History and Politics 

Subject overview at Downing

Average places per year 1
Course duration  3 years (BA Hons)
Standard offer A-Level: A*AA
IB: 40-42, with 776 at Higher Level
Course requirements Required: History and Politics applicants need to have studied History at A level. Candidates are expected to demonstrate an interest in both subjects and will be assessed on their potential to succeed in them.
Admission overview No admissions assessment
2 x interviews
Submit 2 examples of recent work, produced in the course of school studies.
UCAS code VL12
Campus code  D

Why study History and Politics at Cambridge?

History and Politics at Cambridge is an exciting degree which offers subjects from our highly regarded History and Politics and International Relations courses, together with bespoke papers which will allow students to explore the space between the two disciplines. Students will develop skills in analysing the operation of power across institutions and societies around the world, and explore how different forms of evidence can be used to understand the past and the present. They will be able to choose from a wide range of topics in British, European, US and World history, the history of political thought, international relations, and comparative politics. Cambridge is uniquely placed to teach History and Politics and International Relations together. Both Faculties are widely regarded as world-leading and are consistently top-ranked in research and teaching assessments. The History Faculty is one of the largest in the United Kingdom and has internationally recognised experts in all relevant fields of study. The Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) is a rapidly growing department with particular research strengths in political thought, comparative politics, and international relations, and close links with the other social sciences. Staff in the Faculty of History and the Department of Politics and International Studies have a wide range of shared interests in political history, the origins of contemporary politics and international relations, and the history of political ideas. This degree balances a strong grounding in the two component subjects with the opportunity to explore the ways in which historical and political understanding together illuminate the modern world. All teaching for History follows the same course outline set by the Faculty and Department. See the structure of the course here.

Why study History and Politics at Downing College?

Studying History and Politics at Downing enables students to draw upon the strengths of both subjects in the College. Members of Downing‘s Fellowship teach aspects of medieval and modern history. Dr David Pratt, the Director of Studies in History, whose work concerns King Alfred the Great and the early history of the English coronation service, teaches early medieval British and European history as well as the History of Political Thought. Dr Natalia Mora-Sitja, Associate Professor in Modern Economic History, teaches Modern European History and has research interests in the relationship between economic growth and labour markets. The College’s Director of Studies in Politics, Professor Harald Wydra, has research interests in eastern European politics, democracy (comparative and theory) and political anthropology, and teaches a wide range of Politics papers. Within History, there is also the College’s History Society, the Maitland Society, which meets twice each term to hear speakers from within and outside Cambridge.

Who is History and Politics at Downing College looking for?

As a broadly based humanities degree, History and Politics can be supported by wide range of subjects at A-level or equivalent. History and Politics applicants will normally have studied History at A-level, but beyond that there are no subject requirements. Applicants will have a variety of relevant examination qualifications, though not necessarily in both Politics and History; they will be expected to demonstrate an interest in both subjects and will be assessed on their potential to succeed in them. Downing College does not currently use an admissions test for History and Politics. Candidates should normally expect two interviews, one in each subject. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant interests and potential directions they may wish to follow. The interviews are an attempt to assess the nature, rather than limits, of your knowledge and interests. Both interviews are largely subject based, although more general questions may also be asked. In advance of interviews, applicants are asked to submit two examples of recent work, produced in the course of school studies, which will be available to interviewers. There is no need to bring material along to the interview.

Further advice about entry requirements and interviews for all subjects can be found in the Apply to Downing section of this site.

How can you find out more about History and Politics?

Historical Association – the UK national charity for history

RHS | Royal Historical Society

BBC - History: British History in-depth

Institute of Historical Research