Sidney Sussex has particular strengths in both History and Politics, and students of this joint degree will be fully integrated into both subject groups.
Important Note Concerning Interviews for 2025
Sidney's undergraduate interviews in December 2025 will take place both online and in-person. Candidates who are ordinarily resident in the UK will be expected to attend interviews in-person at the College. Candidates who reside outside the UK will be offered an online interview.
Our History Fellowship is large and diverse, with a special focus on modern British, European and American history, and our students benefit from one of the best libraries for History in all of Cambridge. All History and Politics students become members of the College's Confraternitas Historica, the oldest student-run history society in Europe.
Sidney also has a strong presence in Politics and International Relations, with Fellows' research interests including foreign policy analysis and the international politics of Europe, international security, international relations of African states, and the impact of nationalism on international relations.
Undergraduate Study
For more information about the Fellows and teaching in History and Politics, please also visit our webpages for the History and Human, Social and Political Sciences Triposes.
- Written work
Two essays. We will send out more specific information about what is required after the UCAS deadline, but you will not need to write anything new specially for this.
- Admissions assessment
Sidney Sussex will not require an admissions assessment for History & Politics in 2024.
- Interviews
- Sidney's undergraduate interviews in December 2025 will take place both online and in-person. Candidates who are ordinarily resident in the UK will be expected to attend interviews in-person at the College. Candidates who reside outside the UK will be offered an online interview.
- Please see more information about interview arrangements at Sidney Sussex in 2025 here: 2025 Applicant Information
- Two interviews, one in each subject. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant interests and potential directions they may wish to follow.
- Subject requirements
- Learn about our standard entry requirements for History and Politics on the University website.
- Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an interest in both subjects and will be assessed on their potential to succeed in them.
- Please note that offers are set on an individual basis using all of the information available to us in context of the entire field of applicants.
Typical intake
1 - 3
Typical A-level offer
A*AA
Typical IB offer
41-42 points overall, with 776 at Higher Level
Postgraduate Study
At the University of Cambridge applications for postgraduate study are processed centrally by the Postgraduate Admissions Office. The application form and supporting documents are submitted electronically via their website and the online self-service system, though academic decisions on applications are made by the Faculty or Department.
- Funding
There are many funding opportunities at Cambridge from a wide variety of sources including the Cambridge Trust, Gates Cambridge, Colleges, Departments, Research Councils and central University funds. You can use the Postgraduate Admissions' Cambridge Funding Search to find out which type of funding you might be eligible for, and how and when to apply. They also operate a Postgraduate Funding Competition to co-ordinate some of these funding opportunities and make the process easier for you as an applicant.
To find information about the funds available for postgraduate students at Sidney, visit our Studentships and funding page.
- Useful links
Course directory | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
Funding | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
How do I apply? | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
International students | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
Opportunities to work, travel, and study
The College is able to offer financial support for a number of student pursuits including:
- Professional and research internships
- Study awards
- Vacation travel
- Arts and music
- Sport
While it will not be possible to provide support in all cases, current students are strongly encouraged to apply if they have a project which would benefit from financial support.
Discover more on our Opportunities to work, travel, and study page.
