Reference criteria: 2027 entry. Research reference 2026-10-22; academic review pending. Fresh future-cycle applications are provisional. Cambridge also identifies these criteria for deferred entry in 2028.
What you would study
Combine disciplines before specialising in one or two; economics and philosophy are not core branches of HSPS.
Published academic requirements
| Pathway | Published baseline |
|---|---|
| A-levels | A*AA. No compulsory subject. English, History and languages are recommended. |
| IB Diploma | 41–42 including core, with 776 at HL. Subject levels and any specified subject grades also apply. |
| AP qualifications | At least five relevant AP Test scores of 5, with usual timing, school-qualification and SAT/ACT expectations. Course-specific equivalence and College conditions need confirmation. |
Subject requirements: No compulsory subject. English, History and languages are recommended.
Preparation guidance: English, History or an ancient/modern language provides useful preparation.
Application components
Assessment: College assessment. Hughes Hall, King's and Newnham; arranged after shortlisting, without advance registration.
Written work: Two pieces of written work.
College conditions can change the required subjects, grade bindings or offer level. Our checker shows central published differences; it does not verify every College policy. Check the selected College’s current instructions.
GCSEs and school context can inform selection. This tool does not invent a general GCSE cutoff or calculate an admissions probability.
Your next steps
- Check your qualification pathway and compulsory subjects.
- Confirm the application cycle and any College-specific conditions.
- Read the official assessment and submitted-work instructions.
- Explore whether the course content fits the questions you enjoy.
Official sources
Checked 2026-10-22. These links support the reference-cycle information; they are not proof that a future cycle is unchanged.
- Cambridge: HSPS ↗2027 entry / deferred 2028; entry requirements; college variations; structure
- Cambridge: accepted qualifications ↗A levels, IB, AP, SAT, ACT, GCSE and mixed qualifications
- Cambridge: college assessments ↗2027 assessment arrangements; no advance registration