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 historical contexts, institutions, and societies around the world. They also build strengths in understanding the nature of evidence, methodology, and different approaches in both History and Politics. Students can choose from a wide range of topics in British, European, American and World history and politics, and undertake dissertation work in one or more of these areas.

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 the history of political thought. We offer a supportive learning environment for History and Politics students, aiming to foster intellectual independence and curiosity in a way that equips students with a capacity for critical, self-directed thinking. 

The College offers a well-stocked library and students can participate in a range of multidisciplinary events. The Fellowship includes specialists in the Middle East, South-East Asia, Europe, and Africa, giving students direct access to a broad range of regional expertise.

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 the Magdalene History Society, open to Fellows, postgraduates and undergraduates. It meets multiple times a Term and organises talks, excursions and social events. For more information, please see the History page.

More details of the course and the optional papers available can be found on the University’s Undergraduate Study pages and the Faculty of History website.

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, places, and approaches. This way you begin thinking more critically about the operation of power across institutions and societies, and about the origins of contemporary politics. We particularly encourage you to explore areas that sit at the intersection of the two disciplines, such as political history, international relations, and the history of political thought. We also encourage you to reflect on differences in disciplinary perspectives, for instance, how different forms of evidence are used to interpret the past, make sense of the present, and imagine future possibilities. A genuine enthusiasm for both History and Politics is essential, and your wider reading offers the clearest evidence of this engagement.

Candidates should have or be on course to obtain History at A-level (or equivalent). 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. 

Minimum Offer 

A-level: A*AA 

IB: 41-42 points overall, with 7,7,6 at Higher Level.

Other qualifications: Check which other qualifications we accept 

Candidates will normally have two interviews of around 20-25 minutes each.

The interview process aims to assess your intellectual ability, potential, and commitment to the subject.

We also usually ask for two samples of written work (such as school essays) to be submitted with the application.

There is no admissions assessment for History and Politics at Magdalene.

More information is available on the Interviews, Written Work and Assessments page.