Design is a unique subject that combines architecture, engineering and materials science in one degree, giving you the opportunity to design solutions to environmental and societal challenges.
Important Note Concerning Interviews for 2024
Please note, all undergraduate admissions interviews at Sidney Sussex for the 2024-25 admissions round will be held online. Further details regarding interview platform will follow.
Whilst Design is a new subject, Sidney Sussex strives to create a passionate community that are able to share ideas, encourage their creativity and develop their skills.
Undergraduate Study
Based in the Department of Architecture, you will have access to a variety of facilities such as workshops, studios, reprographics, flexible co-working spaces and a new digital fabrication lab.
The course is structured around a series of core studio projects which will require you to create solutions to real-world problems: from planning stage through to pitching a final product and evaluating user impact. For most projects, you will be working with stakeholders such as clients, end-users and suppliers. Outside of the studio, you will learn about related subjects including design history, philosophy, mathematics, engineering and natural sciences, which will then be applied to your design projects.
- Written Work
We will not ask you to submit any written work as part of your application.
- Portfolio
We ask candidates invited to interview to submit a portfolio demonstrating their artistic skills. The portfolio is an essential part of the application. Our advice would be to edit it well, but make sure there is plenty of content, including sketchbooks and life drawings if you have them. There should be no 3D objects in the portfolio— only pictures of sculpture and other 3D work.
- Admissions assessment
If you’re shortlisted for interview, you may need to take a written assessment. Please check back in April 2024 for details. If an assessment is required, you will not need to register in advance and we will provide details directly to you.
- Interviews
- All undergraduate admissions interviews at Sidney Sussex for the 2024-25 admissions round will be held online. Further details regarding interview platform will follow.
- We will ask you to bring along your portfolio of creative work (e.g. drawings, paintings, sculpture, photos) to interview.
- Subject requirements
- Learn about our standard entry requirements for Design on the University website.
- Please note that offers are set on an individual basis using all of the information available to us in context of the entire field of applicants.
- Beyond the syllabus
Are you excited to learn more about the subject by delving beyond the school syllabus? Explore our Beyond the syllabus resource hub to discover interesting websites, podcasts, videos, and books related to the subject you love!
Typical intake
1
Typical A-level offer
A*AA
Typical IB offer
40-42 points overall, with 776 at Higher Level
Postgraduate Study
All University of Cambridge applications for postgraduate study are processed centrally by the Postgraduate Admissions Office. The application form and supporting documents are submitted electronically via their website and the online self-service system, though academic decisions on applications are made by the Faculty or Department.
- Funding
There are many funding opportunities at Cambridge from a wide variety of sources including the Cambridge Trust, Gates Cambridge, Colleges, Departments, Research Councils and central University funds. You can use the Postgraduate Admissions' Cambridge Funding Search to find out which type of funding you might be eligible for, and how and when to apply. They also operate a Postgraduate Funding Competition to co-ordinate some of these funding opportunities and make the process easier for you as an applicant.
To find information about the funds available for postgraduate students at Sidney, visit our Studentships and funding page.
- Useful links
Course directory | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
Funding | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
How do I apply? | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
International students | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
Opportunities to work, travel, and study
The College is able to offer financial support for a number of student pursuits including:
- Professional and research internships
- Study awards
- Vacation travel
- Arts and music
- Sport
While it will not be possible to provide support in all cases, current students are strongly encouraged to apply if they have a project which would benefit from financial support.
Discover more on our Opportunities to work, travel, and study page.
