Human, Social, and Political Sciences

Course overview 

Human, Social, and Political Sciences (HSPS) is comprised of three disciplines: 

• Politics and International Relations, where you explore politics within and between countries, covering issues from human rights and democracy to financial crises and international conflict
• Social Anthropology, where you investigate ‘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, where you analyse multiple forms of power and inequality, and how they impact on the social, cultural, political and economic dimensions of people’s lives

You may also be able to choose subjects from other degrees.

For more information about the course and its modules, visit the University website.

What is it like to study HSPS at King’s?

HSPS students at King’s usually have eight hours of lectures each week in Michaelmas and Lent Terms; there are no lectures in Easter. Students often spend the rest of their day either reading and/or writing essays, or attending supervisions.

HSPS students have around seven supervisions in each paper they are taking over the course of the year, mostly in Michaelmas and Lent, or about two or three supervisions per week. Each supervision usually requires students to submit an essay in advance. The supervisions go for an hour with between one and three students. The time is devoted to discussing the essay, and answering questions and debating matters from the reading and lectures.

We usually admit 10-12 HSPS students per year.

What do we look for in an applicant to HSPS?

HSPS students are intellectually curious and reflective about the world and themselves. They are self-motivated and self-disciplined, and eager to challenge themselves. They will also often have a strong background in essay-based subjects.

Requirements

A Level: A*AA

IB: 41-42 points overall with 7, 7, 6 at Higher Level

Subject requirements: None required

Admissions assessment: Yes

Written work: 2 pieces

Admissions assessment

A College admissions assessment is required of all candidates invited to interview. This consists of an essay question that students will be required to complete. Students choose one essay question from a total of 5-10. The exam is conducted online and lasts 60 minutes.

Written work

Sample written work can be from any subject, though sometimes it’s particularly helpful to have essays or exams from subjects that are close to the HSPS disciplines. This work is assessed for analytical and reasoning skills.

Careers and graduate opportunities

HSPS graduates are equipped with transferable skills that are highly valued in multiple sectors and disciplines. Recent graduates have proceeded to research (both academic and policy), the Civil Service (including the Foreign Office), journalism, management consultancy, national and international non-governmental organisations and development agencies, law, teaching, publishing, health management, and public relations. 

What is the best thing about studying HSPS at King’s?

King’s has one of the biggest contingents of HSPS Fellows of any College at Cambridge, and so there is a great deal of time and care devoted to each student.

A top tip for applicants to HSPS at King's

Explore your academic interests outside of your school or college curriculum. Keep up-to-date with current events and consider their impact for social and political life.