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
Explore different periods and historical approaches, with independent research and a thesis.
Published academic requirements
| Pathway | Published baseline |
|---|---|
| A-levels | AAA. History is highly recommended, not compulsory. |
| IB Diploma | 38 including core, with 666 at HL. Subject levels and any specified subject grades also apply. |
| AP qualifications | Four AP scores of 5, or three AP scores of 5 plus SAT 1460 or ACT 31. Required subjects and counting restrictions also apply. |
Subject requirements: History is highly recommended, not compulsory.
Preparation guidance: History at A-level, IB HL or equivalent is highly recommended, not compulsory.
Application components
Assessment: None.
Written work: One historical essay from normal school work, up to 2,000 words; follow the official certification 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.
- Oxford: History ↗How to apply; qualifications; subjects; tests; written work; course structure
- Oxford: international qualifications ↗USA; IB; subject equivalencies