Philosophy dons may react with a stoic smile to the news splashed amongst the national press that Harry Potter actress Emma Watson intends to study the subject at Cambridge. She announced her intentions to further her education at the University in an interview with Tatler, which simultaneously offered revalations about her love-life.

The magazine sought to emphasise the similarities between Watson, and her character, Hermione Granger, describing the latter as “definitely a feminist and very intelligent”. This seems an ideal fit, as she is considering a subject which the faculty website describes as “the study of fundamental problems about the nature of knowledge and reality”.

But Watson’s declaration is perhaps a little premature, as she is currently studying for her AS-Levels, and has yet to begin the process of university application. Whilst her GCSE results may stand her in good stead for a Cambridge place, with 8 A*s and 2 A grades, her AS-Level choices may have inadvertently destroyed her aspirations, if one is to believe a recent article in Teen Vogue magazine.

According to the glossy, she is studying Art, English Literature, and Dance. However, Dance is on Cambridge’s list of “Unsuitable A-Levels” which do not count towards a three-grade offer, alongside subjects such as ICT, and Travel & Tourism. Unless Watson takes on another A-Level for her final year, it seems that a Cambridge place may elude her.

Watson, who has appeared in all three of the Harry Potter films, also expounded to Tatler editor Geordie Grieg on her choice of men. “I am not really into any particular type, but I do like guys who are into sports and love it when they speak two or three different languages”, she told the magazine’s July issue, adding: “Yeah, that really does it for me”. In the past she has blamed her fame for her lack of luck in finding a boyfriend, explaining “I suppose guys are either kind of intimidated by me and have their defenses up, or they like to take the piss out of me”.


Orlando Reade