How to get into the University of Cambridge for Geography

Cambridge is renowned as one of the best universities in the world, especially for its faculty of Geography. The Complete University Guide’s university rankings place Cambridge as the number one university in the UK for Geography and QS top universities list Cambridge as the 3rd best university in the world for Geography (2024).

Not only is it generally competitive to gain a place at Cambridge, but the Geography course is especially difficult to get into. In 2022, Cambridge’s Annual Admissions Statistical Report revealed that the success rate for Geography is 19.6%. This is a little higher than Cambridge’s average acceptance rate: 18%, however, don’t let that mislead you into thinking that Geography is not a competitive course! Cambridge is a prestigious, competitive university with high entry requirements, hence you will be compared to peers of a high calibre. Moreover, some colleges have tighter acceptance rates than others. So, stay tuned to learn how to master the application process and stand out from the crowd. 

If you’d like to get into Cambridge University for Geography or you’re just curious about what it takes to get into one of the most globally acclaimed universities in the UK, then read on. This guide contains everything you need to know – from entry requirements to tips on what you need to do to get into Geography at Cambridge.

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Harness the expertise of The Profs to conquer the Cambridge Admissions process and propel your career to new heights with a future solid foundation.

What is the Geography course at Cambridge like?

Why should I study Geography at Cambridge?

Cambridge University’s Department of Geography is home to the Scott Polar Research Institute, one of the world’s foremost centres for polar research. This institute houses an extensive library dedicated to polar exploration and research, providing students with access to rare and valuable materials. The department also hosts the Cambridge Coastal Research Unit, renowned for its expertise in coastal processes and management. Students have the opportunity to engage in fieldwork and research projects with leading experts in this field. The course also offers physical geography labs where students will work and a Geography Department Library, which contains around 20,000 books, journals and periodicals.

Cambridge’s Geography Society offers a vibrant community for students, organising guest lectures, career events, and social activities. The society facilitates networking opportunities and fosters a sense of camaraderie among students passionate about geography. 

The geography department at Cambridge regularly hosts distinguished speakers through the Annual Distinguished Lecture Series in Geography, where renowned academics and professionals share their insights and research with students. Opportunities for fieldwork abound, with the department organising various field trips throughout the academic year. These excursions allow students to explore diverse geographical landscapes, apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, and develop essential fieldwork skills. Cambridge University’s Geography graduates have received accolades such as the Royal Geographical Society’s prestigious Gill Memorial Award, recognising outstanding contributions to geographical research.

A great way to check out everything for yourself is to attend one of Cambridge University’s open days.

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What is the Geography course like at Cambridge?

Cambridge’s Geography course addresses significant global challenges such as food security, climate and biodiversity crises, pandemics, globalisation, social inequalities, urbanisation, volcanoes, and melting ice sheets. Students have the flexibility to study both physical and human geography throughout the three years.

Fieldwork is a key component of enhancing research skills through practical experience. This includes:

• Annual one-day excursions based on selected papers.
• Mandatory 5 to 8-day field classes in the second year, held in September or during the Easter vacation.

Recent fieldwork destinations have included various locations in mainland Europe and the British Isles, with an effort to minimise the carbon footprint of these trips.

Cambridge’s undergraduate Geography students will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA).

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What does Cambridge look for in its Geography applicants?

When considering applicants for its Geography programme, Cambridge looks for students with astute skills in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and communication. These abilities will be further developed and honed throughout the course and can be applied to a range of career paths, including roles in environmental consulting, urban planning, public policy, international development, academia, and geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Want to make sure you shine among a sea of other applicants? Our expert Geography tutors can help you! Navigate the complexities of university applications with The Profs’ University Admissions Tutors and set the foundation for a successful academic and professional future.

What are the entry requirements?

The entry requirements to study Geography as an undergraduate degree at the University of Cambridge are high, as Cambridge is one of the most competitive universities to get into. 

If you’re considering Cambridge, take a look at the table below detailing the Cambridge Geography entry requirements:

Please note: 59% of entrants who studied A levels and started at Cambridge in 2017-19 achieved at least A*A*A. The majority of students who studied IB achieved at least 42 points overall. 

Worried that you won’t qualify with the necessary grades for Oxbridge Geography? The Profs’ A level and IB tutors can help. We have extensive experience helping students excel in their coursework, final exams and entry tests for this competitive course. 

What subjects are recommended?

Cambridge does not require Geography applicants to have studied any specific subjects for A level or IB Higher Levels. 

However, studying Geography at A level/IB Higher Level is desirable. 99% of Cambridge’s Geography entrants in 2017-19 took Geography.

Colleges including Christ’s and Murray Edwards require applicants to have studied Geography at A level/IB Higher Level.

You should also note that if you’re applying to Churchill College and you have studied Geography at A level/IB Higher Level, you will need to achieve an A*/7 in this subject.

Reach out to our Cambridge admissions team today to maximise your chances of success! Empower your academic journey by connecting with Admissions Tutors at The Profs, where expert guidance meets personalised learning for career growth.

What admissions tests are there?

No assessment is required by most colleges, except Hughes Hall and St Edmund’s which require a written assessment.

Usually, the Geography admissions assessment is a 2-hour exam consisting of two sections: section 1 is a multiple-choice test which assesses your thinking skills and reading comprehension whilst section 2 requires you to produce a written response to a graphical stimulus. Details will be provided directly to applicants.

Don’t forget our expert Oxbridge admissions team is here to help you craft a winning application for Geography at Cambridge. 

How hard is it to get into Geography at Cambridge?

Applying for Geography at Cambridge is no easy feat. 

If you’re thinking about applying to Cambridge, take a look at the table below to get an idea of the competitiveness surrounding this undergraduate degree: 

The table is based on the 2022 cycle.

The Profs’ Oxbridge admissions tutors can help you triple your chances of getting into Cambridge to study Geography. Thanks to our network of experienced tutors, many of whom are Oxbridge graduates and ex-admissions officers themselves, we have the very latest and best knowledge on what Cambridge is looking for in their Geography applications.

What are the fees for Geography at Cambridge?

Tuition fees vary depending on whether you’re a national student or not. The table below shows the annual course fees for Cambridge’s Geography students:

You can find out more information about what fees you will pay on Cambridge’s fee status page. You can also use Cambridge’s fees, funding and financial assistance page to see the funding options available to you.

4 tips on how to get into Geography at Cambridge 

1. Prepare thoroughly for each stage of the admissions process

When applying to study Geography at Cambridge, there are many stages of the admissions process to consider. You should prepare for each one thoroughly if you’re set on being offered a place.

• Your grades – preparation for your Cambridge application starts from secondary school. Excellent A level grades (or equivalent) are essential to be considered for a place at Cambridge, so you should be aiming for A*AA in your A levels (or equivalent) as a minimum. Also, ensure that your GCSEs don’t let you down. Again, high grades are important – especially in subjects relevant to Geography. Here at The Profs, we have excellent A level tutors who can help you attain your goal grades!
• Your UCAS application – the first official stage of your Cambridge application is completing your UCAS application online. As well as your grades, this includes your personal statement. This is the first chance you’ll get to showcase your suitability for Geography at Cambridge and prove that you are interested and committed to the subject areas. Achieve unparalleled success in your university applications with expert guidance from The Profs’ UCAS Tutors, ensuring every detail is meticulously tailored to your career ambitions.
• Admissions assessment – Some colleges might require you to complete a 2-hour Geography test. You can’t afford a subpar performance; this is your chance to shine! Enlist the support of our excellent admissions test tutors. Navigate the competitive admissions landscape with ease through The Profs’ expert Admissions Test Tutors, the leaders in providing personalised tutoring that enhances your application and secures your spot at prestigious universities.
• The interview – if your application is impressive enough, you may be invited to an interview at Cambridge. This is your last chance to impress the university and prove that you are an excellent candidate for Geography. The interview assesses your academic ability and potential. 

Oxbridge interviews are like oral admissions tests and there is often even a mark scheme your interviewers will be scoring you against, so it’s important to seek professional help to prepare effectively. At The Profs, we have excellent interview training experts who can help you prepare specifically for your Cambridge Geography interview.

Note that all students applying for university in 2023 for courses beginning in 2024 will be required to submit a UCAS personal statement as normal. However, from 2024/25 onwards, there will be changes to the UCAS application process and students will no longer be required to write a personal statement. Instead, all applicants will answer a series of shorter, more tailored questions provided by UCAS.

2. Show evidence of your love for Geography 

With such a low success rate, it’s important that you do everything you can to make your application stand out from the crowd. Your academic ability might get you on the shortlist, but it’s not what secures your place. Cambridge particularly looks for applicants with academic ability, potential, and genuine enthusiasm for Geography. There are many ways you can show this, such as:

• Conduct wider reading, beyond your school syllabus – Self-learning demonstrates a desire to learn about Geography at a higher level. To stand out, explore obscure research articles and case studies, and read niche journals from academics or specialised publishers that your syllabus has not explored. This will allow you to draw from a wider bank of knowledge than your standard curriculum which will demonstrate excellent capability and genuine interest in Geography. You can also study one of the modules included in Cambridge’s Geography BA and discuss this in your personal statement!
• Take on relevant extracurricular activities – With the competition so high, academic excellence is not enough. Stand out by showing initiative and interest beyond your curriculum. For Geography, this could mean conducting independent research projects, being part of a geography debate team, writing for a school or local newspaper, or completing a summer school course in a related subject. Maybe you’ve participated in environmental conservation projects you’d like to reference during your interview. It’s also a good idea to express an interest in joining or leading one of Cambridge’s societies that relates to Geography, e.g. the Geographical Society or Geology for Global Development Cambridge.
• Find relevant work experience – Relevant work experience will help you to demonstrate your ambitions and genuine fascination for Geography, as well as your commitment to it. If you know someone who works in urban planning or as an environmental consultant etc, ask them whether you could help out or shadow them for a week or two. Even if you don’t know anyone, have a look online for local opportunities and reach out. The civil service offers some pretty exciting work experience packages. If this isn’t possible, something as simple as a research project could prove your interest and dedication to Geography. Show that you’re enthusiastic about being a Geography student.

Elevate your career prospects with personalised guidance from The Profs’ Personal Statement Tutors, ensuring your application stands out and paves the way for future success.

3. Have a 5-year plan

Another factor that can set you aside from other applicants is having a 5-year plan. This doesn’t have to be a plan that you necessarily stick to – in fact, it is expected that your interests and ambitions change as your knowledge and experience grow. Having a plan is simply a great way of demonstrating to Cambridge that you are committed to the subject and that you are motivated to succeed at your degree, and thus would be a valuable Cambridge student.

The first step to having a plan is to develop an understanding of the industries a Geography degree can lead to e.g. Environmental Consulting, Urban and Regional Planning, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, and International Development and Humanitarian Aid. Make sure you outline your future intentions with a Cambridge Geography degree, whether that includes embarking on a PhD in climate change adaptation or becoming an environmental policy advisor or a sustainable development consultant.

It is good to share your goals and motivations to prove you are a forward-thinking candidate who is serious about your career. Relating your areas of study, activities and personal passions to potential careers is essential to presenting a targeted, future-focused candidate profile in just a few sentences. 

4. Seek help from an expert Oxbridge admissions tutor

If you have your sights on Cambridge it’s important to consider how competitive it is. Meeting the entry requirements for Geography will not guarantee you an invitation to an interview. You must stand out!

Your application requires you to perform well in multiple stages to be in with a chance of securing an offer. Shortlisted candidates can often fall at the last hurdle of admissions. Unfortunately, schools and colleges are often not equipped to provide specialist Cambridge and Oxford preparation due to a lack of experience, expertise or resources. As a result, we advise seeking a professional Cambridge admissions tutor to help you through the process.

55% of our students applying for Oxbridge get an offer! That’s 3x the national average. The Profs’ Oxbridge admissions tutors have many years of experience helping students develop their academic profiles, tailor their application to Cambridge’s admissions criteria, ace assessments, and excel in their admissions interviews. Embark on your path to academic excellence and career growth by partnering with Oxbridge Admissions Tutors at The Profs, where your aspirations take centre stage.

At The Profs, you’ll gain invaluable independent study skills along with a deeper, broader understanding of the knowledge needed to study Geography as a degree at a prestigious UK university.