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…

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.
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 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.
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.