History and Politics

The Bachelor of Arts in History and Politics at the University of Cambridge offers an intellectually stimulating and comprehensive programme designed to provide students with a deep understanding of historical events, political theories, and contemporary political issues. This interdisciplinary course combines rigorous historical analysis with critical engagement in political science, enabling students to explore the complex interactions between historical processes and political systems across different periods and regions. Throughout the programme, students examine a wide range of topics including state formation, governance, political ideologies, international relations, and social movements, alongside in-depth studies of key historical periods such as the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and the modern era. The course facilitates the development of essential skills in analytical thinking, research methodology, and effective communication. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate sources, construct well-founded arguments, and engage with diverse perspectives. The programme is structured to include optional modules, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests, whether focusing more on historical periods, political theories, or regional studies. The Faculty offers access to a wealth of resources, including specialized libraries and archives, as well as opportunities for participation in research projects, internships, and fieldwork. With a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, students benefit from personalized guidance and interactive learning environments. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for careers in academia, public policy, diplomatic service, journalism, law, and beyond. They also gain a broad intellectual foundation that prepares them for lifelong learning and active citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world. The University of Cambridge’s distinguished teaching staff are experts in their fields, ensuring a high-quality educational experience that emphasizes critical inquiry and scholarly excellence. This programme embodies Cambridge’s tradition of academic excellence and commitment to fostering future leaders who can think independently, analyze complex issues, and contribute meaningfully to society.

You take four papers in each year. Teaching is provided through Faculty/Department lectures and classes and College supervisions, for which you typically write an essay and which give you the opportunity to discuss your ideas with a senior academic.

In the first year, you can expect between eight and 10 hours of lectures and classes a week, along with one or two supervisions.

You’re assessed at the end of every year – mostly by three-hour written exams, though some papers are assessed by coursework and in the final year you can substitute one paper for a dissertation.

Year 1 (Part IA)

The first year provides a core grounding in historical knowledge, intellectual history, political science and international relations.

In Year 1, all students take Evidence and Argument (a paper unique to this course that brings together key thinking from both disciplines), Analysis of Politics, and International Relations.

Your fourth paper is chosen from the following:

• British Political History 1688-1886
• British Political History Since 1880
• European History 1715-1890
• European History Since 1890

Year 2 (Part IB)

The second year offers more specialised papers in the history of political thought, international relations, comparative politics, and European and extra-European history.

You choose one of two History of Political Thought papers, either covering the period from the ancient Greeks to c1700, or c1700-c1890. For the second paper you take either International Relations or Comparative Politics; and you select your third from four further history papers, covering periods of world history, American history or British social and economic history.

Your final paper is chosen from:

• Statistics and Methods Conceptual Issues in Politics and International Relations – exploring an aspect of politics and/or international relations (assessed by two 5,000 word essays)
• a history project (leading to two 5,000 word essays)

Year 3 (Part II)

All students take an interdisciplinary paper that considers general and thematic issues in history and politics and the relationship between them.

You then choose three papers from a range from the Politics and International Relations and History courses which allow you to specialise further. The papers available each year may vary – see the website for those currently offered.

Alternatively, you can replace one of these three papers with a dissertation of 10,000-15,000 words on a topic of your choice within the scope of the course.

• 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

You must be registered in advance (separately to your UCAS application) to take the assessment – the registration deadline is Sunday 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.

Assessment format

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

The pre-interview written assessment for History and Politics will be taken on 2 November 2017. Please check the Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing website for scheduled start times.

Please note that your performance in the pre-interview assessment will not be considered in isolation, but will be taken into account alongside the other elements of your application.

Mature students (aged 21 or over) applying to one of the mature Colleges should refer to the relevant information about pre-interview assessments on the written assessments page.

Funding for the History and Politics program at the University of Cambridge can be obtained through various sources, including university scholarships, college bursaries, and external funding opportunities. The University of Cambridge offers a range of prestigious scholarships such as the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, which is highly competitive and covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs. Other major scholarships include the Cambridge Trust Scholarships and individual college-specific awards that provide partial or full funding depending on the student's financial need and academic merit. Applicants are encouraged to explore the university’s central financial aid portal for detailed information on available scholarships and application requirements. students may also consider external funding options such as government-sponsored loans, national grants, and bursaries for international students, depending on their country of residence. The college system at Cambridge often provides additional financial support, including bursaries, grants, and work opportunities, to assist students in managing their tuition and living expenses throughout their studies. For UK students, there are also government-funded loans for tuition fees and maintenance, which can be accessed through Student Finance England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, depending on the student's domicile. International students are advised to look into external scholarships and sponsorships offered by their home governments or private organizations. The university has dedicated financial support offices that provide personalized guidance to prospective and current students regarding funding options and application procedures. Overall, students enrolled in the History and Politics program are encouraged to apply early for scholarships and support schemes to maximize their chances of obtaining financial assistance. Many students combine multiple sources of funding to fully finance their studies, and careful planning and early application are essential for securing adequate financial support. The university also promotes financial literacy among students to help them manage their budgets effectively during their academic tenure.

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).