Director of Studies
Sub-Director of Studies
.png)
A-level/IB Higher Level in at least one essay-based subject.
Common subjects taken by successful HSPS applicants include Philosophy, Sociology and Politics.
Admissions Assessment: None
Submitted Work: Applicants are required to submit two pieces of written work. This should be in essay format with a word limit of up to 1500 words. The work can be extracted from an EPQ.
Our alumni through the ages have made distinctive and enduring contributions to make the world a better place, none more than William Wilberforce and Thomas Clarkson, the leading figures in the campaign to abolish the slave trade.
St John’s long tradition of excellence in HSPS disciplines is exemplified by the great polymath William Rivers (1864–1922). He set new standards for ethnological research and was the prime mover in establishing both the science of Social Anthropology and the study of Experimental Psychology.
St John’s Fellows provide our HSPS students with dedicated teaching in Politics, International Relations, Sociology and Social Anthropology for key Part I papers, creating a strong foundation for Part II, which is largely Faculty-led, and offering invaluable guidance on enrichment opportunities to enhance academic experience.
We typically have about 25 HSPSers, very supportive of one another across the Tripos, and often making leading contributions across the student and College community.
The Palmerston Society, named for the famed St John's statesman and Prime Minister, is run by and for HSPS students. It hears from distinguished and interesting speakers and organises social events through the year.
Watch this video to find out more about studying HSPS at St John's.
HSPS attracts intellectually curious and academically ambitious applicants. Working hard to secure excellent examination results, and continuing to perform very well in school/college in your penultimate and final years, is essential.
Successful applicants not only excel in their school subjects, but have gone beyond their school or college curriculum to explore ideas that cut across subject boundaries and build greater appreciation for the true complexity of human societies.
Candidates who stand out will have read more widely and listened to podcasts and radio programmes that address the societal issues embraced by HSPS. They may have attended online talks and will be following current political debates and international affairs.
.png)
.png)
