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Which universities don't require an A-level in history for their history degrees?

I'm looking to do history at university, but don't actually have a history A-level. Which universities don't require A-level history for their history degrees? Alternatively, is it worth looking to do an online history A-level to improve my chances of getting offers?

I do, however, have A* at GCSE history, an EPQ in a historical topic, A-levels in government and politics and economics and business studies and have also done a couple of online FutureLearn history courses. Is this likely to go in my favour?

Reply 1

sydneybridge

Yes, there are Unis which dont require History A Level.

UWE (280 points) : http://courses.uwe.ac.uk/V100/#entry
Lancaster (AAA) : http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/history-ba-hons-v100/
Canterbury Christ Church (280 points) : http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/undergraduate/history.aspx
Winchester : (320 points) : http://www.winchester.ac.uk/Studyhere/Pages/ba-hons-history.aspx
Nottingham Trent (260 points) http://www.ntu.ac.uk/apps/pss/course_finder/94714-1/2/ba_%28hons%29_history.aspx#howtoapply
Lincoln (280 points) http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/course/hsthstub/
ALL will want you to be taking an 'essay based' subject - English, Law, Politics, Sociology, Geography etc - as evidence that you can read & analyse text and write sensibly. You will also have to display an ACTIVE interest in History in your PS - relevant work-experience or volunary work, personal research project, relevant reading etc.

A good book to start with (and to see if you do actually like History) is this : http://www.amazon.co.uk/Studying-History-Palgrave-Study-Skills/dp/1403987343

OR you could look at a Foundation course like that at UCLAN (280 points) : http://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/ba_hons_history_foundation_entry.php or at Essex 180 points) http://www.essex.ac.uk/coursefinder/course_details.aspx?course=BA++V102

Reply 2

jelly1000

Original post by C.Cammers

I'm afraid its a case of surfing through unversity websites to see if they specify history as a must or not and if in doubt emailing admissions. Having Politics A-Level could help, yes where they ask for History or similar/related subject.

Reply 3

ruthsalts

I have applied to do history at Canterbury, Suffolk, Brighton and Hertfordshire and none of them have asked for an a - level in history. I think all they ask of you is to show your interest in the subject in your personal statement.

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Reply 4

sydneybridge

Original post by ruthsalts

I think all they ask of you is to show your interest in the subject in your personal statement.

You will need to show an active interest in History.

1) Mention a couple of relevant books you have read (the book I mentioned above is good for identifying sensible stuff related to your interests) or theories - and importantly, why you agree or dont agree with their opinions or approach.

2) You need to show you are involved in history - so going to any talks/lectures etc at your local museum, University ot local history centre, or doing some personal research (family history, house/street/place history) using original documents shows this. Just saying 'I visit lots of National Trust properties' or 'I watch Time Team alot' is not enough.

3) What bits of history intrigue you? Nineteenth century? Holocaust? American Civil Rights? Be specific about a few areas and explain why they interest you.

Good Luck!

Reply 5

Airmed

I've applied for History and Politics at Dundee, Glasgow, QUB, York and St Andrews.
Only York and St Andrews said that I had to have A Level History (at grade A, nevertheless). I also know from research that Birmingham ask for an A Level in History.