Apply to Oxford Physics and Cambridge Natural Sciences: A Complete Guide

2. Oxford’s Official Statement on Reference Criteria for Admission

Expectations of the Oxford Physics Department

The Department is looking for students who can demonstrate:

• motivation: a real interest and strong desire to learn physics;
• ability to express physical ideas using mathematics: mathematical ability;
• reasoning ability: ability to analyse and solve problems using logical and critical approaches;
• physical intuition: an ability to see how one part of a physical system connects with another; and to predict what will happen in a given physical situation;
• communication: ability to give precise explanations both orally and numerically.

This statement can be understood as follows:

1. Students have a keen interest in physics and are curious about it.
2. They possess a solid foundation in mathematics and can express physical ideas using mathematical methods.
3. They have the ability to reason logically and can analyze and solve problems using logical and critical methods.
4. They have a physical intuition, which is essential for physics courses and can connect, reason, and predict different physical systems.

Key Focus of the Interview for Physics and Philosophy Course

The interview is aimed primarily at assessing the candidate’s potential for future development. Interviewers will be looking for evidence of independent thinking, ability to follow argument and to construct an argument, and a readiness to think effectively on novel topics. The interview is not primarily a test of existing knowledge. Interviewers will also be looking for evidence that the candidate has a genuine interest in their chosen course, and motivation to work hard at it. They will pay little attention to achievements that have no connection with the proposed course (e.g. achievements in sport, drama, and so on).

We can get the information from this statement that interviewers prefer students with enormous potential, ability to think independently, and enthusiasm for the course. Therefore, students with unique insights on the course and who provide empirical support are more likely to stand out.

3. Cambridge’s Official Statement on Reference Criteria for Admission

Key Statistics Provided by the Cambridge Natural Sciences Department

Typical Natural Sciences entrants
(A Level and IB)
Natural Sciences (Biological)
For 2017, 2018 and 2019 entry, the majority of entrants from an A Level background achieved at least grades A*A*A* (76% of entrants). These successful applicants typically took Mathematics (99%), Further Mathematics (37%), Biology (98%), Chemistry (96%) and Physics (26%). In addition to Mathematics A Levels, the percentage of entrants taking all three of Biology, Chemistry and Physics was 22%, two of the sciences 75% and only one of the sciences was 3%. For the same period, the majority of IB entrants achieved at least 43 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level.
Natural Sciences (Physical)
For 2017, 2018 and 2019 entry, the majority of entrants from an A Level background achieved at least grades A*A*A* (91% of entrants). All of these successful applicants took Mathematics, 90% took Further Mathematics, 8% took Biology, 89% took Chemistry and 96% took Physics. In addition to Mathematics A Levels, the percentage of entrants taking all three of Biology, Chemistry and Physics was 6%, two of the sciences 81% and only one of the sciences 13%. For the same period, the majority of IB entrants achieved at least 43 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level.
This information is intended to give you a sense of the academic standard of our typical A Level entrants. We welcome applicants from a range of qualification backgrounds.

The conclusion of the above data is as follows:

Natural Sciences (Biological direction): 76% of students studying A Levels achieved grades of A*A*A* or above. The percentage of students taking respective courses is: Mathematics 99%, Further Mathematics 37%, Biology 98%, Chemistry 96%, Physics 26%. Apart from A Level Mathematics, 22% of students took all three subjects of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, 75% took two of the subjects, and 3% took only one of the subjects. Meanwhile, the majority of IB students scored at least 43 points (HL 777) or above.

Natural Sciences (Physical direction): 91% of students studying A Levels achieved grades of A*A*A* or above. The percentage of students taking respective courses is: Mathematics 100%, Further Mathematics 90%, Biology 8%, Chemistry 89%, Physics 96%. Apart from A Level Mathematics, 6% of students took all three subjects of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, 81% took two of the subjects, and 13% took only one of the subjects. Meanwhile, the majority of IB students scored at least 43 points (HL 777) or above.

Therefore, it is recommended and important to look at the statistics and information provided by the Univerisity of Cambridge rather than relying on general admission requirements.

4. Summary of the Admission Requirements and Reference Criteria

The admission requirements for the physics-related courses at Oxbridge can be summarized as follows:

1. Students should show their strong interest in physics or particular branches of natural sciences through interaction with interviewers and their personal statements.
2. Whether future studies are in Physics, Biology, or Chemistry, students should have a solid foundation in mathematics, the ability to think independently, and logical reasoning skills.
3. Scores in the PAT or ESAT exams greatly determine the chances of receiving an offer. A high score and comprehensive development in physics-related fields will help you stand out from other applicants.
4. Students also need to show their self-motivation and sense of responsibility, which can be demonstrated through extracurricular activities and competitions.

Which is easier to apply for, Physics at Oxford or Natural Sciences at Cambridge? Let’s analyze the admission statistics from previous years.