Human, Social and Political Sciences

Embedded content cannot be viewed within this site unless you accept marketing cookies. To view this content either accept marketing cookies or view the content directly on the external website.

 
Minimum offer: A*AA in A Levels (or equivalent)
Required subjects: none
Typical number of HSPS undergraduates admitted per year: 4-7
Submitted written work requirements: see our Written Work webpage
Admissions assessment: none

Why Study HSPS at Corpus?

HSPS is one of the most popular subjects at Corpus, and the College has a strong tradition across the disciplines that make up the course. With Fellows and supervisors covering a wide range of HSPS papers, students benefit from excellent academic support in a collaborative, engaging environment. The course encourages you to think critically and independently, developing skills in analysis, argument and interpretation that are valuable far beyond university. You’ll debate big questions about power, culture, society and politics — and learn how to challenge assumptions and understand different perspectives.

Corpus also has a lively community of students interested in social, political, human and psychological questions. One highlight is the Gerard Duveen Social Sciences Society, which meets three times a term to hear from guest speakers and discuss major issues in an informal setting. Past speakers have included Lord Ramsbotham, former Chief Inspector of Prisons, on prison reform, Dr Chris Brooke, discussing Tony Blair’s autobiography and Helen Lockett from the Centre for Mental Health, on employment and mental health

Talks are open to both undergraduates and postgraduates, and they’re a great opportunity for interdisciplinary discussion and debate within the College.

What do we look for in applicants?

We’re looking for applicants who show a genuine interest in human, social or political questions, and who have taken the initiative to explore these interests beyond the school curriculum. There are no required subjects, and we’re not looking for knowledge of specific theories or thinkers.

What matters most is curiosity and engagement. Strong applicants often:

  • enjoy reading and discussing current affairs or social issues
  • think critically about how societies and institutions work
  • show independence in their interests
  • are open‑minded and willing to debate different viewpoints

There isn’t a set reading list we expect you to have covered in advance. We’re far more interested in how you think than what you’ve memorised.

Super-curricular resources

Prospective applicants are advised to follow their own interests rather than seek out a prescriptive list of resources that they must work through. However, we have put together a few suggestions that you might like to look at as starting points:

Embedded content cannot be viewed within this site unless you accept marketing cookies. To view this content either accept marketing cookies or view the content directly on the external website.