Cambridge is known and respected across the globe for the excellence of our teaching and research, and the quality of our graduates. You’ll be taught by inspiring academics who are experts in their field, and our supervision system means that you receive personal tuition and support.
- Top 10 in the world for academic reputation (QS World University Rankings 2023).
- Top 10 in the world for teaching (THE World University Rankings 2022).
How you're taught
Our University faculties and departments arrange lectures, seminars and practicals that students from all Colleges attend together. Most of your teaching will take place in person. In other cases, where there are good reasons to do so, a blend of in-person and online teaching is delivered. At Cambridge, you’ll also attend supervisions, a system of personal tuition that is one of our greatest strengths. Your College also arranges supervisions for you.
You must ordinarily be available to study in Cambridge for the full duration of your course (with the exception of a year abroad, where part of your course). As the terms are short, the pace and volume of work is likely to be greater than you’re currently used to and there’s much greater emphasis on independent and self-directed study here compared to school or college.
During term time, you’re expected to spend an average of 42-46 hours a week on your academic studies (including teaching/contact time and independent study), and you also need to undertake some work, such as further reading or research, revision or assignments, during the vacations.
Every student adjusts to this new workload in their own way and time, and there are plenty of people who can offer advice and support while you get settled in and throughout your degree.
Teaching methods
Lectures
Lectures act as a starting point for your own research and typically last around 50 minutes. Depending on the subject anywhere up to several hundred students may attend. Many lecturers are leading academics working at the forefront of their field, so lectures are a fantastic opportunity to find out about the latest research.
Seminars and classes
These are usually for medium-sized groups (around 10-30 students), last between one and two hours, and provide the opportunity to discuss particular topics in more detail. They’re led by academic staff, but you’re expected to contribute actively.
Practicals
Sometimes called ‘labs’ or laboratory classes. Practical work on some courses may be assessed.
Supervisions
Small-group sessions most often for between one and three students, supervisions provide the opportunity to explore your subject more deeply, discuss your own work and ideas, and receive regular feedback. As they aren’t assessed, supervisions provide the ideal environment for you to test your ideas and interests, while encouraging you to develop your thinking.
The number of supervisions you have each week varies from course to course, and you do preparation for each one – usually reading, writing an essay or working on some problems. Supervisors are specialists in particular subjects (they may be one of the country’s or the world’s leading authorities) and throughout your course, your supervisors will change depending on what you are studying at the time.
Watch our guide to supervisions.
Field trips, study visits, language courses, study abroad
Several courses include opportunities to go on field trips, study visits or language courses, or to study abroad through exchange programmes. Naturally, where you go, how long for and what you do varies depending on your course. The faculties, departments and Colleges often have funds available to help you go on trips in Britain and abroad.
Independent research
A chance to carry out your own research, test out theories and put forward your own ideas. Your work might even get published while you’re still an undergraduate.
Work experience
Some courses include a period of work experience, giving you a chance to explore potential career paths and possibly leading to the opportunity of a job after you graduate.
Refer to the individual course outlines pages and faculty/department websites for more details about teaching.