Human, Social and Political Sciences
If you want to study Politics, Sociology, or Social Anthropology at Cambridge, this is the course for you.
The flexibility of the Human, Social and Political Sciences course allows you to explore a variety of subjects, many of which may be new to you (such as Sociology or International Relations), before pursuing advanced study in one or two specific subjects in your second and third years. You’ll graduate from Cambridge having specialised, but will also have the advantage of a broad background across the human, social and political sciences. HSPS at Cambridge thus provides an opportunity to study a variety of issues concerning modern and ancient societies from different perspectives.
Overview
Students admitted per year: 5-7
Typical offer:
A Level: A*AA
IB Diploma: 41 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Subject requirements: no subjects required
Useful subjects: a range of sciences, social science and humanities subjects can provide solid preparation for HSPS.
Admissions Assessment: Newnham-specific HSPS assessment
Written work: two pieces, of a maximum of 3,000 words total
Why choose Newnham for HSPS?
Newnham students have a record of exceptionally high performance in subject areas within the HSPS Tripos. Support facilities at the College are very good. We have a particularly well-stocked library, which not only has a very good, and ever expanding, collection of books, but also provides a great study space. With academics spread across the disciplines, our students are well-supported in College, as well as by supervisors from across the university. Newnham has a long tradition of valuing teaching as an integral part of College life. Its current Fellows continue to uphold the ideals of their forebears in taking teaching seriously and seeking the most effective teaching methods for an individual’s style of learning. Newnham was one of the pioneers of the supervision mode of teaching, still the mainstay of any humanities degree, and an important element of the Director of Studies’ job is securing the best supervisors for students.
Academic financial support
Newnham is one of the most generous Colleges when it comes to student support. As well as being able to access support for maintenance, opportunity and sports funding, all Newnham undergraduate students can apply for our book grants and research expenses funds each term for essential purchases and expenditure relating to their studies. A proportion of expenditure on books can be reimbursed against receipts (up to a limit of £200 each year), with research expenses assessed on a case-by-case basis. Funds for essential equipment purchases are also available, for example for stethoscopes for medics. We are also fortunate to have very generous funding available for summer research and/or travel. None of these grants are means-tested, so all students can benefit. Students achieving first-class results for their end of year exams will in addition receive at least £400 as a prize or scholarship.
