UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE · UNITED KINGDOM
History BA (Tripos)
Bachelor's · Taught in en · UCAS V100
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 90+Academics
- ExtensiveLibraries and Source Materials
- WeeklyPersonalized Supervision System
- Broad and deep studyCourse Structure
The University of Cambridge offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History, one of the most comprehensive history programs globally. This course allows you to explore three millennia of history across the world, examining it through political, economic, cultural, social, and intellectual perspectives. The program is designed to equip you with a broad historical understanding, teach you to critically analyze primary and secondary sources, and develop your confidence in formulating and answering historical questions using strong research and analytical skills. You will learn to effectively organize and present your ideas. The curriculum has been enhanced to deepen students' knowledge, skills, and employability. It focuses on three core tracks: acquiring historical knowledge through Outline, Topic, and Advanced Topic papers; developing the craft of history via Skills, Sources, and Research Project papers; and fostering historical thinking through dedicated modules and seminars. The program emphasizes the university's unique supervision system, where students engage in personal discussions with senior historians in small groups or one-on-one settings, receiving detailed feedback on their work. Lectures and seminars provide broader introductions to historical events, processes, and interpretations.
Curriculum
The BA History course is structured across three years, with a curriculum designed to build historical knowledge, develop research skills, and foster critical historical thinking. The structure guides students from foundational knowledge in the first year to specialized study in the third year. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, and a unique supervision system. The Tripos structure is divided into three main areas: 1. **Historical Knowledge:** Covers a broad range of periods and regions through Outline (Year 1), Topic (Year 2), and Advanced Topic (Year 3) papers. 2. **The Craft of History:** Focuses on developing research and analytical skills through Sources (Year 1), Research Project (Year 2), and Special Subject (Year 3) papers. 3. **Historical Thinking:** Explores the nature of history as a discipline through dedicated modules in each year, including 'Introduction to Historical Thinking' in Year 1.
- Year 1 (Part IA)
- Outline PapersO1-O11
- Sources PapersS1-S20
- Introduction to Historical Thinking
- Year 2 (Part IB)
- Topic PapersT1-T10
- Research Project
- Historical Thinking II
- Year 3 (Part II)
- Advanced Topic Papers
- Special Subject
- Historical Thinking III
Careers
A history degree from Cambridge equips graduates with highly transferable skills sought by a wide range of employers. The analytical, research, and communication abilities honed through the program are valuable in many professional fields.
- Archive and museum work
- Journalism
- Publishing
- Law
- Politics and public service
- Business and management
- Teaching
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the History BA (Tripos) program?
- Applicants typically need A*AA at A-Level, with A-level History normally required. For the IB Diploma, 40-42 points overall are usually needed, with 776 at Higher Level.
- How do I apply to the History BA (Tripos) program?
- You must submit a UCAS application by the mid-October deadline, selecting the History BA (Tripos) and your chosen College. You will also need to check college-specific requirements, such as a possible pre-interview written assessment, and prepare for an interview if shortlisted.
- What is the application deadline for the History BA (Tripos) program?
- The UCAS application deadline is usually in mid-October. Interviews typically take place in early December, with admissions decisions communicated in early January.
- What career paths can I pursue with a History BA from Cambridge?
- A History BA from Cambridge equips graduates with highly transferable skills for diverse careers. Potential roles include archive and museum work, journalism, publishing, law, politics and public service, business and management, and teaching.
- What is the teaching structure for the History BA (Tripos) program?
- The program utilizes a unique supervision system where students engage in personal discussions with senior historians in small groups or one-on-one settings. This is complemented by broader lectures and seminars that introduce historical events, processes, and interpretations.
Entry requirements
A-LevelTypical offer: A*AA. A-level History is normally required.
IB Diploma40-42 points overall, with 776 at Higher Level.
Some colleges may require a pre-interview written assessment. For detailed information, consult the Cambridge prospectus.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to individual College or University fee information.
Tuition (home)Please refer to individual College or University fee information.
LivingPlease refer to the University's estimated living costs.
Tuition fees and living costs vary by College and individual circumstances. It is recommended to check the official University of Cambridge website for the most current financial information.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic (e.g., A-Level A*AA or IB 40-42) and any subject-specific requirements (A-level History normally required).
2. Choose a CollegeWhile the course is taught university-wide, you apply to an individual College. Research colleges to find one that suits your preferences.
3. Register for AssessmentSome colleges may require a pre-interview written assessment. Check with your chosen college for specific details and registration deadlines.
4. Submit UCAS ApplicationComplete your UCAS application, selecting the History BA (Tripos) with UCAS code V100 and your chosen College. Ensure all details are accurate and submit by the UCAS deadline.
5. Prepare for InterviewIf shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview, typically held in December. This assesses your academic potential and suitability for the course.
6. Await OutcomeDecisions are usually communicated in January. Successful applicants will receive an offer from their chosen college.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the History BA (Tripos) program?
+
Applicants typically need A*AA at A-Level, with A-level History normally required. For the IB Diploma, 40-42 points overall are usually needed, with 776 at Higher Level.
How do I apply to the History BA (Tripos) program?
+
You must submit a UCAS application by the mid-October deadline, selecting the History BA (Tripos) and your chosen College. You will also need to check college-specific requirements, such as a possible pre-interview written assessment, and prepare for an interview if shortlisted.
What is the application deadline for the History BA (Tripos) program?
+
The UCAS application deadline is usually in mid-October. Interviews typically take place in early December, with admissions decisions communicated in early January.
What career paths can I pursue with a History BA from Cambridge?
+
A History BA from Cambridge equips graduates with highly transferable skills for diverse careers. Potential roles include archive and museum work, journalism, publishing, law, politics and public service, business and management, and teaching.
What is the teaching structure for the History BA (Tripos) program?
+
The program utilizes a unique supervision system where students engage in personal discussions with senior historians in small groups or one-on-one settings. This is complemented by broader lectures and seminars that introduce historical events, processes, and interpretations.