Oxford and Cambridge are two of the hardest universities in the world to gain entry to, well known for their tough academic standards and rigorous interviews. Not all subjects are made equal however, and some courses are distinctly more competitive than others. Compared to the easiest courses to get on, where acceptance rates can reach over 40 per cent for subjects such as theology and classics, the toughest are in a completely different league. Here are the 10 course groups with the lowest acceptance rates at Oxford and Cambridge for the 2014 cycle.
1. Economics and management
Where: University of Oxford
Applications in 2014: 1,149
Acceptance rate: Seven per cent
2. Computer science
Where: University of Oxford
Applications in 2014: 238
Acceptance rate: Nine per cent
3. Architecture
Where: University of Cambridge
Applications in 2014: 403
Acceptance rate: 10.7 per cent
4. Medicine
Where: University of Oxford
Applications in 2014: 1,433
Acceptance rate: 11 per cent
5. History and politics
Where: University of Oxford
Applications in 2014: 288
Acceptance rate: 11 per cent
6. Law with law studies in Europe
Where: University of Oxford
Applications in 2014: 287
Acceptance rate: 12 per cent
7. Economics
Where: University of Cambridge
Applications in 2014: 1,105
Acceptance rate: 13.8 per cent
8. Fine art
Where: University of Oxford
Applications in 2014: 193
Acceptance rate: 14 per cent
9. Human sciences
Where: University of Oxford
Applications in 2014: 178
Acceptance rate: 14 per cent
10. Philosophy, politics and economics (PPE)
Where: University of Oxford
Applications in 2014: 1,651
Acceptance rate: 15 per cent
