If you are a graduate with a degree from an approved university, you can apply to take a Cambridge BA course as an Affiliated Student.

The title is possibly misleading, in that Affiliated Students are full student members of the University, but take the BA degree in two years instead of the usual three. For further, general information, visit the University website.

As regards Downing College specifically, in recent years we have tended to take no more than two or occasionally three Affiliates. We usually have between 15 and 20 applicants for these places.

The minimum qualification to be considered for a place as an Affiliate is a first degree from an approved university equivalent to at least a high Upper-Second in the British system of tertiary education, or a GPA of at least 3.75 out of 4.0.

Candidates are assessed on the basis of their written application, along with appropriate academic references. Where practicable, candidates may be invited to attend for interview at the same time as those being interviewed for undergraduate places.

Where applicable, they will also be asked to take written admissions tests as set for undergraduate applicants.

In practical terms, candidates are expected to demonstrate their suitability for the subject for which they are applying, bearing in mind that they join the Cambridge course part-way through.

For example, those wishing to study Modern and Medieval Languages as Affiliates need to be proficient in the appropriate language or languages. Those wanting to study Natural Sciences must possess the requisite scientific knowledge.

If your first language is not English, it is essential that your English language skills are good enough for you to undertake an intensive and challenging academic course that is taught and examined in English. One of the following formal qualifications is required:

  • IELTS: Normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element.
  • EU students: A high grade in English taken as part of a leaving examination, such as the European/French Baccalaureate, Abitur, may be acceptable.
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: Grade A or B.

Although studying undergraduate courses, Affiliated Students at Downing have the status of Graduate students and are considered for College accommodation alongside other graduates and undergraduates. Downing has no scholarships or other funds available specifically for the support of Affiliate students.

Affiliated applications should be made through UCAS, as do all applicants wishing to take an undergraduate degree at a British University. We aim notify candidates of our decision in early January.

Please note that Downing College does not consider Affiliate applications for Architecture, Medicine or Veterinary Medicine. Only Lucy Cavendish, St Edmund's and Wolfson Colleges consider Affiliate applications for Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

Graduates can also apply for the new Cambridge Graduate Course in Medicine, at Hughes Hall, Lucy Cavendish or Wolfson. You can find out more about these options by visiting the University website.

If you have any further inquiries about applying to Downing as an Affiliated Student, please contact the Admissions Officer.