Let’s face it, I’m a nerd. My book budget rivals my wife’s spending on handbags (which is not insignificant). The two coolest parts of this job for me are geeking out with students about their academic interests, and having an excuse to constantly be learning new languages.
It’s only mildly frustrating that I’m getting As in both Chinese and German this year, but never managed above a B+ in Arabic as an undergrad student, but I digress.
But if there’s one part that is incredibly frustrating, it is the fact that a lot of universities are dreaming up new combinations for undergraduate study. While there are some classics out there (PPE is popular for a reason, after all!), some of my favorites are coming out of Oxbridge. If you’re interested in studying in the United Kingdom, then chances are you’ve at least glanced at what Oxford and Cambridge have to offer. If not, here are some of the coolest degrees that you can take at two of the oldest universities in the world.
Human Sciences at Oxford
This degree allows students to explore everything it is to be a human. There’s a hefty dose of genetics and environmental science, as you might expect. But there’s also a lot to be discussed about the social aspects, ranging from coursework in sociology, social anthropology, and even psychology.
While we typically discourage students from viewing their overseas studies as pre-med, if we had to choose a single degree option that would likely make the cut, it’s this one.
Design at Cambridge
Every so often, a degree comes around that makes us stop and think that someone really put some thought into making some serious connections. This new offering at Cambridge does exactly that. I’ll be honest; I resisted reading up on it for a couple of months because I thought it was just going to be yet another art degree.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Instead, Design combines aspects of art with psychology, environmental studies, materials science, and engineering to ask the oh so eloquent question, “what impact does stuff have on us?”
Computer Science and Philosophy at Oxford
For the right student, this degree is a dream come true.
Turn anywhere in the news today, and you’re instantly bombarded with questions about the morality of AI. Go to any college admissions forum, and you’re equally bombarded with students who think that CS is their only shot at a job after graduation.
This degree handles both of those.
Equally weighted between technology and the human experience, this degree requires a thorough exploration of both. In many ways it is an outgrowth of Oxford’s Philosophy and Physics degree, which claims to be the purest expression of natural sciences and the humanities.
Obviously, Oxford and Cambridge aren’t for everyone. However, if you’re interested in studying at Oxford or Cambridge, then these degree choices all have acceptance rates that are three to four times those of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, or Stanford.
And these are among the most competitive programs at these universities.
If you’re interested in learning more about Oxbridge, or any other university outside of the US, please get in touch!