Mature students

If you will be aged 21 or over when you start your studies at Cambridge, you would be considered a mature student. Mature students experience the same teaching as all of the other students, attending the same lectures, supervisions and examinations as “traditional” students, and leaving Cambridge with the same degree.

For further information on applying as a mature student, see the application section.

Mature Colleges

Although all Cambridge Colleges welcome mature students, there are three that are exclusively open to students over age 21:

These Colleges offer an environment and facilities which appeal to many mature students. Mature College communities include a mix of students with more life experience than the usual school-leavers. Mature College societies and events will reflect this range, for instance by taking into account partners and families. Mature Colleges also offer things like family accommodation, childcare provision, or support for students returning to education after a hiatus.

Second Undergraduate Degree

If you already have an undergraduate degree from another university, and are interested in studying Law, you have the option to apply as an affiliated student, and obtain what is also known as a ‘senior status’ degree.

As an affiliated student, you can complete the programme in two years, instead of the usual three. There are no compulsory papers set by the University for students taking the two-year programme. Those interested in pursuing a BA in Law solely out of academic interest are therefore free to select from a wide range of papers. However, if you are interested in obtaining a Law degree with the intention of becoming a solicitor or barrister, then you would be well-advised to take the seven foundation subjects; in that case, fewer optional modules will be available to you.

First year at Cambridge

  1. Tort Law
  2. Constitutional Law
  3. Contract Law
  4. Land Law
  5. Option 1

Second year at Cambridge

  1. Criminal Law
  2. Equity
  3. EU Law
  4. Option 2
  5. Option 3 (or Dissertation Seminar)

Although your pattern of study will be different, you will still attend lectures and supervisions alongside all other Law students. You will also sit the same exams for each module.

For more information about applying as an affiliated student, see the application section.

More about studying at Cambridge