A*AA, with Mathematics at A* or 7
The minimum offer is A*AA at A level, or 41-42 points with 776 at Higher Level in the IB. Applicants need Mathematics: A* at A level or 7 at Higher Level. For the IB, Cambridge asks for Analysis and Approaches.
Undergraduate · Cambridge Design
Cambridge Design: the Mathematics requirement and the portfolio
Cambridge's Design degree shares a first year with Architecture, but its entry rule is different in one decisive way: Mathematics at A* is required. It combines studio work with engineering-informed papers such as materials, forces and programming, assesses every applicant at their College, and asks for submitted artwork and a portfolio. This guide is written for families planning 2028 entry. Everything cycle-specific in it was last verified for 2027 entry, so treat it as the best guide to preparation and not as the 2028 requirement.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What Cambridge asks for in Design
Taken from Cambridge's official Design course page and read on 25 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; Cambridge's 2028-entry requirements are awaiting publication.
An assessment at every College
There is an admission assessment at all Colleges for this course, and you do not need to register in advance.
Submitted artwork before interview
You submit your own artwork as a PDF of up to 6 A4 pages and less than 15MB. Applicants to St John's also submit one piece of teacher-marked written work.
A portfolio at interview, not necessarily architectural
If invited, you bring and show a portfolio of recent work. It does not have to include architectural work. Cambridge wants to see your interests, experience and ability in the visual and material arts, and requirements vary between Colleges.
A three-year BA or a four-year MDes
The UCAS code is KH11. The course is a 3-year BA (Hons) or a 4-year MDes, and continuing to Year 4 currently requires a good 2.i at the end of Year 3.
Official sources
Read on 25 October 2026 on Cambridge's Design course page, which describes entry in 2027 or deferred entry in 2028. The 2025 applicant numbers quoted in the guide are history, not a requirement. College-level requirements and the Department website were not read.
The course
Studio design grounded in engineering and mathematics
Cambridge says most teaching takes place in the design studio and that design projects are exhibited at the end of each year. The first year is mostly taught jointly with Architecture; second-year studio projects cover geotechnics, water and timber engineering, and third-year projects cover concrete, steel and sustainable materials and design. Compulsory papers include Materials and Fabrication, Form and Forces, and Mathematics and Programming. The degree is a 3-year BA or a 4-year MDes. Studio work is assessed through lab work, a portfolio, presentations and coursework and accounts for 50% of overall marks each year, and students will not usually be able to re-take assessments.
Reading the offer
Mathematics is the filter
The grades are A*AA, but the subject rule is what separates Design from other creative degrees.
Mathematics at the top grade
You need an A level or IB Higher Level in Mathematics: A* at A level or 7 at Higher Level.
IB Mathematics syllabus
Cambridge asks for Analysis and Approaches. If that is not an option at your school, contact the College for advice.
College extras
Some Colleges usually set offers at the minimum level, while others set extra conditions for most or all offers, such as a higher offer or an A* in a particular subject.
The artwork and the portfolio
Two linked pieces of visual work
Cambridge asks for both a submission and a portfolio.
Submitted artwork
You submit your own artwork before interview, as a PDF of up to 6 A4 pages and less than 15MB in size. The images should reflect, at least in some way, material you might bring to interview.
Portfolio at interview
If invited, you bring and show a portfolio of recent work that illustrates your interests, experience and ability in the visual and material arts. It does not have to include architectural work such as plans or sections.
College differences
Portfolio requirements can vary between Colleges. St John's also asks for one piece of teacher-marked written work.
Design or Architecture
Choosing between the two
The two degrees share much of the first year, but their entry rules differ. Cambridge's Design page requires Mathematics at A* or 7, while its Architecture page says some Colleges ask for specific subjects and recommends Mathematics, Art and Design and Physics. Cambridge's Design teaching also leans on engineering topics such as geotechnics, timber, concrete and steel. Read both course pages before choosing, and see the Architecture guide if that is your alternative.
Context
How competitive the course has been
Cambridge's page shows 6 applications per place and 26 accepted for 2025. Those are historical figures about a past cohort. They are not a requirement and they do not predict any individual result.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules Cambridge has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means Cambridge published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means Cambridge has not yet published it.
Grades, the Mathematics rule, the assessment and the portfolio rules: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Cambridge has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Application deadline, assessment dates and portfolio instructions: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check Cambridge's course page and your College's page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Secure Mathematics at the top grade, build a varied body of visual work over the next year, and keep dated copies of the work you may submit.
Support
Independent support with course strategy and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the University of Cambridge or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each programme. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What are the Cambridge Design entry requirements?
A*AA at A level, or 41-42 points with 776 at Higher Level in the IB, with Mathematics at A* or 7. This is Cambridge's wording for entry in 2027.
Is Mathematics required for Cambridge Design?
Yes. Cambridge asks for an A level or IB Higher Level in Mathematics, with A* at A level or 7 at Higher Level.
Is there an admission assessment?
Yes. There is an admission assessment at all Colleges, and you do not need to register in advance.
Do I need a portfolio?
Yes. You submit artwork before interview and, if invited, bring a portfolio of recent work. It does not have to be architectural.
Is it the same as Architecture?
No. They are separate courses with different entry rules, although the first year is mostly taught jointly.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Cambridge's wording for entry in 2027. Check the course page again when Cambridge publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Cambridge Design
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Mathematics, the visual work they already have, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.