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Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS)
HSPS is a new course at Cambridge that caters both to students with a broad interest in the social, political and human sciences and to those primarily interested in one of the constituent subjects that it has brought together (e.g., Social Anthropology, Archaeology or Politics). The course is exceptionally diverse. Many undergraduates across the disciplines it encompasses choose to study a broad range of topics in their first year, before specialising as their interests develop. However, the course is sufficiently flexible to allow students to pursue a subject in depth from the outset.
Course structure
Details of the course are available on the University website
In the first year of the course, students choose four papers from a choice of ten. In the final two years, they choose either a single-subject track (a choice of either Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Politics and International Relations, Social Anthropology or Sociology) or a two-subject track (a choice from either Archaeology & Social Anthropology, Assyriology & Egyptology, Biological Anthropology & Archaeology, Politics & Sociology, Social & Biological Anthropology or Sociology & Social Anthropology). Four papers are taken in each year and there is considerable flexibility for taking optional papers in other subjects (both from within, and outside, HSPS).
HSPS at Churchill
Churchill College is an outstanding place to study HSPS. We have Fellows whose academic interests cover virtually all the constituent subjects of the course, particularly Social Anthropology, Archaeology, Biological Anthropology and Politics. In addition to our Teaching Fellows in HSPS, we also have College Teaching Fellows in allied disciplines (e.g. Classics and Geography) and good supervisors for other aspects of the course. Ordinarily we admit 6-8 HSPS students each year; the ratio of students to teaching staff is consequently favorable and the exam results of our students in recent years have been exceptional. The HSPS community at Churchill is diverse and convivial: its members (both lecturers and students) comprise a cosmopolitan group with varied backgrounds. They regularly interact both within and outside of supervisions.
The College has excellent facilities, including a well-stocked library. The Churchill Archives Centre (link) is a wonderful resource for those interested in politics and international affairs, housing as it does the papers of senior politicians (including Winston Churchill himself), civil servants, diplomats, military leaders and scientists of the twentieth century. Most of the catalogues are available on-line. The Centre also regularly stages events and lectures of relevance to HSPS students.
HSPS Teaching Fellows at Churchill
Other HSPS Fellows at Churchill
Admissions in HSPS at Churchill College
We strongly encourage direct applications from candidates interested in any of the aspects of the HSPS course. No specific A Level subjects (or specific subjects in other forms of secondary education) are required. We are looking for candidates with an outstanding academic track record, strong academic interests and a keen intellectual interest in the course. Details of typical offers are available from the Churchill Admissions webpage.
We ask applicants to submit two pieces of written work (usually essays of around 1500-2500 words) on a relevant subject as a part of their application. Details of written work requirements are circulated after initial applications are received. Generally, we prefer marked essays that have been written as a part of the candidate's normal studies.
Most applicants are invited to interview at Churchill. Typically, candidates have two interviews of 25-30 minutes with Fellows of the College. Shortly before one of the interviews, candidates are asked to read a short article. A discussion of the article forms part of interview; candidates are also likely to be asked questions about their school or college work, their wider exploration of intellectual matters and their academic background and interests. More specific questions may also focus on the candidate's interest in, and awareness of, topics covered by the HSPS course. No special preparation is required for the interviews, though we do advise that all applicants should ensure that they are fully familiar with their Sixth Form (or equivalent) learning and any other material that has been provided as a part of the application process (e.g. their Personal Statement and submitted written work).
Further details on the admissions process are available from the Churchill College admissions site and the University's undergraduate Admissions Office.