A*AA, or 41–42 IB points with 776 at Higher Level
The minimum offer is A*AA at A level, or 41 to 42 IB points with 776 at Higher Level. Cambridge's listed requirements are for entry in 2027 or deferred entry in 2028.
Undergraduate · Cambridge History and Modern Languages
Cambridge History and Modern Languages: preparing for two disciplines and a year abroad
Cambridge's History and Modern Languages degree lasts four years, with at least eight months abroad in the third. It asks for History at A level or IB Higher Level, the language you want to study unless you are starting it from scratch, an admission assessment at every College and two essays, one in History and one in your language or in English. The decision is whether you can hold both disciplines at the same standard. Everything cycle-specific here is Cambridge's wording for 2027 entry; nothing below is a confirmed 2028 requirement.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What Cambridge asks for in History and Modern Languages
Taken from Cambridge's History and Modern Languages course page and its written-work and interviews pages and read on 31 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; Cambridge's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
History, plus your language unless you start from scratch
You need an A level or IB Higher Level (or equivalent) in History and in the language you want to study, unless you will study it from scratch. If you are not taking a modern language, you can apply for all options except French.
An assessment at every College
There is an admission assessment at all Colleges for this course, and you do not need to register in advance. Check Cambridge's College admission assessments page.
Two essays: History, and your language or English
You need to submit two recent essays from school. One should be from your History A level or equivalent. The other should be in your language if you study it post-A level, or in English if you are starting from scratch.
Four years, with at least eight months abroad
The course lasts four years. In the third year you spend at least eight months abroad studying, teaching or working, and you take an oral examination just before the fourth year.
Official sources
- University of Cambridge: History and Modern Languages, BA (Hons) (undergraduate course page)undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk
- University of Cambridge: Written work and portfoliosundergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk
Read on 31 October 2026 on Cambridge's History and Modern Languages course page and its written-work and interviews pages, which describes 2027 entry. Individual Colleges' assessment details, written-work deadlines, the College-by-College interview formats, the Faculties' own pages and the 2028-entry values were not read and are not stated.
The course
History, a language and a year abroad in one degree
Cambridge describes History and Modern Languages as a joint degree combining the study of languages, culture and history, with options in German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Russian. In the first year you receive intensive language training and take two papers: an introduction to the literature, history, film and philosophy of the country where your language is spoken, and a History outline paper. You also take Introduction to Historical Thinking in your College. The second year continues the language with three more papers. The third year is spent abroad, studying, teaching or working as an intern, and you write a study abroad project. The fourth year has advanced language work and three specialised papers in modern languages and history, with an optional dissertation. Teaching is usually 12 to 14 hours a week.
Choosing your route
Language from A level, or from scratch?
The page distinguishes between applicants by the language they already have.
You have the language at A level or IB Higher Level
You can carry on studying it at a more advanced level. History and French is available only to those with A level or IB Higher Level in French.
You do not have a language qualification
You can apply for History and German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish and study the language from scratch. Cambridge says you can state your language preference in My Cambridge Application.
Other Cambridge and Oxford routes are different
Single-subject History, Oxford Modern Languages and Oxford History and English each have their own guide and rules, and should not be assumed to match.
Reading the offer
A*AA, with History and (usually) your language
The offer is A*AA, or 41 to 42 IB points with 776 at Higher Level. History is required, as is the language itself unless you will study it from scratch. If you are not taking History, Cambridge says to contact the Colleges you are shortlisting, which is advice rather than a promise of an alternative. Cambridge says all of its past entrants in this degree took History and most took a language, and that common combinations do not mean those combinations are favoured.
Assessment and written work
An assessment at every College, and two essays that match your route
Unlike History alone, there is an admission assessment at all Colleges for this course, which you do not need to register for in advance. The two essays are specified: both are recent school essays, one from History and the other in the language you will study if you study it post-A level, or in English if you are starting from scratch. Cambridge's general guidance is that work should be marked by your teacher, with comments, and be something you are happy to discuss. Interviews are academic conversations, online or in person depending on the College.
A note on preparation
What Cambridge says about commercial interview services
Cambridge says some companies offer interview preparation for a fee, that these services are not endorsed by the University and have no exclusive information, and that all official guidance is free on its website. Avandy's support is independent and limited to helping a student plan reading, language practice and essay choices.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Cambridge's.
Do both disciplines excite you equally?
A joint degree gives less time to each than a single honours course. Be sure neither feels like a requirement.
Are you ready to live and work in another language?
You will spend at least eight months abroad in your third year. Think about the country and the kind of work or study you would choose.
Do you have a History essay and a language essay you can discuss?
Both will be read and may be talked about. Choose pieces that show your thinking.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules Cambridge has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means Cambridge published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means Cambridge has not yet published it.
Grades, the History and language rules, the assessment at every College and the two specified essays: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Cambridge has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
UCAS deadline, assessment arrangements, written-work deadlines, interview dates and any change to selection arrangements: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check Cambridge's History and Modern Languages course page and its College assessments and interviews pages for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Decide which language route is yours, keep a marked History essay and a marked language essay (or a second English essay), and check each shortlisted College's assessment.
Support
Independent support with course choice and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the University of Cambridge or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here helps a student choose a route, plan language and history reading and choose submitted work; it does not write, edit or rewrite any submitted piece, and Avandy has no access to exclusive Cambridge information. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What are the Cambridge History and Modern Languages entry requirements?
A*AA at A level, or 41 to 42 IB points with 776 at Higher Level, with History and, unless starting from scratch, the language required. This is Cambridge's wording for entry in 2027 or deferred entry in 2028.
Can I study a language from scratch?
Yes, for all options except French. Cambridge says you can apply for History with German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish without an existing qualification in the language.
Is there an admissions test?
There is an admission assessment at all Colleges for this course, and you do not need to register in advance.
What written work do I submit?
Two recent school essays: one from your History A level or equivalent, and one in your language if you study it post-A level, or in English if you are starting from scratch.
How long do I spend abroad?
At least eight months in the third year, studying, teaching or working in a country where your chosen language is spoken.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Cambridge's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when Cambridge publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Cambridge History and Modern Languages
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their History, their chosen language and the level they have reached in it, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.