History and Politics
- Number of students per year: up to three
- Typical offer: A*AA or equivalent; we accept a wide range of other qualifications
- Essential subjects: History
- Useful subjects: Politics, languages, Mathematics, English Literature
History and Politics offers subjects from Cambridge's highly regarded History, Politics, and International Relations courses, together with bespoke papers which will allow students to explore the space between the two disciplines.
You'll develop skills in analysing the operation of power and politics across histories, institutions, and societies around the world. You'll also be able to build strengths in understanding the nature of evidence, methodology, and approaches in both History and Politics. You'll be able to choose from a wide range of topics in British, European, American, and world history and politics.
The interests of the current Fellows in History and Politics at Jesus range widely across different periods and places, all of the History and Politics Fellows regularly teach Jesus undergraduates. We place particular emphasis on getting to know our undergraduates and teaching them in College, as well as sending them to expert supervisors in other Colleges.
Jesus has a large, friendly existing community of undergraduates studying both the single honours History course and Politics as part of the Human, Social, and Political Sciences course, making the College an ideal place to study the joint course.
Requirements
Our typical conditional offer is usually for an A* and two A grades at A-Level or equivalent. An A-Level, or equivalent, in History is essential. You do not need to have previously studied Politics. You'll be assessed on your interest in both subjects and your ability to succeed at them.
We welcome applications from students with other qualifications comparable to A-Level, such as the Scottish Advanced Highers, the International Baccalaureate, and other foreign school leaving examinations.
Written assessment
You are not currently required to sit a written admissions assessment.
Interviews
In 2024-25, we’ll be interviewing shortlisted applicants virtually, with interviews taking place in December.
The interview process aims to assess your intellectual ability, potential, and commitment to the subject. Candidates are typically interviewed by at least three subject specialists, including the Director of Studies, and total contact time will be between 35-50 minutes in total. This could be in a single interview, or in two separate interviews. Further details will be made available to candidates closer to the time.
Find out more about the interview process on the University website.
Written work
You'll be asked to submit two short classwork essays of up to 2,000 words each for illustrative purposes. An extract of longer coursework can be submitted instead of an essay. The work can be from any subject, and won't necessarily be discussed during your interview.
International applicants
We mostly refer to A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate for our entry requirements, but we accept a wide variety of qualifications from all over the world. The University website lists the international qualifications we accept. We expect students to be on track to achieve the highest grades in whichever qualification system they are studying.
Deferred and post A-Level entry
We're happy to consider post A-Level and deferred applications in History and Politics.
We also welcome applications from mature students. You will normally have already achieved A*AA at A-Level, and you'll have to go through the normal competitive process with the other applicants. We will also consider second time applicants without prejudice.
Find out how to apply to study at Jesus.
