History and Politics

History and Politics at Cambridge 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 develop skills in analysing the operation of power and politics across histories, institutions, and societies around the world. Students also build strengths in understanding the nature of evidence, methodology, and approaches in both History and Politics. They are able to choose from a wide range of topics in British, European, American and World history and politics, and to do extended dissertation work in one or more of these areas.

Cambridge is uniquely placed to teach History and Politics and International Relations together. Both Faculties are widely regarded as world-leading. The Faculty of History is one of the largest in the United Kingdom and is consistently ranked as the best in research and teaching assessments. It has internationally recognised experts in all relevant fields of study. The Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) is a medium-sized department with about 30 academics with a huge range of specialisms. It has particular research strengths in international politics, international history and international law, comparative politics and political thought.

Staff in the Faculty of History and the Department of Politics and International Studies have a wide range of shared interests in political and international 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.

More details about the structure and content of the course can be found on the Faculty of History website.

Magdalene has a very strong tradition in the study of history and politics, both as separate disciplines and jointly in the study of the history of politics and political thought. We aim to make around two offers in History and Politics each year.

Magdalene offers a supportive learning environment for History and Politics students. We aim to nurture intellectual development and independence. The college offers a well stocked library. Students can participate in a range of multidisciplinary events. The Fellowship includes specialists in the Middle East, India, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Closely related to the study of history and politics, Magdalene is also home to the Joint Centre for History and Economics, which has bases here and at King’s College in Cambridge and in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University.

Students will also be members of Magdalene History Society, open to Fellows, graduates and undergraduates. It meets several times a Term, organises talks, excursions and social events. We also hold an Annual Dinner in Lent Term.

The best preparation for applying to Magdalene, and for interview, is to read as widely as you can. There are no ‘set texts’ that we prescribe, but try and extend your reading around what you may have studied at school, and look beyond it to other periods and places. This way you may start thinking more critically about the operation of power across institutions and societies, and about the origins of contemporary politics. We encourage you to explore fields that straddle the two disciplines, such as political history, international relations, the history of political ideas. It is also important that you start thinking about differences in disciplinary perspectives, for example how different forms of evidence can be used to understand the past, and the present. An enthusiasm for both subjects is vital to studying for a degree in History and Politics, and, when you apply for a place, reading is the best way of demonstrating this. 

Candidates should have or be on course to obtain History at A-level (or equivalent). Two additional subjects at advanced level are normally required. Although candidates will not necessarily have AS or A-levels in Politics as well as History, they will be expected to demonstrate an interest in both subjects and will be assessed on their potential to succeed in them. At GCSE level (or equivalent), we like to see a mixture of Arts and Science subjects and, normally, successful candidates will have obtained a good range of subjects, many of which will be at grade A or A*.

Our minimum conditional offer level for History and Politics is A*AA at A-level. The minimum offer level for IB offers is for a total of 41-42 points, with 7,7,6 at Higher Level.

Interviews and written work

Candidates called for interview should normally expect to have two interviews, each usually lasting about 20-25 minutes. One interview will be with two historians and one with two academics who teach politics. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant interests and potential directions they may wish to follow.

Applicants are also asked to submit two examples of recent work, which will be available to interviewers.