Cambridge Natural Science, No maths A-Level?

Hello,

I'm thinking about applying for the natural sciences course at Cambridge but was just wondering if not having A-level maths would make me a less desirable candidate. I'm not aware whether or not it's actually shown to the colleges which A-Levels I have taken? Was just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation/ has any ideas?

{PS my A-Levels are: Biology, Chemistry and English language and I have a grade A in Core Mathematics)

Thanks! :smile:

Reply 1

user342

12

I think that colleges do see which a levels you take, and it may affect your profile depending on which stream you'd like to take (although I think people have gotten in previously without maths a level). I'd suggest checking the admissions page. Have you considered the courses at Oxford and Durham?

Original post by carxlinefxrbes_

Hello,

I'm thinking about applying for the natural sciences course at Cambridge but was just wondering if not having A-level maths would make me a less desirable candidate. I'm not aware whether or not it's actually shown to the colleges which A-Levels I have taken? Was just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation/ has any ideas?

{PS my A-Levels are: Biology, Chemistry and English language and I have a grade A in Core Mathematics)

Thanks! :smile:

Reply 2

Theloniouss

Universities Forum Helper

21

You can, in theory, get in without maths A level. It's unlikely though, as some colleges specify that you must take mathematics and some specify that you must take 3 science A levels (which you don't have, either), for a total of 6 colleges you can't apply to. You would be required to get A*s in both science subjects if you did get an offer.

You'd probably be better off applying to a different university if I'm being honest.

Reply 3

St Edmund's Admission

9

Original post by carxlinefxrbes_

Hello,

I'm thinking about applying for the natural sciences course at Cambridge but was just wondering if not having A-level maths would make me a less desirable candidate. I'm not aware whether or not it's actually shown to the colleges which A-Levels I have taken? Was just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation/ has any ideas?

{PS my A-Levels are: Biology, Chemistry and English language and I have a grade A in Core Mathematics)

Thanks! :smile:

I'm very sorry but that isn't a strong combination of subjects and it's unlikely that you would be able to do well at the NSAA or that you will be invited to interview. Whilst maths isn't strictly essential for biological scientists, the clear majority of applicants have it and those without it usually have a third science or 'science-adjacent' subject. Not only is it unlikely that you'd be made an offer, I'd also worry that you wouldn't enjoy your first year very much having to catch up on a lot of maths, and you wouldn't have much if any choice over your first year papers.

Reply 4

highlighters0312

11

I think not having maths will cause you some problems. Try straight biology perhaps at Oxford?

Reply 5

Reality Check

22

Original post by carxlinefxrbes_

Hello,

I'm thinking about applying for the natural sciences course at Cambridge but was just wondering if not having A-level maths would make me a less desirable candidate. I'm not aware whether or not it's actually shown to the colleges which A-Levels I have taken? Was just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation/ has any ideas?

{PS my A-Levels are: Biology, Chemistry and English language and I have a grade A in Core Mathematics)

Thanks! :smile:

All colleges would (obviously) know what A levels you were taking because (a) it's rather germane to your application, and (b) it's written on the application form!

These A levels are not appropriate for NatSci really - it's highly unlikely you'd receive an offer. I wouldn't waste the choice, to be honest with you.

Reply 6

Tammie2345524

15

I'm a first year bio natsci student. I did maths and further maths A levels (with biology and chemistry). We've been given maths and science revision to do before coming to Cambridge and some of the maths is not easy. You'll most likely have to teach yourself basic calculus and some statistical tests before starting the course.

It's possible to get get in without maths, but it doesn't help that your 3rd subject isn't a science subject. There's also a maths section on the NSAA which does not require A level maths but is extremely time pressured. I don't know what the biology course at Oxford is like, but the natural sciences course at Cambridge involves a fair bit of maths so unless you like maths you'd probably be happier doing a straight biology degree.

Reply 7

oppiwall

12

Its like PPE at Oxford,technically Maths A level isnt compulsory,but .......

Reply 8

carxlinefxrbes_

OP

15

Original post by user342

I think that colleges do see which a levels you take, and it may affect your profile depending on which stream you'd like to take (although I think people have gotten in previously without maths a level). I'd suggest checking the admissions page. Have you considered the courses at Oxford and Durham?

I was looking at the Biomed course at oxford for a bit. But I think I'm gonna have the same issue with not doing maths or a third science subject and I also dislike the lack of range within the course. I know there are pure biology courses etc.. out there but I don't really want to do a pure biology course.
I also think I may have the issue having not studied A-Level maths with any natural sciences course I apply to.

I honestly really, really regret not taking a third science A-Level if I'm honest and am hating English Language at the moment as well. I feel as though people that have gotten in previously without doing a maths A-Level have done quite a similar 'sciency subject' though and whilst English language is quite analytical I really don't think it would help. When I made my A-Level choices I was really uncertain about what I wanted to go into and tried to keep my doors as wide open as possible but it seems in doing that I have shut the ones I have now decided on.

Reply 9

carxlinefxrbes_

OP

15

Original post by Theloniouss

You can, in theory, get in without maths A level. It's unlikely though, as some colleges specify that you must take mathematics and some specify that you must take 3 science A levels (which you don't have, either), for a total of 6 colleges you can't apply to. You would be required to get A*s in both science subjects if you did get an offer.

You'd probably be better off applying to a different university if I'm being honest.

Yeah, I figured the two A*'s would have to be in the sciences. Do the colleges have specific websites to see the entry requirements for the natural sciences/subjects required?

Reply 10

username5706823

0

20

Original post by carxlinefxrbes_

Yeah, I figured the two A*'s would have to be in the sciences. Do the colleges have specific websites to see the entry requirements for the natural sciences/subjects required?

OP

Original post by St Edmund's Admission

I'm very sorry but that isn't a strong combination of subjects and it's unlikely that you would be able to do well at the NSAA or that you will be invited to interview. Whilst maths isn't strictly essential for biological scientists, the clear majority of applicants have it and those without it usually have a third science or 'science-adjacent' subject. Not only is it unlikely that you'd be made an offer, I'd also worry that you wouldn't enjoy your first year very much having to catch up on a lot of maths, and you wouldn't have much if any choice over your first year papers.

Thank you for the response. Do you think it would be worth gaining another A-level in a science subject if I did want to apply for the natural sciences course? Is it pointless making an application with the A-Levels I have?
Also, what subjects come under the 'science-adjacent' subjects?

Reply 12

carxlinefxrbes_

OP

15

Original post by highlighters0312

I think not having maths will cause you some problems. Try straight biology perhaps at Oxford?

Do you know if there's a lot of choice in the modules you study in biology at Oxford?

Reply 13

carxlinefxrbes_

OP

15

Original post by summerbirdreads

check this

Thank you so much for sending this! :smile:

Reply 14

Theloniouss

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by carxlinefxrbes_

Thank you for the response. Do you think it would be worth gaining another A-level in a science subject if I did want to apply for the natural sciences course? Is it pointless making an application with the A-Levels I have?
Also, what subjects come under the 'science-adjacent' subjects?

If you plan to sit an additional qualification, it should be maths.

"science-adjacent" is pretty broad, it typically includes psychology, computer science, geography and other similar courses that include significant scientific or mathematical elements. As above, however, take maths if you're going to take an additional subject.

Reply 15

alspals2006

8

Original post by carxlinefxrbes_

Hello,

I'm thinking about applying for the natural sciences course at Cambridge but was just wondering if not having A-level maths would make me a less desirable candidate. I'm not aware whether or not it's actually shown to the colleges which A-Levels I have taken? Was just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation/ has any ideas?

{PS my A-Levels are: Biology, Chemistry and English language and I have a grade A in Core Mathematics)

Thanks! :smile:

hia! would you mind updating me on your choice? i am in pretty much the same boat as you (except i chose spanish instead of english language). i would really like to study NatSci at Cambridge but am worried that it is now impossible... any response would be appreciated :smile:

Reply 16

Theloniouss

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by alspals2006

hia! would you mind updating me on your choice? i am in pretty much the same boat as you (except i chose spanish instead of english language). i would really like to study NatSci at Cambridge but am worried that it is now impossible... any response would be appreciated :smile:

You have to be good at maths to take natural sciences at Cambridge, really. You also have to do 3 sciences for most colleges. (As above, only 6 will even consider your application). If you are unable to change your A levels or take maths in addition to your current choices, you would be better off applying elsewhere.

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 17

EmilyClarke24

11

Original post by alspals2006

hia! would you mind updating me on your choice? i am in pretty much the same boat as you (except i chose spanish instead of english language). i would really like to study NatSci at Cambridge but am worried that it is now impossible... any response would be appreciated :smile:

Hey,

I am a current 4th year at the uni of Nottingham and I studied natural sciences as my undergrad degree.

I didn't take maths and took biology, chem, PE, and Spanish at a level and Nottingham were more than happy to accept me and I had a really good experience with the degree and uni. I didn't feel disadvantaged by not having maths behind me and there was specific modules put in place for those who didn't take maths and wanted some extra help with the maths involved in chemistry.
With your a levels you could study:
Biology
Caner sciences
Chemistry
Psychology
Archaeology
Ecosystems and environment
Earth sciences

Each uni works it differently and offers different subjects so just be careful when looking. At Nottingham it works by choosing 3 subjects in 1st year then dropping down to 2 subjects in 2nd and 3rd year. It is super flexible and the course is quite small so it has a really nice feel to it as you get to know people in each year and there is a really good society which run social events of all kind for the whole cohort.

I hope this helps and if you have any questions just let me know,
Emily :smile:

Reply 18

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

16

Original post by alspals2006

hia! would you mind updating me on your choice? i am in pretty much the same boat as you (except i chose spanish instead of english language). i would really like to study NatSci at Cambridge but am worried that it is now impossible... any response would be appreciated :smile:

Hey!

I’m Oliver and am currently a third year in natural sciences at Lancaster University studying synthetic chemistry and biochemistry pathways.

Natural sciences is a really unique course with every university doing it slightly differently and having different entry requirements.
At Lancaster you can study three pathways across all branches of chemistry, physics, maths, biology, geography and psychology, just to name a few.
The full list of pathways and entry requirements for Lancaster can be found here: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/natural-sciences/
However many pathways, including the chemistry and biology pathways do not currently require A-level maths and you really can get on fine in these areas without it. I know the chemistry pathways have a skills module in first year which covers a lot of the maths content needed for future chemistry modules and is really great for getting up to speed especially if you don't have maths A-level.

I would definitely recommend as a great degree option as it offers so much flexibility. There is the option to alter you pathway choices as you progress through your degree in order to follow your interests as they develop. For me this was extremely valuable as I was able to drop my physical chemistry pathway after first year to allow for a greater focus on biochemistry.

One of the best things about natural sciences is the vast range of experiences you get and people you meet. Since you study alongside the single honours students across multiple departments, you get to see so many more faces and there is never a lonely lecture.

Hope that is helpful and best of luck with your decision 😊Feel free to ask me any other questions if you have any

Oliver (Student Ambassador)

Reply 19

alspals2006

8

hi everyone! thanks for your answers - they are very much appreciated.

maths isn't a subject that i have ever struggled with; i took both maths and further maths early with an a* in each (so not too worried about the maths side of things in the course). however, one of the things im looking for in a natsci degree is the option to take pathology as one subject option within it (which is one of the reasons i was looking at cambridge in the first place). any suggestions for unis that offer this other than cambridge?

additionally, career-wise im thinking on the 'forensic scientist/neuroscientist' route, so are there any recommended uni courses i could take for undergrad that would give me a broader knowledge in chemistry (and natural sciences lol), and then a uni course i could take later on that could lead me on this career path?

any help would be very VERY much appreciated x

(edited 1 year ago)

Cambridge Natural Science, No maths A-Level?

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