cambridge university natural sciences personal statement

Cambridge Natural Sciences: Tips & Questions for Interview

Before your interview, you will have already undertaken NSAA preparation and taken the admissions test. This test forms part of the application decision and who is invited to interview.

In this article we will guide you on how to best prepare for Cambridge Natural Sciences Interview , with guides on past Cambridge University natural sciences interview questions, interview tips, mock examples and real experiences from students who have sat the Cambridge Natural Sciences Panel Interview.

This article has been made from a collection of accounts from Oxbridge applicants.

What is the Cambridge Natural Sciences Interview structure?

Most applicants to the Natural Sciences programme at Cambridge should expect two interviews. You will also be split between Biological and Physical Natural Sciences applicants – so the content of your interview will differ based on which of these categories you fall into, and what examination subjects you are pursuing. 

The interview structure will differ depending on the college you are interviewed at, so you should look at the college’s website to find their particular interview structure. You will be informed of which college you are interviewing at ahead of time. For example, Emmanuel College Cambridge will send out some preparatory material for their Natural Sciences interview. For Biological applicants, they will send a list of topics in advance, asking candidates to select the one that interests them the most and be prepared to justify why this is the case. Cambridge Biology Summer School could be very useful experience here. Physical applicants will be asked to select a general area (Physics or Chemistry) that they would prefer to be interviewed in. In contrast to this, at Homerton College candidates may be given material directly before their interviews, but no material well in advance.

What are the Cambridge Natural Sciences interview dates?

The Natural Sciences interviews at Cambridge for 2025 entry will take place sometime in early to mid December 2024. The exact dates will depend on the college you are interviewed at. To find out the dates for the college you applied to, you can check the college’s website, where there will be further information. Specific dates will also be emailed to successful applicants in November.

Most interviews will take place virtually. You will be informed of your personal interview situation if you are successful in gaining an interview. All UK-based applicants to Trinity College, Cambridge , will be interviewed in-person.

Cambridge Natural Sciences Interview Questions:

General cambridge interview questions natural sciences :.

• What interests you about studying Natural Sciences at Cambridge?
• Why have you applied to study Natural Sciences? 
• What particular areas of Physics/Chemistry/Biology interest you?
• Are there any particular modules in the Natural Sciences course that you would like to study if you were accepted?

Cambridge Natural Sciences interview questions – Physical

• Coin flicking: You flick one coin at another. Can you describe, both qualitatively and using equations, what happens when you do this?
• Questions asking you to sketch the graph of a function
• Drawing sketches for rates of reactions (leading to a broader discussion on kinetics)
• Boat: Here is a picture of a boat on the water. Can you identify and describe Archimedes’ principle? (Leading off of this, they may ask more theoretical questions.)
• Questions looking at planetary orbits, asking you to derive some equations of circular motion
• Bungee jumper: Draw a displacement-time and a velocity-time graph of a bungee jumper from their starting position.
• Soup: We blow on soup to cool it down. Why do we do that?
• pH: Can something have a negative pH value?
• Glow stick: How do glow sticks work?
• Flour mill explosions: Why is it a risk that there may be explosions in a flour mill? What stops these explosions from happening in a kitchen?
• Question asking you to write down and explain an organic reaction that you’ve studied before

Cambridge Natural Sciences interview questions – Biological:

• Carrots: If we can grow a carrot from a single carrot cell, why can’t we do the same with a human?
• Purple potatoes: How could I go about creating a new strain of purple potatoes?
• Virus: Is it advantageous for a virus to kill its host?
• Being a rat: Imagine you are a rat. What would be most important to you in life?
• Showing a diagram of a drug trial and asking the candidate to explain it.
• Questions involving discussing pictures of fossilised, extinct animals.
• Some candidates were given diagrams just before the interview, with 15-30 minutes to look at it and prepare for questions on it. Once they entered the interview they were asked to explain what they saw, and were asked further questions.
• Showing diagrams of unknown biological processes and see what you can explain from it
• Maths questions: sketching functions, calculus, etc,.

Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge , has uploaded two example interviews to their YouTube channel with Cambridge Natural Science interview questions, which is an extremely useful resource:

Natural Science interview at Cambridge – Example One

Natural Sciences interview at Cambridge – Example Two

Insider Guides: Cambridge Natural Sciences Interview

What happens on the day of your cambridge natural sciences interview .

My interviews were in person. On the morning of my interview, I arrived at the college in Cambridge with some time to spare (about 15-30 minutes). There were student reps in and around the College, providing directions and answering any questions that the interviewees had. If your interview is online, you will be sent links to an online meeting for each interview ahead of time.

I had two Natural Sciences interviews. The first started 15 minutes later than scheduled, which is not uncommon. The interview finished at its scheduled time, so my interview was shorter than planned. After my first interview, I had a break for lunch, and my second interview took place around 2-3 hours later. This interview started and ended as scheduled. After the interview, I went straight home.

What do you have to bring to your Cambridge Natural Sciences interview?

I was not instructed to bring any stationary or equipment, but I brought along a clear pencil case with pens, pencils, rules, and my scientific calculator. All pens/pencils were provided in the interviews, and a calculator wasn’t required at all, since most of the questions were theoretical. If your interview is online, make sure you do have a pen and paper on hand!

I brought my A Level textbooks to refer to between my interviews, but this wasn’t necessary. It’s better to just focus on remaining calm before your interview – last minute revision/prep won’t help! 

I wore smart-casual clothing, similar to my sixth-form dress code. Other candidates were wearing everything from jeans to sweats to suits (we were told to wear whatever makes us feel comfortable).

What is the interview setting and how long is it?

The first interview was in the office of one of my interviewers, who was a research Fellow in Physics at the College. It was a small-ish room up a narrow staircase, with some wooden chairs, desk, and sofa-type chairs. I did the interview sitting on the sofa-type chair, with the two interviewers facing me across the desk. The other interviewer was a PhD candidate at the College. It was a little bit crammed and stuffy. For my second interview, the room was quite grand and impressive. It was a large office belonging to the Admissions Tutor for Natural Sciences at the College. I was sat at a wooden chair with the two interviewers sat opposite me at the desk. Both interviewers were Fellows of the College and taught, lectured, and supervised extensively in Physics/Chemistry. 

Each of my interviews was scheduled to be around 30 minutes. Although as I said previously, my first interview was a bit shorter than it was originally scheduled to be.

What are the Cambridge Natural Sciences interviewers like? 

The atmosphere of my first interview was quite hostile, and both interviewers were quite cold. The senior interviewer was a little blunt and rude, and ended the interview at the scheduled time even though we had started late. He seemed to get frustrated when I didn’t quite understand one of his questions. He asked all of the questions whilst the other interviewer took notes. After the interview I was naturally quite upset. 

I was even more nervous for my second interview, due to the bad experience I’d had in the first one. The atmosphere of my second interview was the complete antithesis. Both interviewers were friendly and welcoming, and seemed genuinely interested in me, what I had to say, and my ideas. I was clearly nervous and they both reassured me and made me feel more comfortable before the interview began. The rest of the interview was pleasant and I left beaming. 

Both interviews seemed to have a planned outline, though the second interview was more structured than the first. The first interview mostly consisted of just two questions, of which the second was cut short due to timings. The first question was a practical-based task and the conversation focused on that. The second question was a graph sketch question, so there weren’t too many follow-up questions associated with that. 

My second interview started with a casual conversation, where we discussed my interests, personal statement, and whether I’d thought about which modules I’d take if I were to be accepted. We then covered several different topics, each with a few specific questions, and some of these lead onto a wider based discussion. I only had one Chemistry question (the rest were Physics), because I specified that I wasn’t planning on taking Chemistry at Cambridge. 

What are the best tips for planning my trip for my Cambridge Natural Sciences interview?

I drove to the interview and back in one day. If your interview is in person and you are driving, be sure to give yourself extra time for traffic and to park, since parking during weekdays is notoriously difficult in Cambridge. If you are using public transport, allow yourself enough time to get from the station to the town centre, which is a 20 minute walk, or short bus ride. 

Wear whatever you feel most comfortable in, though I’d advise not wearing anything too casual like sweats/joggers or loungewear. Remember the College is also a working academic and professional environment.

Are there any academic or challenging Cambridge Natural Science interview questions ?

The two academic questions in my first Natural Sciences interview were focused on maths. These were to test my understanding of certain topics covered at A Level, and to test my critical thinking and my ability to work under pressure. They were separate questions on different topics. 

There were several questions in my second interview, all on different topics (mostly A Level physics, but one A Level chemistry). Each of the questions within each topic got increasingly difficult. The interviewers pressed me and encouraged me in order to challenge me to go further with the questions. When I didn’t know the answer to a question, I tried my best and gave it a go anyway, but was also given some guidance by the interviewers. 

Are there any personality, work experience or extracurricular-based Cambridge Natural Science interview questions ? 

I didn’t have any formal work experience or extracurricular based questions in either of my Natural Sciences interviews. I also was not really asked about my Cambridge Natural Sciences personal statement . The second interviewer merely mentioned that he had skimmed over my statement. 

Top Tips for the Cambridge Natural Sciences Interview

• Try to have a mock interview if you can . This can be done with anyone: a teacher, a parent, a sibling, a friend, or a 1-1 Natural Sciences interview tutor . It doesn’t even have to be an academic interview, it’s just to get you used to being interviewed under pressure. If you can do one with a teacher in that subject, even better. I had to be proactive and ask my physics teacher for a mock interview in advance.
• Arrive at your college/interview room in good time (if your interview is online, make sure you log in ahead of time). This gives you time to get your bearings and calm yourself down just before the interview starts.
• If you have any questions or worries, try to ask someone at the College! If the interview is in person, there will be undergraduate student reps on-site. If they are online, you will likely be given a number to contact if you have any queries. In my experience, everyone is happy to help.
• If you have multiple interviews, don’t try to cram in last minute revision or preparation between interviews unless you were instructed to do so. This won’t help and could make you feel even more nervous and anxious. 
• It’s a cliché, but do try to be authentic to yourself . The interviews are there to challenge you and gauge your academic potential, but also to get to know you. They want to find out if you’d be the ‘right fit’ for the College, they want to understand your motivations and ideas, and your attitude towards your subject/your studies and the College at large. 

Top Tips for the “Why Cambridge” Interview Question

• Of course everyone talks about the strong academic reputation of the University of Cambridge, and that is the main reason why I applied. I wanted to be academically challenged and explore the potential of my academic ability. 
• You should also think about why you want to study Natural Sciences in particular. I was drawn to the Natural Sciences course because of its great depth and variety, where I could study four subjects in my first year before narrowing down and specialising in a particular area. This gave me time and room to re-evaluate my academic interests, as well as my strengths. 
• You could also mention the appeal of the city itself. I also applied because I really liked Cambridge as a city, and had visited many times growing up. 

My favourite things about studying Natural Sciences at Cambridge University

I have recently graduated, but I enjoyed the social aspects of College the most, such as societies, dining together, and College events. It felt like a supportive and welcoming community, which made my transition from school to university a lot easier. I was daunted by the prospect of having to meet lots of new people really quickly, so I liked the Collegiate structure in that I could get to know my peers in a more organised way.

Don’t forget that the Natural Science interview is just one part of the admissions process. You can call one of our admissions team today to see how we can help you to prepare for Cambridge University natural sciences interview questions.

NSAA preparation for the admissions test is also important. Our NSAA past papers can help you to revise and become familiar with the format. Wherever you are in your NSAA prep journey, good luck!

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How to Write a Biology Personal Statement Worthy of Oxbridge!

By U2 Tutor, Holly (Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences graduate and current Graduate Medic at St George’s Hospital Medical School)

Writing a personal statement can be overwhelming - there’s so much pressure to ‘sell yourself’ to the universities in just 4000 characters. In this blog we’ll discuss how to structure your personal statement, as well as tips to simplify the writing process and make your personal statement stand out.

How to Structure your Biology Personal Statement

Paragraph 1: This should be motivation focused i.e. why you want to do Biology above any other course.

Paragraph 2: This should demonstrate your aptitude for the course - explore what you have done so far and the skills you’ve gained from it, in order to show that you’re suited to university learning.

Paragraph 3: This should be a continuation of paragraph 2, ideally discussing some other areas of biology or other skills.

Paragraph 4: Brief discussion of extra-curriculars, but only if they also demonstrate skills which suit you to the course.

Writing the Perfect Biology Personal Statement Introduction

If you take anything from this guide, it’s to avoid clichés! The most important thing you can do is convey your genuine interest in the subject, and saying you’ve wanted to do biology since you were a child isn’t the way to do this (even if it is the case). Equally, try not to exaggerate with your wording, as this can also come across as less authentic. Just try and explain your motivations clearly and honestly, and focus on showing this motivation through your experiences and beyond syllabus knowledge.

Writing the opening sentence can be the hardest part, so is often best left until the end . There’s a misconception that you have to write a captivating, attention-grabbing opening sentence - this isn’t the case, especially not for the sciences! It’s completely fine to start simply, such as with ‘I was first drawn to Biology when I studied x…’ and go from there. Remember you have a character limit, so it’s best to just go straight in!

Forming a First Draft of Your Personal Statement

Don’t put pressure on yourself to write a full draft on your first attempt. There will be lots of redrafting and restructuring and that’s okay! Give yourself plenty of time to allow for this.

The best way to start is to write down everything you want to include in your personal statement - include everything you can think of from an academic and extra-curricular perspective. Try not to include anything beyond the last few years, as this is unlikely to be relevant . For each point, determine what skills you gained from these experiences and what you learnt from them .

Then compare this to the skills/ qualities most sought after for the courses you’re applying to (this is likely to be very similar between universities). Whilst it can seem overwhelming at first, it’s a quick way of narrowing down what is worth including in your personal statement. From there you can work out how to elaborate on these experiences. Try to group them together in themes if possible, so that you can organise your paragraphs accordingly.

Ideas to Show Your Interest

You might be thinking that your list of things to include in your personal statement is going to be rather short - you hopefully have plenty of time to rectify that! If you’ve not yet had a chance, it’s important to explore Biology in more depth - this is to distinguish you from your classmates doing the same subjects. Remember the universities will also see your grades through UCAS, so you’re wasting some of the precious word count by mentioning these. Instead, you need to discuss co-curriculars - evidence that you’ve explored the subject and have a genuine interest. Try and find 2-3 broad areas of Biology that you’re interested in and ideally match with some of the modules offered as part of the courses you’re applying to . There are plenty of ways you can do this…

Books - these have been divided into some broad topics within some of the popular Biology courses:

Biomedical:

Do No Harm - Henry Marsh

Fragile Lives - Stephen Westaby

The Body: A Guide for Occupants - Bill Bryson

The Selfish Gene - Richard Dawkins,

The Epigenetics Revolution - Nessa Carey

Genome - Matt Ridley

Psychology:

Any of Oliver Sacks books, particularly The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat or Awakenings

The Psychopath Test - Jon Ronson

On the Origin of Species - Charles Darwin

Sapiens - Yuval Noah Harari

Epigenetics: The Wisdom of Whores - Elizabeth Pisani

Cognitive sciences: Daniel Kahneman - Thinking, Fast and Slow

Essay competitions

There are yearly competitions hosted by Minds Underground to allow you to explore topics you might not have encountered before.

Many Oxbridge colleges also run their own essay competitions , as well as biological societies e.g. Royal Society of Biology and British Society for Cell Biology . Essay competitions are particularly relevant to Oxbridge applications as supervisions often require you to write similar essays.

Biology Work Experience

It can be useful to get work experience, such as in a lab, but don’t feel like this is an essential - universities understand it can be very difficult to find, especially in the post-covid era. If you do have experience, be careful not to just list what you did during work experience. Focus on the skills you gained, and how you could use these at university e.g. familiarity with different lab-based techniques.

Research Projects (Minds Underground)

Similar to Extended Projects offered by some schools, you could write your own research project exploring a topic of your choice. It can be difficult to decide on a title - it might be easier to use your A-level content as a springboard, and design a project to investigate something you’ve learnt about. For example, you could design a literature review to analyse existing research on a topic, in order to identify gaps in current research and inform future research opportunities. You could also design your own experiment (although there obviously limits to this!) such as investigating conditions needed by different plants.

Minds Underground can guide you through this with a Biology expert… https://www.mindsunderground.com/work-research-experience

Biology Summer School (Minds Underground)

Summer schools can be an exciting way to get a taster of a variety of different university level biology subjects, from genetic engineering and cancer therapies to ecology and behaviour. Minds Underground hosts an amazing Biology summer school run by Oxbridge graduates, allowing you to broaden your knowledge of Biology whilst gaining useful personal statement and interview material.

Talks and podcasts

Online lectures can also give you a taste of university courses - these are widely available from universities and sites such as Ted Talks . Podcasts are increasingly popular, and are an easy way to keep up to date with current development in Biology. We recommend The Infinite Monkey Cage (less Biology specific, but very interesting!) and Radiolab .

Extra-curriculars

In the past there’s been a focus on the ‘all rounder’: someone who is academic, musical and sporty. This is not really the case any more, and so extracurriculars shouldn’t take up a significant proportion of your personal statement. The purpose of mentioning these should be to show what skills you’ve gained, and how you could apply these to your course or university life. For example, your weekly football match could have helped develop your team working skills and communication skills, something which is essential in a lab environment. Equally, it could allow you to switch off for a few hours and maintain your high work ethic - this is just as important, as universities (particularly high achieving ones) increasingly want to see that you can maintain a work-life balance.

Applying to Oxford for Biology? Here’s What You Should Also Do

To craft a standout personal statement for Oxford Biological Sciences specifically, it can be helpful to gear your personal statement to specific qualities and details that the university values. Here are some tips to enhance your Biology personal statement with an application for Oxford in mind:

1. Demonstrate Academic Rigour:

Highlight your passion for biology through academic achievements, relevant coursework, and independent research.

Discuss specific topics or scientific concepts that have captivated your interest and showcase your understanding of advanced material. You could have a look through the 1st year Oxford Biology modules and see if anything you have explored links to material you may cover at the university.

2. Emphasise Independent Thinking:

Discuss instances where you've independently pursued scientific inquiry or engaged in co-curricular activities related to biology.

Oxford values students who can think critically and contribute to discussions, so emphasise your ability to approach problems independently.

3. Reflect on Your Reading:

As detailed above, mention books, articles, or research papers that have influenced your understanding of biology. However, don’t just list them - make sure you give your independent analysis and opinion on everything you have included in your personal statement.

Oxford is known for its tutorial system, and demonstrating that you've engaged with challenging material beyond the standard curriculum can set you apart.

4. Discuss Your Practical Skills:

Describe any laboratory work, experiments, or field studies you've been involved in.

Showcasing hands-on experience is crucial, as it aligns with Oxford's emphasis on practical learning.

5. Showcase Interdisciplinary Interests:

Oxford appreciates interdisciplinary approaches. If your interest in biology connects with other disciplines, explain how and why.

Mention any relevant projects or coursework that spans multiple scientific domains.

6. Make It Personal and Reflective:

Share personal anecdotes or experiences that sparked your interest in biology.

Reflect on how your unique background or experiences contribute to your perspective as a future biologist.

7. Highlight Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:

Illustrate instances where you've had to think critically, solve problems, or overcome challenges.

Oxford seeks students who can navigate complex issues and contribute meaningfully to academic discussions.

8. Address Your Motivation for Oxford:

Clearly articulate why you want to study biology at Oxford specifically, without mentioning the university explicitly as the personal statement also needs to be relevant to your other university choices.

Discuss the aspects of the Oxford programme (again, without mentioning the university explicitly) that appeal to you and how it aligns with your long-term goals.

9. Prepare for Interview Discussion:

Anticipate questions that might arise from your personal statement and be ready to discuss your ideas in-depth.

Consider how your experiences and perspectives can contribute to academic discussions at Oxford.

A standout personal statement for Oxford is not just a list of achievements but a narrative that demonstrates intellectual curiosity, a passion for biology, and the potential to thrive in Oxford's academic environment. View the personal statement as a springboard for engaging discussions during interviews!

Biological Science Personal Statement Example

Siddhartha Mukherjee's "The Gene: An Intimate History" ignited a profound curiosity in the intricate tapestry of genetic inheritance and molecular mechanisms. Mukherjee's narrative skilfully brought to life the historical context and societal impact of genetics, serving as a catalyst that fuelled my exploration into the foundational works of molecular biology. Inspired by Mukherjee's narrative, I expanded my exploration of genetics through literature, delving into Carl Zimmer's "She Has Her Mother's Laugh." This broadened my perspective on the broader implications of genetic inheritance, touching on topics from heredity and evolution to the societal impact of genetic discoveries. Zimmer's adept blend of scientific rigour and accessible storytelling not only deepened my understanding of genetics but also prompted me to critically analyse the ethical implications of manipulating genetic information, shaping my conviction to approach the rapidly advancing field of genetics with a thoughtful consideration of its societal ramifications. In delving into Watson and Crick's seminal paper on the structure of DNA, I also found myself captivated by the meticulous unravelling of the double helix. This exploration propelled me beyond textbook learning into an understanding of the molecular foundations that govern life. This foundational knowledge took on practical significance as I engaged in a genetic engineering project that utilised CRISPR-Cas9 technology to manipulate bacterial DNA. . This hands-on experience not only solidified my laboratory skills but also deepened my appreciation for the practical implications of gene editing, fueling my commitment to ethical scientific practices. I learn about the delicate balance between scientific innovation and responsible ethical practices, shaping my perspective on the potential impacts of cutting-edge technologies in the biological sciences. This awareness was further honed during a summer school class dedicated to the revolutionary CRISPR technology. Here, I explored the nuances of gene editing's potential applications, ethical implications, and the ongoing discourse in the scientific community. This exploration sparked a particular interest in the potential application of CRISPR technology for targeted gene therapy, a revolutionary avenue with transformative implications for treating genetic disorders at the molecular level. This newfound fascination with gene therapy, particularly in the context of CRISPR technology, has propelled my desire to contribute to the evolving landscape of biomedical research and therapeutic interventions, further solidifying my commitment to exploring the intersection of cutting-edge science and ethical considerations. My interest in biology extended beyond the microscopic realm into the intricate interplay of species within ecological systems. I recently watched an online lecture on ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity, which delved into the relationships that shape ecosystems. This exploration found resonance in a podcast episode titled "Ecology in Action," where real-world ecological projects illuminated the practical applications of ecological principles I had studied. I am particularly interested in the study of symbiotic relationships in ecosystems, exploring how mutualistic interactions between species contribute to the resilience and sustainability of ecological communities—a concept that I find particularly fascinating for its broader implications in conservation biology and ecosystem management. Each aspect of my exploration into the world of biology has added a layer to my understanding, creating a solid foundation for further academic pursuits and a future dedicated to advancing the frontiers of biological knowledge.

Looking for a Personal Statement Tutor or Support For Your Wider Biology or Biological Natural Sciences Application?

Biology personal statement support.

U2’s Oxbridge-educated mentors have a close insight into what admissions tutors like to see in a Biology personal statement, and can help students to convey their skills, motivations, and long term goals, in order to stand out from other applicants. The statement should be the candidates own work, but our mentors will provide direction and guide you through the process of content building and writing. We offer offline drafting as well as tuition sessions.

Oxbridge Biology Tuition

We offer Oxbridge Mentoring for students looking for support throughout the application process (book a free consultation to discuss options). We have a large team of Oxford Biology and Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences tutors including 1st Class, Master’s and PhD level graduates.

The Process:

1) We suggest an Oxbridge-educated Biology tutor and send their full CV for review. Our mentors are deeply familiar with the admissions process to study Biology at Oxford and Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences, and are well-placed to guide you through Biology personal statement curation and the interview process. We may suggest a range of application tutors to choose from with slightly differing rates depending on qualifications and level of experience.

2) We typically suggest beginning with a 1.5 hour diagnostic session , where the tutor will informally assess the student’s current performance level for application. Following this, we issue a report with feedback, and structure a plan to best prepare.

3) U2’s approach for regular Biology application sessions: The main focus of tutorial sessions will be to explore material that can be discussed in the personal statement and at interview - this may sometimes stretch from A-Level standard to First Year Undergraduate. Mentors ensure each student refines their interests within Biology, and is exposed to a range of key concepts and topics.

Frequency of sessions can be decided between student and tutor. Students can take either ad hoc sessions, or we structure a full programme for preparation, which may include further co-curricular opportunities such as our research projects , Biology Summer School and Oxbridge mock interview days . Honing the skills necessary to succeed for Oxbridge ideally requires long-term preparation and mentoring presents a wonderful opportunity to learn from some of the very best Oxbridge has produced.

Sessions from £75/h + VAT.

Your Ultimate Guide to the Oxbridge Admissions Process

How to write a biomedical science personal statement.

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Natural Sciences at Cambridge

Natural Sciences is a broad course that gives you the opportunity to study physical and biological sciences from 16 different departments.  

The course is flexible, which means you can study a range of new and familiar areas in the sciences before choosing a subject, or two, to specialise in.  

You’ll have the option to study a wide range of physical and biological science subjects from 16 different departments: 

• Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics 
• Biochemistry 
• Biology (faculty) 
• Earth Sciences 
• History and Philosophy of Science 
• Materials Science and Metallurgy 
• Pharmacology 
• Physiology, Development and Neuroscience 
• Plant Sciences 
• Psychology 

During your first and second year you will study a variety of subjects, some of which may be completely new to you.  

You can change your mind about which subject to specialise in as you progress through the course.  

You can choose to study purely biological sciences, purely physical sciences or a combination of both.  

If you discover a passion for a new subject, such as Earth Sciences or Materials Science, you will be able to continue with it after your first year.

Choosing between Natural Sciences Biological and Physical

When you apply, you’ll need to tell us whether you’re interested in Biological or Physical Sciences. We use this information in the admissions process.

Your choice of application stream, and the courses that you are currently studying, will affect the types of questions that are asked at interview.

It is best to apply for Physical Sciences if you have studied Physics and Maths A levels. This is because your interview will be on subjects that you have already studied.

On the course, you can take physical and biological science options. But you won’t choose which subjects to study within the Natural Sciences course until you arrive.

There are A levels requirements for some of the first year options. Check the requirements for Year One options.

Teaching and facilities

We have some of the world’s best scientists, teaching and researching at the very forefront of current scientific knowledge. They are working on tackling some of the most important challenges of our times. 

We’ll teach you to become a scientist who progresses their area of science, someone with their own ideas and opinions. 

Some of our research includes: 

• searching for life’s origins on Earth and attempting to discover it on planets beyond Earth 
• using newly developed microscopy method to see for the first time how protein clusters form in living cells 
• understanding astronomical forcing of climate change records as recorded in oceanic sediments 
• understanding how adverse environments experienced in early development leave a lasting legacy with impacts on later and intergenerational health 
• facilitating the early detection of hard-to-diagnose diseases using new sequencing technology that spots the changes in the genes that mark the onset of these diseases 

The 16 departments that contribute to the Natural Sciences course have a variety of teaching and research facilities. 

These include: 

• lecture theatres, classrooms and seminar rooms 
• teaching laboratories 
• a wide variety of study and social spaces 

In your final year, you can access active research labs for your project work.

Course costs

When you go to university, you’ll need to consider two main costs – your tuition fees and your living costs (sometimes referred to as maintenance costs).

Your living costs will include costs related to your studies that are not covered by your tuition fees. There are some general study costs that will apply for all students – you can find details of these costs here .

Other additional course costs for Natural Sciences are detailed below. If you have any queries about these costs, please contact the course team.

• University approved scientific calculator - estimated cost £25
• Lab coat - estimated cost £13 to £16
• Safety glasses - estimated cost £4 to £7

Field trips

• Year 1 Earth Sciences field course (required) - estimated cost £105
• Year 1 Evolution and Behaviour field course (optional) - estimated cost £50 plus travel

For years 2, 3 and 4, any additional costs will depend on the options taken. You can find details on the course website . 

Your future career

You’ll be well prepared for life beyond Cambridge, whichever pathway you choose. 

This course prepares students well for the challenges of research, especially in emerging, interdisciplinary areas. Around half of our graduates continue with further study or research, based on the Graduate Outcomes survey. 57% of Natural Science graduates who completed their studies between August 2020 and July 2021 responded to the survey. 

The other half of our graduates go directly into a broad range of careers, including: 

• product development 
• investment banking 
• management consultancy

You will be taught through lectures and practical laboratory classes. You'll also have supervisions and complete projects, coursework and field work for some courses. 

In your first year, you will usually attend 12 lectures a week and have 1 supervision a week for each of your 4 courses. As well as this, you’ll take part in practical labs. 

In your second year, you will typically attend 9 lectures a week and have 1 supervision a week for each of your 3 courses. 

Depending on the courses you choose, you’ll also take on practical labs, project work and/or coursework. The frequency of your practical labs will depend on your courses. 

The organisation of teaching in the third and fourth years will vary depending on the course. 

You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques. These include: 

• unseen written examinations 
• assessed practicals 
• assessed coursework 
• experiment write-ups 
• literature and experimental reports 
• marked essays 
• oral examinations 
• project reports and presentations 

You won't usually be able to resit any of your exams. 

Year 1 (Part IA)

You can study a range of different subjects in your first year. However, you may need to have certain A levels or IB to study some of them. 

Check the entry requirements for the Year 1 subjects you’d like to study. 

You will choose three science subjects from these areas: 

• Biology of Cells 
• Evolution and Behaviour 
• Materials Science 
• Physics     
• Physiology of Organisms 

You can also choose to take Psychology, subject to timetable restrictions and student numbers.  

You will also take one of the two mathematics subjects: 

• Mathematics focusing on Physical sciences  
• Mathematics focusing on Biological sciences 

Year 2 (Part IB) 

You will take three subjects, from the following areas: 

• Animal Diversity 
• Cell Biology 
• Chemistry A: Physical and Theoretical Chemistry 
• Chemistry B: Organic, Inorganic and Biological Chemistry 
• Conservation 
• Developmental Biology 
• Earth Sciences A: Igneous and metamorphic processes, mineralogy and planetary differentiation 
• Earth Sciences B: Climate, geobiology, geophysics and the sedimentary record 
• Environmental Sciences: Quantitative Approaches 
• Mathematics 
• Mathematical and Computational Biology 
• Microbiology 
• Molecular Biology 
• Neurobiology 
• Physics A: Waves, Quantum Mechanics, Condensed Matter Physics 
• Physics B: Dynamics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics 
• Physiology 

Year 3 (Part II) 

You can choose to follow a broad subject in Biological or Physical Sciences, or you can choose to specialise in one of these areas: 

• Astrophysics  
• Earth Sciences  
• History and Philosophy of Science  
• Neuroscience 

Please note that some Year 3 subjects have limited numbers due to the size of the laboratory space.  

Year 4 (Part III) 

These subjects offer a fourth year option, which lead to an MSci degree: 

• Biochemistry  
• Chemistry  
• Systems Biology 
• Quantitative Climate and Environmental Science 

For further information about studying Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge see the Natural Sciences course website. 

Changing course

It’s really important to think carefully about which course you want to study before you apply. 

In rare cases, it may be possible to change course once you’ve joined the University. You will usually have to get agreement from your College and the relevant departments. It’s not guaranteed that your course change will be approved.

You might also have to:

• take part in an interview
• complete an admissions test
• produce some written work
• achieve a particular grade in your current studies
• do some catch-up work
• start your new course from the beginning 

For more information visit the Natural Sciences course website .

You can also apply to change to:

• Management Studies at the Judge Business School

You can't apply to this course until you're at Cambridge. You would usually apply when you have completed 1 year or more of your original Cambridge course.

You should contact your College’s Admissions Office if you’re thinking of changing your course. They will be able to give you advice and explain how changing courses works.

Minimum offer level

A level: A*A*A IB: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level Other qualifications : Check which other qualifications we accept .

Subject requirements

To apply to any of our Colleges for Natural Sciences, you will need A levels/IB Higher Levels (or the equivalent) in: 

• 2 other science or mathematics subjects (please see lists below for College specific requirements). 

Colleges may require you to achieve A*/7 in Chemistry and/or another science or mathematics subject. 

Please note, ‘science/mathematics subjects’ refers to Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and (A Level only) Further Mathematics. If you’re studying a science not listed above as your third subject, please contact the College you wish to apply to for advice. 

Some Colleges have specific requirements beyond the minimum offer level and subject requirements listed above.

College specific requirements: Biological Sciences 

• Christ’s: Chemistry
• Churchill: A*/7 in Further Mathematics or Mathematics and A*/7 in Biology and/or Chemistry   
• Corpus Christi: A* in Biology 
• Emmanuel: Chemistry 
• Jesus: A* in Biology 
• Lucy Cavendish: A* in Mathematics and A* in Chemistry 
• Pembroke: Biology 
• Robinson: Biology 

College specific requirements: Physical Sciences 

• Christ’s: 2 of Chemistry, Physics or Further Mathematics
• Churchill: A Level, A* in Further Mathematics, if available at school/college (otherwise A* in Mathematics), and A* in Chemistry and/or Physics; IB, 7 in Higher Level Mathematics and 7 in Higher Level Chemistry and/or Higher Level Physics 
• Corpus Christi: A*/7 in Mathematics and A*/7 in Chemistry or Physics 
• Fitzwilliam: Physics 
• Jesus: A*/7 in Chemistry or Physics 
• King’s: Chemistry or Physics. A*/7 in Mathematics
• Lucy Cavendish: A* in Mathematics 
• Robinson: 2 of Chemistry, Physics or Further Mathematics 

Subject requirements for Year 1 options 

Your subject choices at A level (or equivalent) may restrict your Year 1 subject choices. The more useful subject combinations are: 

• A level Chemistry, A level Mathematics and A level Physics 
• A level Physics, A level Mathematics and A level Further Mathematics 
• A level Biology, A level Chemistry and A level Mathematics 

Please note that some subjects have essential or desirable subject requirements in order for you to be allowed to take them. Details of these requirements can be found on the Natural Sciences website .

International Baccalaureate 

The advice above about A level subject combinations also applies to the IB. 

• Higher Level subjects will satisfy A level subject requirements 
• For Natural Sciences (Physical), if taking Higher Level Mathematics, applicants are expected to take Analysis and Approaches. If this option is not available at your school, please contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance. 
• For Natural Sciences (Biological), if taking Higher Level Mathematics, we recommend Analysis and Approaches for the most competitive application, however Applications and Interpretations will also be considered.  

What Natural Sciences students have studied

Natural Sciences (Biological)

Most Natural Sciences (Biological) students (who had studied A levels and started at Cambridge in 2017-19) achieved at least A*A*A* (76% of entrants).

Nearly all of these students took Mathematics (99%), Further Mathematics (37%), Biology (98%), Chemistry (96%) and Physics (26%).

In addition to Mathematics A Levels, the percentage of entrants taking:

• all 3 of Biology, Chemistry and Physics was 22%
• 2 of the sciences 75%
• only one of the sciences was 3%

The majority of students who studied IB achieved at least 43 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level.

Natural Sciences (Physical)

Most Natural Sciences (Physical) students (who had studied A levels and started at Cambridge in 2017-19) achieved at least A*A*A* (91% of entrants).

All of these students took Mathematics. Other common subjects were Further Mathematics (90%), Biology (8%), Chemistry (89%) and Physics (96%).

• all 3 of Biology, Chemistry and Physics was 6%
• 2 of the sciences 81%
• only one of the sciences was 13%

Check our advice on choosing your high school subjects . You should also check if there are any required subjects for your course when you apply.

Admissions test

All applicants for Natural Sciences for 2025 entry are required to take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) at an authorised assessment centre. You must register in advance for this test.

Please see the admissions test page for more information.

Check the NSAA page for further details and example papers.

Submitted work

You won't usually be asked to submit examples of written work. You may be asked to do some reading prior to your interview, but if this is required the College will provide full details in your interview invitation.

Offers above the minimum requirement

The minimum offer level and subject requirements outline the minimum you'll usually need to achieve to get an offer from Cambridge.

In some cases, you'll get a higher or more challenging offer. Colleges set higher offer requirements for a range of reasons. If you'd like to find out more about why we do this, check the information about offers above the minimum requirement  on the entry requirements page.

Some Colleges usually make offers above the minimum offer level. Find out more on our qualifications page .

All undergraduate admissions decisions are the responsibility of the Cambridge Colleges. Please contact the relevant  College admissions office  if you have any queries.

Discover your department or faculty

• Visit the Natural Sciences website - The Natural Sciences website has more information about this course, facilities, people and research.

Explore our Colleges

• Find out how the Colleges work - A College is where you’ll live, eat and socialise. It’s also where you’ll have teaching in a small group, known as supervisions.
• How to change a Cambridge College that's right for you - If you think you know which course you’d like to study, it’s time to choose a College.

Visit us on an open day

• Book an open day - Get a feel for the city and the University.
• Find an event - We offer a range of events where you can find out more about Cambridge, Colleges, and your course. Many of our events have hybrid options so you can join us virtually.

Find out how to apply

• Find out how to apply and how our admissions processes work - Our admissions process is slightly different to other universities. We’ve put together a handy guide to tell you everything you need to know about applying to study at Cambridge.
• Improve your application - Supercurricular activities are a great way to engage with your chosen subject outside of school or college.

Discover Uni data

Contextual information.

Discover Uni allows you to compare information about individual courses at different higher education institutions.  This can be a useful method of considering your options and what course may suit you best.

However, please note that superficially similar courses often have very different structures and objectives, and that the teaching, support and learning environment that best suits you can only be determined by identifying your own interests, needs, expectations and goals, and comparing them with detailed institution- and course-specific information.

We recommend that you look thoroughly at the course and University information contained on these webpages and consider coming to visit us on an Open Day , rather than relying solely on statistical comparison.

You may find the following notes helpful when considering information presented by Discover Uni.

• Discover Uni relies on superficially similar courses being coded in the same way. Whilst this works on one level, it may lead to some anomalies. For example, Music courses and Music Technology courses can have exactly the same code despite being very different programmes with quite distinct educational and career outcomes. Any course which combines several disciplines (as many courses at Cambridge do) tends to be compared nationally with courses in just one of those disciplines, and in such cases the Discover Uni comparison may not be an accurate or fair reflection of the reality of either. For example, you may find that when considering a degree which embraces a range of disciplines such as biology, physics, chemistry and geology (for instance, Natural Sciences at Cambridge), the comparison provided is with courses at other institutions that primarily focus on just one (or a smaller combination) of those subjects.You may therefore find that not all elements of the Cambridge degree are represented in the Discover Uni data.
• Some contextual data linked from other surveys, such as the National Student Survey (NSS) or the Destination of Leavers in Higher Education (DLHE), may not be available or may be aggregated across several courses or several years due to small sample sizes.  When using the data to inform your course choice, it is important to ensure you understand how it has been processed prior to its presentation. Discover Uni offers some explanatory information about how the contextual data is collated, and how it may be used, which you can view here: https://discoveruni.gov.uk/about-our-data/ .
• Discover Uni draws on national data to provide average salaries and employment/continuation data.  Whilst starting salaries can be a useful measure, they do not give any sense of career trajectory or take account of the voluntary/low paid work that many graduates undertake initially in order to gain valuable experience necessary/advantageous for later career progression. Discover Uni is currently piloting use of the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data to demonstrate possible career progression; it is important to note that this is experimental and its use may be modified as it embeds.

The above list is not exhaustive and there may be other important factors that are relevant to the choices that you are making, but we hope that this will be a useful starting point to help you delve deeper than the face value of the Discover Uni data.

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Cambridge - Physical Natural Sciences

Physical natural sciences – 2014 ( cambridge, birmingham, ucl ).

However varied the scientific subject matter I study, links to other areas often appear. I find it intriguing how concepts which initially seem unrelated can be described by the same ...

Physical Natural Sciences – 2015 ( Cambridge, Birmingham, UCL )

Physical natural sciences – 2013 ( cambridge, imperial college, durham, edinburgh ).

Perhaps oddly, it was a surprisingly successful project in engineering that ulti-mately inspired me to study physical sciences. A colleague and I built a portable net-worked meteorological station, winning a ...

Physical Natural Sciences – 2013 ( Cambridge, UCL, Durham, Birmingham, Lancaster )

Science seeks to explain the world around us, from why water expands when it freezes to the inner workings of the human brain. I always want to understand how and ...

Physical Natural Sciences – 2013 ( Cambridge, Imperial College, Durham, UCL, Manchester )

I have always been struck by the notion that "Science is a field that grows continuously with ever expanding frontiers"(John Bardeen) and it is this that drives my desire to ...

Physical Natural Sciences – 2013 ( Cambridge, Imperial College, UCL, Durham, King's College )

It is the marriage of physics and chemistry on the atomic scale that particularly interests me. The interdisciplinary nature of the physical sciences and mathematics on this level enlightens the ...

Physical Natural Sciences – 2013 ( Cambridge, Imperial College, Durham, UCL, Warwick )

I sat the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge this summer, and was awarded a Roentgenium and invited to the Chemistry Camp at St Catharine's. We were taught by Dr Peter Wothers, whose ...

Please note UCAS will detect any form of plagiarism. PSE and its contributors do not take any responsibility for the way in which personal statements are used.

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Successful Personal Statement For Psychological and Behavioural Sciences At Cambridge

Last Updated: 6th April 2022

Author: Rob Needleman

Table of Contents

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it. 

Today, we are looking through a Psychological and Behavioural Sciences (PBS) applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Cambridge University. The PBS Course at Cambridge gives you the opportunity to study cognitive, social, developmental and biological psychology within the broader context of the behavioural sciences.

Read on to see how this candidate demonstrates their interest in the behavioural sciences.   

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement (the applicant uses most of the 4,000 characters available):

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

Enrolling on our Oxbridge Psychology comprehensive Programme will give you access to Personal Statement redrafts. 

Your tutor will give you actionable feedback with insider tips on how to improve and make your Personal Statement Oxbridge quality for the best chances of success.  

Psychological and Behavioural Sciences Personal Statement

”Such a shame she will not study medicine!” I heard several times as my interests finally steered into a university degree. Having grown up with my mum – a psychologist, from primary school I constantly questioned human behaviour. And although parents from small towns dream of their children becoming doctors, phenomena that I saw in my surroundings, like eating disorders or extreme shyness, relentlessly attracted my attention. I knew I needed to pursue an intense educational path to gain the depth of knowledge I desired.

My exceptional curiosity led me to follow the IBO program. Thanks to its curriculum, I relished the opportunity to extend my private research and put it into academic framework. While working independently on my Extended Essay “Should introversion be treated?” I discovered Susan Cain and her book “Quiet: The Power of Introverts”. My puzzle of introversion developed into educated distinction for introversion, social anxiety disorder and behavioural inhibitions. In addition, the EE helped me understand the role of biology, encouraging me to start an online course “Introduction to psychology” taught by the University of Toronto. My curiosity still reaches far beyond these introductions and I am looking forward to studying details of brain lobes during biological modules of the course. Moreover, since the subject of eating disorders is too sensitive to be researched in high school, I cannot wait to approach it at an academic level and discuss it with world class experts.

My in-depth, intense processing applies not only to theory, but I also appreciate the material world we live in. Hence, to step out of my comfort zone and into reality, I attended a Business Week program organised by Washington City in Gdansk. My initial function as Vice-President for a business simulation left me with a deep aspiration for a better performance. Therefore, I followed-up Business Week program with an advanced option and became the CEO of my team. Right then I started to appreciate the contribution of every member. I took real pleasure in guiding my team through the processes of marketing, pricing, R&D, production and the construction of a business plan, all of which I understood quickly and precisely thanks to analytical thinking skills I developed during a demanding Maths HL course.

My commitment and eagerness to learn may also be seen by the title of a finalist in the French Language Olympiad, meaning that I reached an advanced level in just two years. Furthermore, I participated in two exchange projects with a Provencal theatre to check my linguistic competencies with native speakers. Although both exchanges were awarded with European Language Label, what counted most was my exceptional chance to explore the French culture inside out. My other interests include French literature, contemporary dancing, horse riding and behavioural economics. The latter led me to the online course organised by the University of Queensland, Australia. The course outlined concepts from Daniel Kahneman’s “Thinking Fast and Slow”, of which planning fallacy and confirmation bias I consider of greatest importance. Moreover, thanks to good time management I constantly look for other initiatives, such as a charity campaign or volunteering in teaching English or organising TriMUN as Deputy Secretary General. During TriMUN I explained to participants how to follow all the diplomatic procedures – those activities made me wonder about different approaches I had to take in order to teach.

I no longer want psychology to remain only an interest of mine; instead, I need dependable academic tools to understand the research already done. As psychology is a relatively new field of science, early starting form Wundt in 1879, there is still space for much more to be done. I believe that a strong scientific background is crucial for building a career involving communicating with people efficiently and helping them function optimally in our complex material world.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

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Good Points Of The Personal Statement

This candidate is able to identify a range of ways in which they have developed their interest in their subject area beyond the demands of their current courses of school-level study. They are also able to demonstrate that they have thought clearly and carefully about what kinds of material they might encounter at undergraduate level, and how that intersects with both their current interests and their potential areas of interest in the future. In order to have arrived at these opinions, the candidate has read a range of texts, and is able to utilise their thoughts on these texts in their statement. As such, they draw together various aspects of their academic pursuits in order to fully paint the picture of themselves as a motivated and tenacious academic student.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

While the candidate is generally able to express themselves clearly, there are moments where the syntax and exact choices of vocabulary seem slightly stilted, suggesting perhaps a non-native speaker or an unedited statement. This slight lapse in language skill does present areas where the communication level is affected, and therefore puts pressure on the content of the statement as a whole. The statement also relies heavily on anecdotal evidence and does include some slightly uncomfortable generalities. In addition, the candidate would benefit from perhaps adjusting the tone of their moments of personal reflection; the statement has the potential to be read in a way that suggests the writer is arrogant or pompous, and it may well be that this is solely down to word choice rather than intention.

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★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Although this statement illustrates the candidate’s academic fervour, it does also show areas for potential improvement. It would have been beneficial for the statement as a whole had the candidate maintained a clear and developed level of academic prose throughout, and they could have more clearly linked some of their extra-curricular activities to their chosen course of study. In addition, while the candidate ably discusses texts that they have read in preparation for undergraduate study, these discussions could have taken prominence in the statement, over and above the inclusion of more personal or anecdotal material.

This Personal Statement for Psychology is a good example of demonstrating interest. The candidate’s passion is clearly shown which is vital to Admissions Tutors.

Remember, at Cambridge, these Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

There are plenty more successful personal statements and expert guides on our Free Personal Statement Resources page.

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