The University of Cambridge is made up of separate and independent colleges, each one responsible for teaching. Colleges and libraries dot the small city of Cambridge, each one filled with aspiring students and world-class academics.
Background and history
The second oldest university in the United Kingdom, Cambridge is famed throughout the world as a beacon of learning and academic excellence. Since its foundation in 1206, it has taught figures as varied as the scientist Sir Isaac Newton and the economist John Maynard Keynes. Colleges have their own minor traditions and reputations, for example, King's College students are traditionally left-wing, but the reality is that these traditions are largely forgotten and are no longer observed. Of  all the colleges, Clare Hall and Darwin only admit graduates.
Location and accessibility
The city of Cambridge has good rail links, with direct trains to and from London, and is accessible via the M11.
The major libraries are now almost all wheelchair accessible, but the quality of accommodation varies wildly from College to College, with the older buildings often very difficult to navigate for wheelchair users. The University Access Office, however, is first-class and all provisions are made for students with mobility issues.
What's on offer
BA, BSc, MA, MSci, MMus, MsT, MBA, PHd, Post-graduate Certificate, Post- graduate Diploma.
Entry requirements
Arts & Humanities: Offers vary between subjects and colleges from A*A*A*-AAA at A-Level, between 40-42 for the International Baccalaureate.
Sciences & Engineering: Offers vary between subjects and colleges from A*A*A*- AAA at A-Level, between 40-42 for the International Baccalaureate.
Interviews
Interviews largely take place in the first three weeks of December. Depending on college and course, there may be a written test as well as a verbal interview. On average, each place will have four applicants behind it. Students can either apply to a college or choose to be assigned one. This has no practical consequences on the likelihood of an application being successful.