What are the differences between the sciences degrees at Oxford and Cambridge?

The Natural Sciences degree at Cambridge and the science degrees at Oxford differ in structure, flexibility, and focus due to the distinct academic traditions and course designs of the two universities. Here is a breakdown of the key differences based on their respective approaches:

1. Course Structure

Cambridge Natural Sciences (NatSci):

Cambridge offers a single, broad Natural Sciences Tripos that integrates multiple scientific disciplines (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, and materials science) under one programme.

• In the first year (Part IA), students choose three experimental sciences (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Biology of Cells) plus a mathematics-related option (e.g., Mathematics or Mathematical Biology). This provides a wide foundation.

• In the second year (Part IB), students narrow down to three subjects, and by the third year (Part II), they specialise in one subject (e.g., Neuroscience, Astrophysics, or Chemistry). A fourth year (Part III) is optional for some subjects, leading to an MSci degree.

• The course is highly flexible early on, allowing students to explore before specialising.

Oxford Science Degrees:

Oxford offers separate, subject-specific degrees rather than a unified "Natural Sciences" programme. Examples include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Sciences, and Biochemistry, each with its own dedicated course.

• From the outset, students apply to and study a single discipline (e.g., Physics or Chemistry), though some degrees, such as Biological Sciences, allow branching into subfields later.

• The focus is narrower from the start compared to Cambridge, with less opportunity to mix and match sciences across disciplines in the early years.

2. Flexibility

Cambridge: The NatSci programme is designed for breadth initially, letting students delay specialisation. You could start with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, then pivot to focus solely on Earth Sciences by year three. This suits students unsure of their ultimate focus or who want a multidisciplinary foundation.

Oxford: You commit to a specific science from day one (e.g., Chemistry or Earth Sciences). This suits students who already know their preferred field and want a deep dive into that subject without the broader introductory phase.

3. Specialisation

Cambridge: Specialisation happens progressively. By Part II (third year), you focus on one subject, and some fields (e.g., Physics or Chemistry) offer a fourth year (Part III) for advanced research and an MSci.

Oxford: Specialisation is immediate, but many courses offer a fourth year (leading to an MChem, MPhys, etc.) with a research-heavy focus. For example, Oxford’s Chemistry degree includes a Part II research project in the fourth year, which is a distinctive feature.

4. Subject Options

Cambridge: Offers unique options like History and Philosophy of Science as a specialisation in later years, alongside traditional sciences. It also includes interdisciplinary subjects like Systems Biology.

Oxford: Sticks to core sciences without a broad "Natural Sciences" umbrella. Subjects like Philosophy of Science exist but are typically part of separate degrees (e.g., Physics and Philosophy), not integrated into science programmes.

5. Admissions

Cambridge: Applicants to Natural Sciences must take the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA), which tests broad scientific and mathematical aptitude across multiple disciplines.

Oxford: Applicants take subject-specific tests (e.g., PAT for Physics, TSA for some courses), reflecting the focused nature of their degrees.