Human, Social and Political Sciences

What would I study and how do courses differ?

Human, Social, and Political Sciences is a degree taught at Cambridge which includes politics and international relations, social anthropology and sociology. You can specialise in one or two of these, but the flexibility of the course also enables exploration of a variety of subjects in the first year. The course comprises three core disciplines: • Politics and International Relations explores politics within and between countries, covering issues from human rights and democracy, to financial crises and international conflict.

Social anthropologists address ‘what it is to be human’ by studying social and cultural diversity – how people live, think and relate to each other around the world.

• Sociology focuses on the nature of modern societies and the processes that shape social life, by examining social institutions and topics such as power and inequality. The course can be tailored from the start. It is suited both to those with specific subject interests and to those looking for a multidisciplinary degree. Depending on what choices are made, there may be options to take individual papers in the other HSPS subjects or from other courses as well.

In the first year, a student takes four subjects. At least three must be from the core subject areas: Politics, International Relations, Sociology, Social anthropology. A fourth paper can either be another from the core subjects or chosen from the following additional subjects: Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Psychology.

In your second and third years, you can choose one of the following three singlesubject tracks: Politics and International Relations, Sociology, Social Anthropology

Alternatively, you can take one of four two-subject tracks: Politics and Sociology, Social Anthropology and Politics, Sociology and Criminology, Sociology and Social Anthropology

Whilst the exact course (L000) is not on offer at other universities. It is possible to combine a Cambridge HSPS application, with applying to other universities (not Oxford) for Social Sciences or Sociology or Politics and International Relations.

What are the entry requirements?

Typical offer A Level: A*AA or higher. All applicants are required to take the pre-interview written assessment for HSPS, this consists of a 60-minute reading comprehension and a 60-minute essay. From 2019, the pre-interview written assessment for HSPS is administered with four other subjects within an Arts-Humanities Admissions Assessment question booklet. Section One will have identical questions. Section Two will have subject-specific questions. Specimen papers and a specification can be found here Submitted work: Applicants are required to submit one or two School/college essays as examples of written work prior to interview. See individual College websites for further details.

Are there any essential or recommended A Levels?

None, although a background in subject such as English or History that involve the comprehension of texts may help with the admissions test.

What is important for my personal statement?

Personal statements give you the chance to tell us about your subject interest(s), and the process of writing a personal statement can often help you to better understand your academic interests and intellectual motivations. This information is often used as a basis for discussion at interview.

At Cambridge, all admissions decisions are based solely on academic criteria (ability and potential). Therefore, in your personal statement, they would like you to:

explain your reasons for wanting to study the subject at university

demonstrate enthusiasm for and commitment to your chosen course

express any particular interests within the field outline how you’ve pursued your subject interest in your own time

Are there any related course at other universities?

There are over 1,200 courses at over 110 UK providers that relate to Politics and International Relations. There are over 1,250 at over 130 UK providers that relate to Sociology. Popular and highly regarded courses include: • Politics and International Relations: UCAS Code L200 (Available at Bristol, Edinburgh, Exeter, LSE, Manchester and others) • Sociology and Political Sciences: UCAS Code LL32 (Available at Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, York and others)

Do I need to do work experience?

No work experience is required. However, reading is central to learning and preparation for HSPS. Applicants can also get a good sense of what some of the subjects available within Human, Social and Political Sciences are like by reading some of the books that students encounter studying these subjects in Cambridge. On the link below are short lists of some important books in the individual subjects on offer in the degree. Applicants are advised to pick the subject or several subjects that interest you and read from that list.

Which jobs can I do with Human, Social and Political Sciences?

The analytical and critical skills, intellectual versatility, multicultural sensitivity and international outlook developed through Human, Social and Political Sciences are widely sought after by employers. Recent graduates have pursued careers in research (both academic and policy research), the Civil Service (including the Foreign Office), journalism, management consultancy, museums, conservation and heritage management, national and international NGOs and development agencies, the Law, teaching, publishing, health management, and public relations.