In 1520, the 16-year-old Parker went up to Cambridge University, where he studied at , now known as Corpus Christi College under Richard Cowper. On March 20, 1520, after six months at the college, he obtained a scholarship and became the Bible clerk at , and so was able to move from St Mary's Hostel to rooms in the college. At Cambridge he was able to read the works of Martin Luther. and had access to books by married theologians from the Continent — he first commended clerical marriage when he was a student there. He was associated with the circle of Thomas Bilney, remaining loyal to him throughout their university days together. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1525.