Hello! I’m James and I study Human, Social, and Political Sciences (HSPS) at Pembroke College, Cambridge. In sixth-form, I developed a massive interest in Political Sciences so HSPS was well-suited for me as it also incorporated anthropological and sociological thought alongside the general political sciences.
In a typical week, you would have 10 lectures (2 a day) scheduled at 9am – 11am. HSPS is broken down into four disciplines; Politics, International Relations, Sociology and Anthropology. Generally, you have to submit 3 essays a week usually between 1500 words and 2000 words for each discipline. This rounds up to 12 essays a term and some colleges may either ask for more or less depending on your supervisor. Alongside the essays and lecture, you’ll have supervisions. Supervisions usually include two students and a supervisor, they will usually walk through your essays and you’ll discuss ideas based on your readings and lectures. The best way to find information about what to do and when to do it is to follow the Paper Guide which can be found on the Cambridge Moodle System and staying in close contact with your supervisor via email.
My interview experience was tense but amazing. Before attending my interview I did research on my interviewers and the four disciplines within HSPS. I also spent most of my interview preparation studying theories and thinkers of each discipline. Most of all, doing extensive research on the work you provided is paramount, whether that is your personal statement, written work or even the essay you provided for your admission test. However, I must mention that there are some aspects of your interview you cannot prepare for, whether it is an abstract question or a question you may have not looked into, the best way to answer these is by applying what you already know and trail your thoughts with the interviewer. Speaking of abstract questions, I was asked one in my first interview and I felt perturbed after the interview as I felt I had answered the question completely wrong. Yet still, in my next interview, I went in with the determination to right my wrongs. My second interview felt much better, I took time to think of my answers and as I did in my first interview I asked my interviewer relevant questions to our discussion. Overall my interview experience taught me that I probably know more than I think and I shouldn’t be weary to defend my ideas. Nevertheless, if your interviewer proposes a new idea, perhaps contrary to yours make sure to evaluate step by step with your interviewer. Lastly, if your interviewer asks a question you have no clue of, whether it is a concept or a particular word, make sure to let them know rather than running the risk of answering their question inaccurately.
In conclusion, HSPS at Cambridge is a very heavy written subject, most of the time you’ll either be reading or writing essays, but if you commit to learning new ideas, being open-minded and showing a willingness to evaluate every proposition possible you’ll find yourself thriving. I am really enjoying studying HSPS at Cambridge and I’m sure with the slightest interest in any of the four disciplines within HSPS, you will too!