As one of the core subjects taught throughout primary and secondary education, Mathematics is a popular degree to study at university. It covers so many different topics and can lead to a wide variety of careers, so places on Maths courses are in high demand.
Among the top universities for Maths in the UK are the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. These are two of the most famous and competitive universities in the world, so It’s no surprise that their Maths degrees each see over 1,500 applicants each year.
With how fantastic each university is, it can be hard to decide where you want to apply between the two, so this guide is here to help you understand their differences.
Why Oxbridge Maths?
Before we compare the two universities, let’s consider why you would choose to study at either of them.
Oxford and Cambridge are very closely linked to one another and are together referred to as Oxbridge. They operate differently from most other universities in the world and have many traditions and features that are exclusive to them. All of this has led them to become two of the highest-ranked universities in the world. Reasons why you might wish to study there include:
Teaching Style
Oxford and Cambridge each focus on more intimate teaching rather than large-scale lectures. Full class lectures do still occur, but students will be encouraged to work individually or in smaller groups, including in their Tutorials/Supervisions, which are forms of regular teaching that are unique to Oxbridge.
Colleges
The collegiate systems at Oxford and Cambridge create vastly different university experiences for students. With a wide range of colleges to choose from, they play a defining role in shaping your time at Oxbridge.
History
Oxbridge’s history spans nearly 1,000 years and is filled with traditions, historic buildings, and stories that continue to shape student life today. This rich heritage makes the Oxbridge experience truly unique and is a major reason why many people choose to apply.
Rankings
On both primary ranking tables for Mathematics in the UK, Oxford and Cambridge appear in the top five. While rankings are far from definitive, the Oxbridge universities do traditionally appear this high each for most subjects, as well as the overall rankings.
Prestige
The Oxbridge name holds weight all around the world, meaning graduates generally have better career prospects. Through a mixture of the historical significance and the understanding of how difficult these courses are, anyone who graduates from Oxford for Cambridge is sure to have an advantage moving forward.
These are all valid reasons for applying to Oxbridge, but you may also have more specific motivations related to the course content or personal reasons unique to you.
Why Not Oxford and Cambridge?
You might wonder why you need to choose between Oxford and Cambridge in your application. In the UK, the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) allows applicants to select up to five university choices, so why not apply to both? It’s not possible to do this as a specific rule prevents applicants from applying to both Oxford and Cambridge in the same cycle. Therefore, you’ll need to decide.
That being said, if you’re not admitted, you can reapply the following year, potentially choosing the other Oxbridge university if you wish.
So, if you’re set on applying to Oxbridge, let’s explore the key factors to consider when choosing between Oxford and Cambridge for Maths.
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Oxford vs Cambridge Maths: Rankings
While rankings shouldn’t be the sole factor in choosing a university, they provide a helpful, objective starting point when comparing institutions. Our Mathematics University Rankings Guide takes an in-depth look at two major ranking tables (The Complete University Guide and The Guardian), but for now, let’s focus on how Oxford and Cambridge compare.
Oxford Maths Ranking 2024
Complete University Guide
2nd
The Guardian
1st
Cambridge Maths Ranking 2024
Complete University Guide
1st
The Guardian
5th
As we can see, both universities perform very well in the UK, although Oxford is ranked higher overall between the two tables. Although rankings change from year to year, Oxford and Cambridge are rarely seen outside these top few spots.
Other High-Ranking UK Maths Degrees
Oxford and Cambridge both offer stand-out degrees, but they aren’t the only high-ranking universities for Maths. Here are some other universities that you may want to consider:
G5 Universities
As well as being the Oxbridge universities, Oxford and Cambridge are also two of the G5 Universities. These are five universities in the UK that are all famous for their prestige, including University College London (UCL), Imperial College London and the London School of Economics (LSE).
All of these universities offer Maths, and all of them rank within the top ten in the UK on both tables. Aside from Oxbridge, Imperial generally performs the best from this group, placing 3rd on each list. However, the other two universities still score highly and end up among the top universities in the UK for the subject.
Scottish Universities
Two of Scotland’s top universities appear in the top ten on both tables: the University of St. Andrews and the University of Edinburgh. These are both very highly regarded universities, so it’s no surprise to see them here.
University of Warwick
Aside from the G5 Universities, the only other member of the Russell Group to appear in the top ten of both lists is the University of Warwick. This is another university that generally performs well in ranking tables, though it performed significantly better on the Complete Uni Guide’s table.
University of Bath
The University of Bath is the outlier of the top ten on each list. It isn’t a part of the Russell Group and rarely features this high on university ranking tables, but its Maths course ranked 7th and 9th on the Complete Uni Guide’s and The Guardian’s list, respectively. This indicates that, while the university itself isn’t among the best in the UK, their Maths degree is incredibly high quality.
While rankings can provide useful insights, they shouldn’t be the sole basis for your university decision. They can’t capture the more personal and subjective factors that may influence your choice.
Rankings help identify well-regarded medical schools, but it’s important to take them with a grain of salt and not assume that one university is automatically better for you than another based purely on its ranking.
Cambridge vs Oxford Maths: Acceptance Rates
A key factor to consider when applying to any university is the acceptance rate, which reflects your chances of getting in. Mathematics has always been a more competitive degree to apply for, and Oxford and Cambridge are particularly challenging to get into. Here are the acceptance rates for their Mathematics courses in 2023:
Applicants: 1,802
Offers: 193
Acceptances: 179
Offer Rate: 10.7%
Acceptance Rate: 9.9%
Applicants: 1,588
Offers: 524
Acceptances: 258
Offer Rate: 33.4%
Acceptance Rate: 16.2%
The differences here are very extreme, with Cambridge applicants having a much higher chance of earning an offer and being admitted, although only 50% of offer holders actually get admitted in the end. This is due to a unique entry requirement for Cambridge Maths offer holders that we’ll discuss soon.
Part of the higher success rates at Cambridge could be down to having fewer applicants, though it’s worth noting that Maths was one of the most applied for courses at each university (3rd at Oxford and 4th at Cambridge). This goes to show how popular these courses are, rivalling the popularity of subjects like Medicine and Law.
Oxbridge Maths Interview Shortlisting Rates
Before you can get your offer from Oxford or Cambridge, you will need to attend interviews with the college you’re applying for. This gives the admissions team a chance to get to know you as a person, but not everyone who applies is invited.
Oxford and Cambridge each only interview a certain amount of students, though how many they shortlist varies:
Oxford Maths Interview Rate
30%
(Data stated on course page)
Cambridge Maths Interview Rate
70%
Cambridge applicants are 40% more likely to get interviewed, as Cambridge hosts far more interviews than Oxford. Although we don’t have the exact rate for Cambridge, 70% is the average used across all of its courses. Oxford, meanwhile, has stated that an average of 30% of applicants were interviewed for Maths in the last three years.
All of this data seems to work in Cambridge’s favour, though bear in mind that if you are invited to interview at Oxford, your chances of getting an offer rise to about 50% (as the offer rate is 10.7%). Getting a place at Oxford is definitely more challenging, but it will be worth it if you know that it’s where you want to study.
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Oxford vs Cambridge Maths: Application Process
The application process for Maths at Oxbridge is one area that remains somewhat similar between the two universities despite being very different from most other Maths degrees in the UK.
Here’s a quick overview of the key steps you’ll need to follow when applying to study Maths at Oxford or Cambridge:
UCAS Application
Like all UK university applications, you’ll need to apply via UCAS. This involves providing personal information, education history, university choices and obtaining a reference from a faculty member at your school or college.
The process is the same when applying to Oxbridge, but be mindful of the earlier deadline. While most UCAS applications are due by the end of January, applicants for Oxbridge must submit their application by October 15th for it to be considered.
UCAS Personal Statement
The most demanding part of your UCAS application is the Personal Statement, a 4,000-character essay explaining why you’re a strong candidate for your chosen courses. This typically highlights your academic achievements, work experience and any additional activities or research that demonstrate your suitability as an applicant.
You’ll need to submit it online along with your UCAS application by October 15th. Although Oxford staff have stated that the Personal Statement doesn’t heavily influence their shortlisting decisions, they still review it. Cambridge may place slightly more emphasis on it, but likely not much more.
Note that Personal Statements are changing in 2025, so be ready for the new format if you’re applying next year.
College Selection
A unique aspect of the Oxbridge application process is selecting the college you want to apply to. While you’re applying to Oxford or Cambridge, you’re technically applying to one specific college (unless you opt for an open application). We’ll cover colleges in more detail later, but this decision is significant and will greatly influence your university experience.
It’s also crucial to understand that your application, along with the steps that follow, will be handled by the college you apply to. You can explore more about the Oxbridge colleges in our Oxford and Cambridge college guides:
Admissions Tests
While most Maths degrees in the UK won’t require you to take an admissions test, Oxford and Cambridge both require one from all applicants. Each uses a different test, with Oxford using the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) and Cambridge requiring the Sixth Term Examination Papers (STEP).
Of the two, the MAT is far more simple, being a single test that is taken in October. It’s made up of 27 questions, including 25 multiple-choice questions and two longer questions. The test covers pure mathematics at an AS standard, so everything in the syllabus should be familiar to you.
The STEP is a far more in-depth exam, requiring applicants to complete two separate papers across multiple days. These tests cover both Mathematics and Further Mathematics knowledge at an A-Level standard and feature longer questions rather than multiple-choice.
This test is taken much later, in mid/late June, meaning it is not considered during interview shortlisting or offer-making. Instead, grades in the STEP will be included as a part of your conditional offer.
Interviews
It’s unusual to have to attend an interview for a Mathematics degree in the UK, but Oxford and Cambridge require interviews for all courses, with Maths not being an exception.
Typically held remotely in the first three weeks of December, you’ll need to attend at least two interviews with college faculty and lecturers. They may ask you some personal questions, but a large portion of these interviews will be spent on testing your mathematical knowledge through a variety of problems like the one featured in our Oxbridge Maths Interview Guide.
After all of this, there’s nothing left to do until you receive your offer (unless you are called in for more interviews). Here are some of the key differences between the Oxford and Cambridge application process:
Differences Between Oxford and Cambridge Maths Application Process
- Oxford applicants must complete the MAT before interviews, while Cambridge applicants only take the STEP if they’ve been given an offer.
- Oxford applicants are less likely to be interviewed.
- Cambridge applicants must complete an additional form called the My Cambridge Application, which is similar to the UCAS form but is only reviewed by Cambridge.
- While some Cambridge colleges allow or require applicants to interview in person, Oxford has confirmed that all interviews will remain remote for the foreseeable future.
- Both universities use a pooling system for applicants who are rejected by their chosen college, but Cambridge's system is more extensive. It includes the Winter Pool, which offers candidates another opportunity to be interviewed and potentially admitted by other colleges.
Despite all of these differences, the things that you will need to excel at during your application remain roughly the same, as well as the standards of the admission tutors.
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Oxford or Cambridge Maths: Entry Requirements
We’ve seen the application process, but what are the actual entry requirements for getting in? This primarily comes down to the grade boundaries, so let’s take a look:
A-Levels
A-Levels are the main form of assessment in UK education and are graded from A* to F. Here are the A-Levels you’ll need to achieve:
Oxford Maths A-Level Requirements
A*A*A with A*s in Mathematics and Further Mathematics. If Further Mathematics is not available at your school, applicants need to achieve an A*AAa with an A* in Mathematics and AS Further Mathematics or A*AA with an A* in Mathematics.
Cambridge Maths A-Level Requirements
A*A*A with grades in Mathematics and Further Mathematics (if available).
Some colleges may have specific requirements, so be sure to review their application standards or contact them directly if you are unsure. GCSEs are also considered, although there aren’t any specific requirements other than needing to have at least 5 GCSEs at grade 7 – 9.
Alternative Qualifications
Although A-Levels are the main qualifications listed, Oxford and Cambridge each accept a wide variety of international qualifications. Here are the two most common ones used:
Advanced Highers
Advanced Highers are the primary qualification in Scotland and function similarly to A-Levels. Here’s what you’ll need to achieve to get into Mathematics:
Oxford Maths Advanced Highers Requirements
AA/AAB, including an A in Mathematics at Higher Level.
Cambridge Maths Advanced Highers Requirements
A1, A1, A2, including Mathematics at Higher Level.
International Baccalaureate
For international applicants, most native qualifications are accepted for applications. However, the International Baccalaureate was developed to offer a standardised qualification that students from various countries can complete. Here are the required grades for Oxbridge:
Oxford Maths International Baccalaureate Requirements
39 with 766 at Higher Level (including 7 in Mathematics)
Cambridge Maths International Baccalaureate Requirements
41 – 42 with 776 at Higher Level (including 7 in Mathematics)
Admissions Tests
We’ve already covered what these tests are, but what are the requirements for them? At Oxford, there’s no official required score for the MAT, so all applications will be considered regardless of the score. However, you will want to aim high, looking to achieve a minimum of 60/100 to remain competitive in the cohort.
As the STEP is a requirement within the Cambridge Mathematics offer, there is a required grade to achieve in order to be admitted. Applicants will be expected to achieve at least a Grade 1 in both of the two papers that are included.
These are the primary entry requirements for studying Maths at Oxbridge. As we can see, Cambridge is generally harder to get into due to the STEP requirements and higher alternative grade requirements.
It’s important to remember that these are the minimum grade requirements for admission. Given the competitive nature of Oxbridge applications, most students who are accepted tend to achieve grades that exceed the stated requirements for each course. For instance, 88% of admitted Maths students at Cambridge achieved A*A*A*, while 47% of the overall cohort at Oxford attained this grade in 2023. Thus, you should be prepared to aim for such high grades to gain admission to either university.
Oxford vs Cambridge Maths: Course Content
Having examined the admissions process in detail, it’s now time to compare the specific courses offered by each university.
Course Length
Oxford and Cambridge both have two different course options for Mathematics: the standard three-year Bachelor’s degree and an extended four-year course with an integrated Master’s degree. The course content for each of these degrees is roughly the same in the first three years, with the fourth year expanding upon what was taught and offering additional avenues, such as Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at Oxford.
It’s worth noting that Cambridge states entry into the fourth year of its course will be dependent on performance, so only students who meet certain criteria will be allowed to continue to this final year.
Teaching Style
When it comes to the teaching format at Oxbridge, both universities prioritise independent or small-group study as well as large lectures. Beyond your lectures, you will participate in regular sessions with your college peers -known as Supervisions at Cambridge and Tutorials at Oxford – where you engage in discussions with a tutor and 1 or 2 fellow students about the course material. These intimate sessions are a distinctive feature that is seldom found in other UK universities.
Students have access to multiple libraries, a variety of teaching and study spaces and regular access to lecturers and other professionals. All of this provides a great deal of support and freedom to students, which is important considering how much independent study is emphasised at Oxbridge.
Curriculum
The content of these courses is very wide-reaching, with many different specialities for students to choose from. Year One of each course covers Pure and Applied Mathematics, covering topics like Algebra, Geometry and Probability, with some additional optional material available.
Starting from Year Two, more options modules begin to be introduced, with over ten options available at each university. How many you choose will be down to you, though there are also various compulsory modules still taught at Oxford this year. After that, Years 3 and 4 allow students to fully specialise in their own subject areas.
Cambridge suggests that students generally choose to study eight to ten subjects out of 35 available in Year Three and 80 options in Year Four. Oxford doesn’t have quite as many options, but there are still plenty to choose from, with applicants selecting nine of ten to study in Year Three.
These modules go far beyond pure Mathematics and cross over with many different subjects. Examples of modules include:
- Computer Science
- Cosmology
- Cryptography
- Deep Learning
- History of Mathematics
- Mathematical Biology
- Mathematical Geoscience
- Mathematical Physics
- Number Theory
- Stochastic Financial Models
- Waves
Assessments
Effective assessment is vital for a successful Mathematics course, so you can expect to be tested regularly at Oxbridge through a variety of methods. Throughout the first three years, written exams are the most prevalent form of testing. Oxford also requires students to complete computational mathematics projects in Year One, while Cambridge introduced these in the second and third years.
In Year Four, more written exams are required, while a dissertation/essay will also need to be written based on a subject area of your choosing. All of these tests will be challenging, so it’s important that you’re working throughout the year to prepare yourself for them.
Course Variants
So far, we’ve covered the standard Mathematics degrees. However, each university actually offers combined course options and specialised course variants. Let’s run through them:
Oxford Maths Course Variants
Acceptance Rate: 8.6%
Entry Requirement: A*AA (A* in Maths)
Course Length: 3 – 4 Years
Acceptance Rate: 11.7%
Entry Requirement: A*A*A (A* in Maths and Further Maths)
Course Length: 3 – 4 Years
Acceptance Rate: 2.1%
Entry Requirement: A*A*A (A* in Maths and Further Maths)
Course Length: 3 – 4 Years
Cambridge Maths Course Variants
While not a completely separate degree, Cambridge gives students the chance to specialise in Mathematics with Physics within their first year. This means that students will study less Pure Mathematics and will have more chances to learn Physics.
These are the key distinctions in how the degrees are taught and are some of the main factors to consider when deciding between Oxford and Cambridge.
Oxford or Cambridge Maths: Additional Considerations
Finally, let’s consider a few additional points that may influence your decision of where to apply:
Graduate Prospects
Most medicine degrees in the UK have very good graduate employment rates as the career path for medicine is fairly simple after graduation. However, at Oxford, not as many applicants as you think go on to jobs after finishing their course.
Looking at the two ranking tables from earlier, we can see that Oxford has an employment score of 91% and 92 from The Guardian and Complete University Guide, while earning 89 on each. This indicates that Oxford graduates have a slight advantage in this regard, but completing a degree at either of these universities is going to boost your prospects significantly.
Colleges
While the collegiate systems at both universities are largely similar, there are numerous differences among individual colleges. One key point to note is that only one Oxford college doesn’t accept Maths students, while all 31 colleges at Cambridge do as well. Additionally, Oxford no longer has any single-sex colleges, whereas some still exist at Cambridge, which might influence your decision.
Be sure to research which colleges are preferred by Mathematics students, as this could impact how well you get on there. At Cambridge, Trinity is the most popular choice for Mathematics due to its legacy, while King’s and St. John’s are also popular choices. Oxford doesn’t have a clear favourite, so it’s important to do your research and see which ones appeal to you.
Societies
Both universities have their own dedicated Maths society; however, Cambridge offers approximately 1,000 societies for students, compared to Oxford’s 400. Nonetheless, most students should be able to find at least one additional society that aligns with their interests.
Cities
Although both Oxford and Cambridge are historic cities featuring a blend of classic architecture and modern amenities, each offers a distinct atmosphere. Oxford is notably more vibrant, with a bustling nightlife and a wider array of activities. In contrast, Cambridge has a quieter, more laid-back vibe, though it still provides some nightlife and student activities. Ultimately, neither city is objectively superior; it all comes down to personal preference.
Conclusion: Which is Better?
We’ve now explored all of the key differences between medicine at Oxford and Cambridge. Now, let’s recap what we’ve discussed and explore how you can decide between the two.
Generally speaking, there aren’t as many differences between the two as you might expect, but here are the major ones to consider:
Differences Between Oxford and Cambridge Maths
- Cambridge has a 6% higher acceptance rate than Oxford for Maths.
- Oxford ranks better than Cambridge on average, based on the two top-ranking tables in the UK.
- Cambridge has higher entry requirements than Oxford, including an additional test required after offers are sent.
- Cambridge’s cohort is bigger than Oxford's by around 80 students (according to 2023 admissions).
- Oxford offers a variety of course combinations and variants that can be applied for separately.
- The standard Cambridge Maths degree offers more modules to choose from in the third year.
Looking at it objectively, the two universities seem very well balanced. There are pros and cons to each, so the overall decisions will have to come down to what you value out of a university. Do you care more about rankings, want a university that’s easier to get into, one with a smaller class size or one that offers more options? These are all important things to consider.
Ultimately, selecting your university options can be a challenging decision, particularly when considering two equally prestigious institutions. The key is to research everything you can based on your personal preferences to determine which university aligns better with your goals.
One of the best pieces of advice we can offer is to attend open days for each university if you’re having difficulty making a choice. These events provide an excellent chance to explore the campus, check out the facilities, and engage with students and faculty for their perspectives on the university. After visiting the city, you’ll find it much easier to determine whether it feels like the right fit for you!
If you want to delve deeper into the overall differences between Oxford and Cambridge, our Oxford vs. Cambridge Guide provides even more insights into the rich histories and current status of both universities.
We hope you found this guide helpful, and we wish you the best of luck with your application, wherever you choose to apply! If you’re seeking comprehensive support for your application, our Oxbridge Maths Programme can triple your chances of success!
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