History and Modern Languages

History and Modern Languages at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and challenging undergraduate degree that combines the study of history with one of several modern languages. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness by engaging them with diverse historical periods and geographical regions, as well as the linguistic, literary, and cultural aspects of their chosen modern language. Students benefit from a rich curriculum that covers major historical events, themes, and methodologies, alongside advanced language skills and cultural studies. The programme encourages an integrative approach, allowing students to explore how history has shaped societies, cultures, and languages across the centuries and continents. It provides opportunities for independent research, participation in lectures and seminars led by leading academics, and exclusive access to Cambridge's extensive resources, including libraries and archives. Students are supported through personalized tutoring, facilitating tailored guidance and mentorship. Graduates of this programme acquire a unique combination of historical knowledge, linguistic proficiency, and cross-cultural competence, equipping them well for careers in academia, education, journalism, public service, international relations, or the private sector. The programme emphasizes critical analysis, original research, and effective communication, ensuring students graduate with a solid foundation for further study or professional development. By studying History alongside Modern Languages, students gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of language, culture, and history, fostering global awareness and intercultural understanding. The interdisciplinary nature of the course also fosters transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and intercultural communication, which are highly valued across many careers. The programme typically spans three or four years, depending on the specific language and course structure, and offers opportunities for study abroad, internships, and research projects, enriching the academic experience and enhancing employability. Whether interested in the history of specific regions, such as Europe, the Middle East, or the Americas, or in developing mastery of a particular modern language, students will find this programme at Cambridge an intellectually stimulating and culturally enriching pursuit that prepares them for a wide range of future pathways.

You should indicate in your Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ) which language you’re interested in studying with History.

Teaching is provided through lectures, intensive language classes, seminars and College supervisions. You can typically expect around 14 hours of teaching each week, alongside which you complete translation and essay assignments, and supervision essays which you discuss with a subject specialist.

There are written exams at the end of every year, plus an oral examination in your chosen language. In the final year, you can offer a dissertation of 10,000 words in place of a written exam.

Year 1 (Part IA)

You receive intensive language training (including translation and conversation) and take an introductory paper on the literature, history, film and philosophy of the country where your language is spoken. You also choose two broad papers in European or world history or the history of political thought.

Year 2 (Part IB)

You continue with classes to improve your language skills, and also choose three advanced papers – at least one from each subject – from a range in your chosen language (eg literature, history, film,  art, thought) and history (European, global or intellectual).

Years 3 and 4 (Part II)

Year 3

You spend the third year abroad – studying, teaching or on a work placement while gaining near-native proficiency in your language. You also complete a project, normally on a topic related to the history of the country you’re staying in.

Year 4

In the fourth year, you continue with advanced language work,  and take three specialised papers from a range of topics related to your language (eg literature, history, film, thought) and history (covering a variety of periods and parts of the world). You must take at least one from each subject.

• All applicants to the University of Cambridge must submit an application to UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) by the relevant deadline.
• The Attestat o (polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) is not considered to be suitable preparation for a competitive application to the University of Cambridge. We strongly recommend that you undertake further study if you wish to apply for an undergraduate degree. Examples of the qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge are A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), five or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or possibly the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university outside the UK. We recommend that you contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance.
• IELTS – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element.
• Cambridge English: Advanced – grade A or B.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency – grade A, B or C.

Admissions assessments

Applicants for History and ML are required to take written assessments both pre-interview (the History assessment) and at interview (the Modern Languages assessment) if interviewed. Applicants for History and Russian do not take the at-interview language assessment.

Assessment format

Pre-interview - History assessment

• Section 1: Reading Comprehension (60 minutes)
• Section 2: Essay/text response (60 minutes)

At interview - Modern Languages assessment (except Russian)

• Discursive response in Foreign Language (40 minutes)
• Discursive response in English (20 minutes)

The pre-interview assessment must be taken at an authorised centre (for a lot of applicants, this will be their school/college). You must be registered in advance (separately to your UCAS application) to take the pre-interview assessment – the registration deadline is 15 October 2017. Your assessment centre must register you for the pre-interview assessment; you’re not able to register yourself. See the written assessments page for information about assessment centres and registration.

The pre-interview written assessment will be taken on 2 November 2017. 

Financing studies for the History and Modern Languages programme at the University of Cambridge are structured to ensure that students have access to a range of financial support options. The university offers various scholarships, bursaries, and grants designed to assist both domestic and international students with the costs associated with their studies. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the Cambridge Bursary Scheme, which provides financial assistance based on household income and financial need. The Cambridge Trust offers numerous scholarships specifically aimed at international students, covering tuition fees, maintenance costs, or both, thereby significantly reducing the financial burden. Additionally, the college at which a student is admitted may have its own scholarships or bursaries, which students should investigate during the application process. Undergraduate students can also access government-sponsored loans and maintenance grants, depending on their nationality and residency status. The university has made efforts to ensure transparency and availability of its financial aid programs, with dedicated webpages providing detailed eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines. Students are advised to submit their scholarship and bursary applications early to maximize their chances of receiving financial support. Furthermore, students often supplement their income through part-time work opportunities provided on or near campus, all while balancing academic commitments. The University's Financial Support Office offers guidance on funding options and helps students navigate the application process for various financial aid schemes. Overall, the University of Cambridge seeks to make education accessible by providing comprehensive financial support mechanisms that cater to diverse student needs, ensuring that talented individuals can pursue their academic interests in History and Modern Languages without undue financial hardship.

Your living expenses may be higher than for a Home student (eg if you stay in Cambridge/the UK during vacations). The minimum resources needed in Cambridge for the year (excluding tuition and College fees) are estimated to be approximately £10,080 in 2017-18 and £10,310 in 2018-19, depending on lifestyle (you should allow for increases in future years).