What is the Natural Sciences Tripos?

The Natural Sciences Tripos (or NST) at Cambridge embodies a modern, interdisciplinary approach to scientific education. This program serves as the primary framework for teaching science at Cambridge, encompassing a wide range of subjects from biochemistry, ecology, neurobiology and genetics, to physics, chemistry, environmental and materials science. It is delivered by fourteen departments across the Schools of Biological and Physical Sciences, as well as the Department of History and Philosophy of Science from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Why Study Natural Sciences?

The Natural Sciences Tripos offers a flexible framework that allows you to explore biological sciences, physical sciences or a blend of both. The course provides:

  • Diverse Learning Opportunities: Study a variety of new and familiar scientific areas before deciding on a specialization.
  • Interdisciplinary Connections: Discover how different scientific subjects interconnect.
  • Practical Experience: Gain hands-on experience with various scientific methods.

Flexibility and Choice

The course gives you the freedom to deepen your understanding of familiar subjects and discover entirely new ones before choosing your final area of specialisation. In your first two years, you’ll study experimental sciences, ranging from core subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to newer areas such as Materials Science or the History and Philosophy of Science, supported by a foundation of Mathematics in your first year. This structure builds on your school foundations while encouraging exploration. In the third year many students specialise in subjects they hadn’t encountered before university, while those who stick with their original focus benefit from a richer, more rounded perspective thanks to the breadth of study along the way.

Why Study at Cambridge?

Cambridge offers an exciting environment for studying science, with world-class scientists at the forefront of research. Whether you’re interested in liquid crystals, animal behaviour, stem cells, black holes, or the ozone layer, Cambridge provides the resources and expertise to support your studies. Our goal is to develop scientists who not only understand their field but also contribute innovative ideas and solutions.

Achieving Excellence

Our graduates are expected to achieve the same level of expertise as those from more specialised courses due to:

  • High-Calibre Students: we attract some of the most talented and hardworking students.
  • World-Class Teaching: Students benefit from top-tier teaching and learning facilities.
  • Broad Foundation: The diverse subjects studied in the first two years provide a strong foundation for final-year specialisation and future interdisciplinary research.

Universal Skills

The Natural Sciences Tripos equips you with a broad scientific background and in-depth knowledge in your chosen specialisation. Additionally, you will develop a range of highly valued universal skills, including:

  • Intellectual Skills: Critical thinking, analysis, problem-solving.
  • Communication Skills: Effective written and oral communication.
  • Organisational Skills: Independent work, time management.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Teamwork, negotiation, delegation.
  • Research Skills: Data management, critical analysis.
  • Numeracy and Computer Literacy: Essential technical skills.
     

Programme Duration

The Natural Sciences program is typically a three-year full-time course, leading to a BA(Hons) degree. Some subjects offer an additional fourth year, resulting in an integrated Master’s degree (M.Sci).