Mathematics

Mathematics

Admissions overview at Downing College 

Why study Mathematics at Cambridge?

Mathematics at Cambridge enjoys a reputation as a rigorous and intellectually demanding course.  The approach to Mathematics here is very different from that in schools. There is a much greater emphasis on the logical development of general theories and abstract concepts. However, it is also applied to the physical world, for example, in the study of fluid mechanics, quantum mechanics, and statistics.

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Why study Mathematics at Downing?

In recent years, several Downing undergraduates have acquitted themselves with distinction in the Mathematical Tripos. Several have gone on to undertake higher degrees, leading to research careers in industry and academic institutions.

Maths graduates are much sought after by employers in a wide range of academic and non-academic jobs, mostly where high level quantitative skills are desirable. The College is involved in an intercollegiate mathematical society which holds meetings several times each term.

The majority of those admitted to read Mathematics do so for three years, but there is also the option of studying Mathematics with Physics in the first year which enables the choice between Mathematics and Physics to be kept open.

Applicants should note that students wishing to continue to a fourth year studying Part III mathematics will normally be expected to have obtained a first in Part II or have First Class potential.

The Director of Studies for Mathematics is Dr Sophia Demoulini, who specialises in Pure Mathematics.

Who are we looking for?

At Downing, we expect all our applicants to be studying, or have studied, Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A2 level. We would also expect their third subject to be a scientific subject, with a preference for Physics. For IB applicants, our entry requirements are Higher Level Mathematics, Higher Level Physics and a third scientific subject at Higher Level.  If more than three scientific or mathematical subjects are being taken at A2 level, the A*A*A grades will have to include Mathematics and Further Mathematics in order to satisfy the conditions of the offer. There is also a further requirement for specified grades to be achieved in STEP Mathematics papers, typically Grade 1 in Papers II and III.  More information on STEP papers can be found on their website.

For the 2027 admissions cycle, all applicants for Mathematics are required to take the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) at an authorised assessment centre. You must register in advance for this test. The TMUA is administered by UAT-UK. Resources to help you prepare can be found on the TMUA website. 

At present, Mathematics applicants receive two 20-30 minute interviews on the same day, each with two interviewers. One interview involves questions on pure and the other on applied maths. Sample questions are available here.

Further advice about entry requirements and interviews for all subjects can be found in the Apply to Downing section of this site.

What Mathematics students have studied 

According to the University, all Mathematics students (who had studied A levels and started at Cambridge in 2018, 2019 and 2023) studied Mathematics and Further Mathematics. The majority (92%) took Physics and more than half took Chemistry.

How can you find out more about Mathematics?

Accordion content. The reading list on the Faculty website is given as a guide to help applicants gain a better understanding of the subject matter. They are not intended as preparatory reading and interviewers will not expect candidates necessarily to have read any of these titles.

Further details about the Mathematics course can be found on the University of Cambridge website.