Analysis and Approaches at Higher Level
For most courses where Mathematics is a requirement, Cambridge expects IB Higher Level Analysis and Approaches.
IB planning · Cambridge
Cambridge Mathematics, Economics and Computer Science: the IB Mathematics route
For Cambridge's mathematical courses, IB applicants are generally expected to take Higher Level Analysis and Approaches rather than Applications and Interpretation. Mathematics, Economics and Computer Science each ask for 41 to 42 points with 776 at Higher Level at the minimum offer level, each ask for Analysis and Approaches and each require the Test of Mathematics for University Admission. If the school does not offer Analysis and Approaches, Cambridge asks applicants to contact their shortlisted College. The decision for an IB student is which Mathematics course to take, and what to do if the choice is limited.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What Cambridge asks for in IB Mathematics route
Taken from Cambridge's accepted-qualifications page and its Mathematics, Economics and Computer Science course pages and read on 31 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 and dates are awaiting publication.
41 to 42 points with 776
Economics and Mathematics list a minimum offer of 41 to 42 IB points with 776 at Higher Level.
If the course is not available
Contact the College you wish to apply to for advice and guidance.
The TMUA for all three
Cambridge requires the TMUA for Mathematics, Economics and Computer Science.
Further Mathematics is A level only
For Mathematics, Further Mathematics is listed as an A-level requirement, not an IB one.
Official sources
- University of Cambridge: Accepted qualificationsundergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk
- University of Cambridge: Economics (undergraduate course page)undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk
- University of Cambridge: Mathematics, BA (Hons) and MMath (undergraduate course page)undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk
- University of Cambridge: Computer Science (undergraduate course page)undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk
Read on 31 October 2026 on Cambridge's accepted-qualifications page and its Mathematics, Economics and Computer Science course pages, which describes 2027 entry. Cambridge's individual College pages, the IB syllabus documents, fees and the 2028-entry values were not read and are not stated.
The decision
Analysis and Approaches is the default
Cambridge's accepted-qualifications page says that for most courses where Mathematics is a requirement, IB applicants are expected to take Higher Level Analysis and Approaches, and to contact their College if the option is not available. The Economics, Mathematics and Computer Science course pages repeat that they ask for Analysis and Approaches. The same page notes that for Medicine, Natural Sciences (Biological) and Psychological and Behavioural Sciences, Analysis and Approaches is recommended for the most competitive application but Applications and Interpretations will also be considered.
Which route?
Planning around availability
Avandy's comparison is general and does not predict outcomes.
If your school offers Analysis and Approaches at Higher Level
take it for any of the three courses, as Cambridge expects.
If it does not
contact your shortlisted Colleges early, as the course pages instruct.
Compare the full guides
Avandy's Cambridge Mathematics, Economics and Computer Science guides cover each degree.
Entry rules
IB points, Higher Level and the TMUA
Economics and Mathematics list a minimum offer of 41 to 42 IB points with 776 at Higher Level, and Cambridge says the majority of Mathematics students who studied the IB achieved at least 43 points; that is historical information and not a requirement. All three courses require the TMUA. This page states no test scores.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Cambridge's.
Does your school offer Analysis and Approaches at HL?
Cambridge expects it.
Which College will advise you if not?
Cambridge asks you to contact the College directly.
Can you sit the TMUA in October?
It is required for all three courses.
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.
IB points, the Analysis and Approaches expectation and the TMUA requirement: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Cambridge has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
The UCAS deadline, TMUA dates and interview dates: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check Cambridge's course pages for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Check which IB Mathematics courses your school offers and contact a College if Analysis and Approaches is unavailable.
Support
Independent support with course choice 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 course. Support here means subject-choice advice and ethical test and interview preparation; Avandy gives no scores or probabilities and does not write submitted work. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
Which IB Mathematics course does Cambridge want?
For most courses where Mathematics is a requirement, Cambridge expects Higher Level Analysis and Approaches.
What if my school does not offer it?
Cambridge asks you to contact the College you wish to apply to for advice and guidance.
How many IB points are needed?
Economics and Mathematics list a minimum offer of 41 to 42 points with 776 at Higher Level, in Cambridge's wording for 2027 entry.
Do I need the TMUA?
Yes. Cambridge requires the TMUA for Mathematics, Economics and Computer Science.
Is Further Mathematics needed in the IB?
For Mathematics, Cambridge lists Further Mathematics as an A-level requirement only.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Cambridge's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the qualifications and course pages again when Cambridge publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Cambridge IB Mathematics route
Tell us about the student's curriculum, which IB Mathematics course their school offers and whether Analysis and Approaches is available, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.