BA History
About this course
BA (Hons) in History, a history degree centred on the study of the past across varied geographical regions and chronological periods. Core topics include Research Methods and Historical Research. The course includes outline papers, sources papers, topic papers, and a dissertation of 10,000 words. The first year covers foundational outline and sources papers alongside Introduction to Historical Thinking and Historical Skills. The second year builds depth through topic papers, Historical Thinking II, and a research project where students undertake independent historical work. The final year focuses on advanced study through a special subject, Historical Thinking III, advanced topic papers, and the option to complete a dissertation. Students examine primary source materials ranging from medieval records to modern media while engaging with diverse historiographical approaches.
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, 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 your shortlisted College(s) for advice.
See the highest paying History, Philosophy & Religion degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 46 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 74%
- Learning resources: 95%
- Student voice: 60%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 170 students who started
- Continued on course: 99%
- Left higher education: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 55 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 63%
- Working and studying: 7%
- Further study: 11%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Media Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 14%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 8%
- Finance Professionals: 7%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 76%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 54%
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 175 students who started
- A levels: 97%
- Baccalaureate: 2%
- Other HE qualification: 1%
- Other qualifications: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- 2 outline papers, which usually cover a long period and broad geographical area. You choose 2 papers from a list of 11, ranging over Britain and Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia
- one sources paper, where you examine a body of primary material on a particular historical theme, issue, or event. You choose one paper from a range of options which vary each year. Typical examples of options may include Travel and Trade in the Medieval World, Globalisation in Nineteenth-Century China, and Arab Intellectual History
- Introduction to Historical Thinking, which introduces methods and debates by examining a single work of history that has influenced the discipline
- Historical Skills, where you focus on research skills essential in History, such as the use of archives, digital sources, and oral history, as well as quantitative approaches
- 2 topic papers that explore focused areas of historical knowledge in depth. The topics available each year may vary. Topic options may include Culture and Power in the Ancient Mediterranean, Nature and Knowledge c.1500-1800, and Modern South Asia
- one research project where you undertake your own historical research. Each project covers analytical and conceptual features of a particular area of history, and offers guidance on the methodologies and skills needed to research it
- Historical Thinking II, where you broaden your knowledge of different historiographical approaches and methods
- a special subject, which counts as 2 papers. This is an in-depth study of a historical period, process or problem, using primary sources. Topics on offer vary year to year, but currently include heresy in medieval southern France, memory in early modern England, and religion and nationalism in post-1948 Zimbabwe
- Historical Thinking III, where you have the chance to reflect critically on major historical concepts encountered throughout your degree
- 2 advanced topic papers, where you explore a complex theme at the forefront of historical scholarship. Topics change from year to year, but currently include the history of political thought, the Indian sub-continent from the late 18th century, and consumer culture in the United States
- one advanced topic paper and a dissertation of 10,000 words on a topic of your choice. Recent examples of dissertation topics include 10th-century Byzantine political culture, 19th-century Mauritian elites, and community life on Sheffield's Park Hill estate
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA History 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 £13,000 more than the UK median for History.
What do graduates of BA History at University of Cambridge do next?
82% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA History at University of Cambridge?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA History at University of Cambridge?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 41 points in the IB. The average entrant had 188 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BA History at University of Cambridge?
99% of students continued into their second year, and 1% left higher education.