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What A-levels do you need to study history?

If you’re thinking of taking a history degree, you're probably already planning to study history at A-level. But what are the best subjects to combine it with? Read on…

By Nik Taylor (editor, The Uni Guide) | 10 September 2025 | 1 minutes read

If you’re planning to study history at university, an A-level in history will keep all courses open to you – though more unis than you might think will accept you without it. Either way, having a combination of essay-based subjects such as English literature and politics will set you in good stead for studying history at degree level.

Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

Most courses require history, but there are some exceptions.

Useful A-levels (or equivalent)

Economics.
English literature.
Politics.
Philosophy.
Sociology.
Theology or religious studies.

Other A-levels taken by current history students

General studies.
English language.
Maths.

Take a look at individual history courses on The Uni Guide to find out the most popular subjects students studied before taking a history degree.

Similar subject areas

Similar subjects may have slightly different A-level requirements to history, so if you want to keep your degree options open, be sure to check the entry requirements of specific courses before you finalise your choices.

Take a look at some more articles on this topic.