduate Admissions website where you will be guided through the process.
Please bear in mind that the application process for Cambridge starts earlier than at many other universities. More information about application dates and deadlines can also be found on the Undergraduate Admissions web pages.
Entry Requirements
Each application is considered on its own merits, but typical offers are:
A-Level: A*AA
IB -7.7.7 or 7.7.6 and a total score 38-42
Scottish Advanced Highers: AAB or AAA
Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAAA to AAABB
If you have taken A levels, the essential requirement is normally A level Music and A levels in two other academic subjects. The choice of subjects is not critical, and humanities subjects, languages and sciences are all good choices. We also accept qualifications from other examination systems; there is a University web page with further information about this.
Finally, we expect you to have some familiarity with the Western classical repertoire, and to have experience of writing about music. A well developed musical ear, basic facility at the keyboard, and some proficiency in harmony and counterpoint are also desirable, though few successful applicants have equal facility in all these areas.
To find out more, browse or download the Faculty’s Undergraduate Prospectus, or visit the Music page of the University’s Undergraduate Prospectus. There is also admissions information from the various Colleges, through whom you make your application.
Successful applicants
Congratulations on your offer of a place. We provide the following initial guidance on preparing for the Music Tripos; more detailed course descriptions will be made available in the summer.