Biological Natural Sciences at Cambridge vs. Biology at Oxford: Which University is Right for You?
In this blog, U2’s fantastic Oxbridge Biology tutor, Holly (Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences graduate), guides you through the key factors to consider when choosing between the Oxford Biology or Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences courses. This should be highly useful both for students making their initial course choice and for those who have decided but may want to brush up on the key differences in preparation for the possible, “why this course?” interview question.
Biology is an exciting and rapidly evolving subject, encompassing a wide range of topics from biodiversity and genetics to evolution and behaviour. This variety is what appeals to many students, who relish the chance to grow their skills. For those wanting to do biology, the choice of courses can be overwhelming, with each university offering something different. In this blog we’re going to compare the Biological Natural Sciences course at Cambridge with Oxford Biology, and the factors to consider when making your application decisions.
The key difference is that Cambridge doesn’t offer a pure Biology course – you can only take biological modules as part of the wider Natural Sciences framework, which also encompasses physics and chemistry subjects. Conversely, Oxford offers a pure Biology course, although it remains broad within the realm of Biology. In addition, Oxford Biology applications are all for the four-year MBiol qualification, although individuals can leave after 3 years to gain a BA. On the other hand, Cambridge Natural Sciences is a three-year BA as standard, with only some of the third-year specialisms offering the possibility of a fourth year.
Factor 1: Admission requirements for Bio Nat Sci
Of course, all Oxbridge colleges have high expectations of their applicants. However, there are key differences and overall, Oxford appears to be slightly more lenient:
o Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences requires A* A* A at A-level or 40-42 at IB (in at least two sciences/mathematics), whereas Oxford Biological Sciences requires A* A A (A* must be in a science or maths)
o Biological Natural Sciences Cambridge year 1 options have subject requirements, so if there is a module you love, make sure you meet the requirements
o Unlike Oxford, Cambridge require an entrance exam – the ESAT test
o In addition, Magdalene and Trinity also require a College-set written assessment at interview
o The only additional requirement specified by Oxford is that if you’ve taken a practical component in your exams, you’ve passed it
Factor 2: Modules offered – what would you enjoy the most?
Another thing to consider is where your specific interests and strengths lie, as the modules offered by the different courses vary considerably. Both offer you a vast variety of content, but Cambridge does this through a selection of more focussed modules whereas the Oxford Biology course is based on broad themes:
o At Cambridge, even if you are part of the biological stream of Natural Sciences, you are not prescribed to take any modules specifically (apart from one mathematical module)
o As such, you can take modules from a range of sixteen departments, including non-biological options
o This is therefore great for those who aren’t decided on what they want to do within biology, or those wanting to keep their options open to other less biologically focused directions
o On the other hand, Oxford may be more suited for those who are set on biology, and don’t want to have to take a mathematics module
o Rather than choosing your modules, the first year Biological Sciences Oxford course has a set of three broad compulsory themes: Diversity of Life, How to Build a Phenotype, Ecology & Evolution
Factor 3: Flexibility
It’s important to not just consider first year modules when making your decisions – you want to ensure you’ll enjoy the course throughout your time there!
o The Cambridge Natural Sciences course offers flexibility in earlier years, with a wide variety of modules – this may be better if you’d like to explore subjects in the first year and then drop them later on if they don’t suit you so well
o You then go on to specialise, choosing three modules in your second year and one in your final year (which can then extend to a fourth year, if applicable)
o At Oxford you have less chance to specialise as the options remain broad as you progress – whilst this gives you a wide experience of biology, it may be less favourable if there are subject areas you aren’t so keen on!
Factor 4: Other features of the course
As well as the modules they offer, the Cambridge and Oxford courses differ in many other aspects which should be considered:
o The Oxford Biological Sciences course is much smaller, which may make it easier to make friends and be less overwhelming for some – if you like a sense of community within your subject this may appeal to you!
o However, remember you’ll have your college as well including a smaller cohort of your subject and those from many others, which can also give you a community
o If you have interests outside of the sciences, you may like the opportunities to take subjects such as philosophy alongside your course that Oxford offers
o Finally, unlike at Oxford the Cambridge third year are competitive, which can an additional stress to your second-year exams
Factor 5: The universities
Whilst the features of the course are a priority, there’s much more to your university experience and it’s important to make sure the university and surrounding area is right for you.
o Of course, both Oxford and Cambridge are both beautiful places, but it’s important to visit them and see where you feel comfortable
o Oxford is also a much bigger city, whereas in Cambridge everything is within a 20 minute cycle at most
o In terms of science resources, Cambridge has museums and the botanic garden but Oxford’s larger size means it offers more museums and a herbarium, arboretum and woods as well as their botanic garden
The most important thing you can do is research thoroughly – make sure you know what you want out of your time at university, and which course is best placed to offer you that. Make sure to start your preparation early – you don’t want to be making rushed decisions, as this will show in your application and interview. Most of all think about what you would enjoy the most – Oxbridge work you hard and it will be a lot easier if you’re doing what you love!
Are you interested in Oxbridge Biology/ Biological Natural Sciences tuition & interview preparation?
Struggling to figure out where to start preparing for your Oxford Biology or Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences Interviews?
This comprehensive Biology/Biological Natural Sciences interview preparation guide, created by U2's tutors who are Oxford and Cambridge graduates, is designed to help you stand out and increase your chances of success. It includes tips on presenting yourself, analysing problems, and communicating effectively during the interview. (This guide is also applicable if you receive an interview invitation from other top UK Russell Group Universities). You might also find our Chemistry Interview Preparation Guide useful, especially if applying to the Cambridge Natural Sciences course!
Key Features of U2 Tuition's Oxbridge Biology/Biological Natural Sciences Interview Preparation Guide:
Personal Statement Development: The guide begins by showing you how to demonstrate wider subject exploration in your personal statement and during your interview. Our tutors cover key course topics, recommended readings, and online resources, each with a thinking task. Ideally, this preparation should start a few months before the interviews to allow ample time to explore the resources thoroughly.
Personal Statement-Based Questions: Learn how to handle questions derived from your personal statement, as it often serves as a discussion basis in interviews.
Academic Interview Insights: Gain insight from accounts of two successful candidates: one from Oxford Biology and one from Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences. These accounts provide a detailed look into the interview process and the topics/questions they faced, including questions based on their personal statements.
Preparation Tips and Core Concepts: Receive expert tips and understand the essential concepts for the interviews.
Practice Questions: Engage with five in-depth practice interview questions, complete with discussion points and further reading suggestions.
Additional Questions: Access 45 more questions covering topics such as biodiversity, genetic engineering, evolution, conservation, taxonomy, food production/biotechnology, plant biodiversity, stem cells and cell differentiation, populations and ecosystems, chemistry calculations, and a few general interview questions. These are among the most common types of questions asked in Oxbridge interviews.
Final Success Tips: Benefit from final tips to ensure success in your interviews.
Seeking a Biology or Biological Natural Sciences Tutor?
An experienced tutor can be invaluable for your preparation. U2 has a network of Oxford Biology and Cambridge Natural Sciences undergraduates, graduates, and postgraduates ready to offer tutorial sessions on key topics, personal statement support, admissions test preparation, and interview coaching. We also provide mock interview days in November/December. Find out more here.
Learn more about our Oxbridge tutoring and admissions support here. Also be sure to check out our university preparation Summer Schools on our co-curricular division website, Minds Underground.
Book a free consultation for further details on our offerings and to discuss your Biology or Biological Natural sciences application and find out more about how we can help.
We have a large number of Oxford Biology and Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences tutors on our team. Our Oxbridge tutors are able to support you through each stage of the application process, including personal statement, ESAT admissions test and interview preparation.
Find out more about our Oxbridge mentoring process here and book a complimentary consultation to discuss how we can support your Oxbridge journey.
Check out our materials store for our interview preparation guides. These are filled with accounts and tips from successful candidates, and up to 50-60 practice questions.