Applying for English at King's
We welcome candidates from all kinds of schools all over the world and from all backgrounds. Numbers vary, but we make roughly eight offers to undergradutes in a typical year.
Subject Requirements
Applicants for English should be studying English Literature at school. However, English Literature and Language A Level would also be considered, especially where English literature A level is not offered.
Every student we admit is different, with distinctive strengths and special interests. We do, however, expect all our successful applicants to read widely and deeply, whether within or outside your school curriculum. We would also encourage you to explore writing from a range of places, historical periods, and in different genres, including prose, drama, and poetry. We’re always interested to learn about any other reading (or writing, creative practice or performance) you’ve done, that you feel illuminates your understanding of literature - whether that be literary criticism, biography, history, philosophy, sociology, music, science, or anything else.
We will usually ask for an A* in English Literature.
Written Assessment
All applicants for English are required to take a written assessment if shortlisted for interview. You will not need to register in advance for this assessment and the College will provide details directly to you.
Please note that your performance in the assessment will not be considered in isolation, but will be taken into account alongside the other elements of your application.
Written Work
Once English candidates have applied through UCAS, they are required to submit two recent essays or equivalent pieces of school work on a subject of literary interest. We will provide information on how to submit this after 15th October.
Interviews
Most (but not all) candidates are asked to come to Cambridge for an interview with two Fellows in English at King's in early December. Precise interview details will be confirmed later in the year.
