A unique interdisciplinary degree, only offered by the University of Cambridge.
Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) is a 3-year undergraduate degree which combines politics and international relations, social anthropology, and sociology.
Explore the broad spectrum of the human, social and political sciences to study the expansive forces and actors at play in our rapidly changing world. Or customise this course from the start to specialise in the subjects that fit your interests and strengths.
HSPS is suited to those with specific subject interests, and to those looking for the flexibility of a multidisciplinary degree. This innovative course stretches across traditional subject boundaries to address the true complexity of human societies.
"If you're interested in thinking about social life, society, culture, and political engagement in a cross-disciplinary, interdisciplinary way, I don't think there's anywhere better in the world to study these ideas.”
- Benjamin, HSPS student
Course highlights
- Study in our globally respected Departments of Politics and International Studies, Social Anthropology, and Sociology.
- Learn from an influential and dynamic community of experts with a worldwide reputation for teaching and research.
- Explore the world's most complex and pressing issues across a unique range of social and political subjects.
- Flexibility and specialisation: focus on one subject or combine more to suit your interests.
- Benefit from quality time with academics, receiving personalised feedback and guidance through small-group supervisions.
- Attend cutting edge lectures, seminars and events with international speakers.
- Access outstanding specialist facilities and research resources, including two dedicated faculty libraries, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, and multimedia-equipped teaching rooms.
“The supervision system is what really makes HSPS at Cambridge stand out.
The amount of feedback, contact hours and quality time with academics, looking at your ideas, working with you on how to make them clearer, how to write, how to produce a convincing essay, but also really encouraging you to do research-led work.”
- Professor Matei Candea
Graduate destinations
You’ll graduate with analytical and critical skills, intellectual versatility, multicultural sensitivity and an international outlook. The interdisciplinary nature of HSPS makes our graduates particularly attractive to potential employers.
Each year around a third of HSPS graduates undertake further study. A further 6% commence a law conversion course, the first step towards qualifying as a lawyer in the UK.
Other popular sectors include:
- research, both academic and policy
- Civil Service, including the Foreign Office
- journalism and publishing
- management consultancy
- national and international NGOs and development agencies
- teaching
- public relations and communications
Discover more about how HSPS graduates chose to develop careers or pursue further study.
