BA History and Politics
About this course
BA (Hons) in History and Politics, a degree spanning politics and international relations and history. The first year introduces foundational themes through modules such as The Modern State and its Alternatives, International Conflict, Order and Justice, and Evidence and Argument. During the second year, students build depth with modules including International Organisation or Comparative Politics, History of Political Thought, and a long essay of up to 5,000 words. The third year offers advanced study through shared papers in politics and international relations along with History Special Subjects and Advanced Topic papers.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: A*AA IB: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level . To apply to any of our Colleges for History and Politics, you will need an A level/IB Higher Level (or the equivalent) in: History If you’re not taking History but are able to demonstrate that you have developed other, equivalent skills by taking other relevant subjects, or through independent subject exploration, you should contact the admissions office of the College to which you are considering applying for advice.
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Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 1 UCAS decision for BA History and Politics (VL12) at the University of Cambridge for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is A*AA at A level.
What students say
Based on about 15 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 71%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 74%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 60 students who started
- Continued on course: 98%
- Left higher education: 2%
What graduates do next
Based on about 18 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Media Professionals: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 95%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 95%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 85%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 205 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 62%
- South East: 12%
- South West: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 60 students who started
- A levels: 83%
- Baccalaureate: 10%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- one History Outline paper from a wide range of options, typically including papers on British, European, American, and Global history
- 2 Politics papers – The Modern State and its Alternatives, and International Conflict, Order and Justice
- one core interdisciplinary paper in Evidence and Argument.
- International Organisation or Comparative Politics
- History of Political Thought
- History Topic paper from a variety of options reflecting the diverse research interests of the History Faculty
- a long essay of up to 5,000 words on a question drawn from a wide range of subjects in History and Politics.
- Politics and International Relations papers shared with Human, Social, and Political Sciences
- History Special Subjects and Advanced Topic papers
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA History and Politics at University of Cambridge earn?
The median salary is £31,500 after 15 months, £32,000 after 3 years, £43,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £33,500 and £73,500. The £43,500 median after five years is £9,500 more than the UK median for Politics.
What do graduates of BA History and Politics at University of Cambridge do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA History and Politics at University of Cambridge?
98% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA History and Politics at University of Cambridge?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 41 points in the IB. The average entrant had 199 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BA History and Politics at University of Cambridge?
98% of students continued into their second year, and 2% left higher education.