Reference criteria: 2027 entry. Research reference 2026-10-22; academic review pending. Fresh future-cycle applications are provisional. Cambridge also identifies these criteria for deferred entry in 2028.
What you would study
Combine chronological and geographical choices, source analysis and optional dissertation work.
Published academic requirements
| Pathway | Published baseline |
|---|---|
| A-levels | A*AA. History at A-level or IB HL. Applicants with equivalent skills developed elsewhere should contact Colleges. |
| IB Diploma | 41–42 including core, with 776 at HL. Subject levels and any specified subject grades also apply. |
| AP qualifications | At least five relevant AP Test scores of 5, with usual timing, school-qualification and SAT/ACT expectations. Course-specific equivalence and College conditions need confirmation. |
Subject requirements: History at A-level or IB HL. Applicants with equivalent skills developed elsewhere should contact Colleges.
Application components
Assessment: College assessment. Hughes Hall and St Edmund's; arranged after shortlisting, without advance registration.
Written work: Two pieces; Sidney Sussex requests one.
College conditions can change the required subjects, grade bindings or offer level. Our checker shows central published differences; it does not verify every College policy. Check the selected College’s current instructions.
GCSEs and school context can inform selection. This tool does not invent a general GCSE cutoff or calculate an admissions probability.
Your next steps
- Check your qualification pathway and compulsory subjects.
- Confirm the application cycle and any College-specific conditions.
- Read the official assessment and submitted-work instructions.
- Explore whether the course content fits the questions you enjoy.
Official sources
Checked 2026-10-22. These links support the reference-cycle information; they are not proof that a future cycle is unchanged.
- Cambridge: History ↗2027 entry / deferred 2028; entry requirements; college variations; structure
- Cambridge: accepted qualifications ↗A levels, IB, AP, SAT, ACT, GCSE and mixed qualifications
- Cambridge: college assessments ↗2027 assessment arrangements; no advance registration