UCAS Points for History

Quick answer: Most UK history degrees ask for 96–144 UCAS points in 2026 — typically CCC to AAA at A-level. Mid-range courses sit around 120–128 points (BBB–ABB). Many selective universities state specific A-level grades, often including A-level History, instead of points.

How many UCAS points do you need for history?

Most history degrees in the UK ask for somewhere between 96 and 144 UCAS points for 2026 entry. That range covers almost the whole map — from broad-access courses that welcome a wide mix of grades, right up to the most competitive departments. The sweet spot, where the majority of history offers sit, is around 120–128 points — that is BBB to ABB at A-level.

So if you have grades in that mid-range, you are in range for a lot of good courses. If you are higher or lower, there are still plenty of options either side. The first move is simple: calculate your total so you know your exact number, then check it against how many points you need overall.

Typical history entry requirements by points

History offers spread across a wide band, so it helps to think in tiers. The table below shows the rough shape of the market — from entry-level to the most competitive courses. These are typical patterns, not promises from any one university, so always confirm with the specific course page.

A few of these numbers are worth fixing in your mind: CCC is 96 points, BBC is 112, BBB is 120, ABB is 128, AAB is 136, and AAA is 144. If you want to see how a particular combination adds up, look at what BBB is worth or AAA in points. Each step up a grade in one subject adds 8 points, so the gap between tiers is smaller than it can feel.

What grades give you these history points?

You do not have to study A-levels to reach the history range — several qualifications get you there, and many history courses happily accept a mix.

Here is how the common routes line up with the 96–144 band:

• A-levels: three subjects from CCC (96) up to AAA (144). See the full A-level points table.
• BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM (96) through DMM (112), DDM (128) and DDD (144). The BTEC points guide breaks down every grade.
• International Baccalaureate: strong Higher Level grades build the same totals — the IB points page shows how HL and SL convert.
• Scottish Highers: a clutch of good Highers, such as AABBB, reaches 147 points, comfortably inside the range.

Do history courses actually use UCAS points?

Here is the honest part. Plenty of history courses do publish offers in points — but many selective and Russell Group history departments state specific A-level grades instead, and they often want A-level History (or another essay-based subject like English, Politics, or Classics) among them.

Why? History at degree level leans heavily on reading, argument, and extended writing, so admissions teams care which subjects you took, not just how the numbers total up. A course asking for "AAB including History" is checking for the right kind of preparation, not simply a points score.

What this means for you is practical: read the entry requirements on each course page closely. If it lists points, your total tells you straight away whether you are in range. If it lists grades and named subjects, your points are a useful guide but the named subject is the real gate. Our guide to whether all universities use points explains this difference in more detail, so you are never caught out by a course that quietly ignores the Tariff.

Your next step toward a history place

Whatever your situation, the path forward is clear — calculate, compare, and decide.

• On track for your range? Build a shortlist of courses where your total lands in the right tier, and double-check each one for named-subject requirements.
• A little short on points? Look at realistic ways to close the gap, from an EPQ to retakes, in our not enough points guide.
• Around results day? Have your number ready so you can move fast through Clearing if you need to.

A good place to start is seeing the full picture: what you can study with your points lays out your realistic options across subjects, so you can decide where history fits.

See what you can study with your points

Related subjects and helpful guides

If you are weighing history against similar courses, or want to lift your total, these pages help:

• UCAS points for English — closely related essay-based degree.
• UCAS points for Law — popular next-door subject with higher typical offers.
• UCAS points for Psychology — another widely chosen humanities-adjacent route.
• How to get more UCAS points — realistic ways to add to your total.

History degree FAQs

How many UCAS points do you need for a history degree?

Most history degrees ask for 96 to 144 UCAS points, which is roughly CCC to AAA at A-level. Mid-range courses cluster around 120 to 128 points (BBB to ABB). Calculate your total to see where you land.

What A-level grades do you need for history?

Typically BBB to AAA. Many selective universities ask for specific grades — often including A-level History or another essay-based subject — rather than counting UCAS points. Always check the course page for the exact requirement.

Do you need A-level History to study history at university?

Often, yes — selective courses frequently require A-level History or a closely related essay subject. Some post-1992 universities are more flexible and accept a broad mix of subjects, so check each course.

Can you study history with BTEC or IB instead of A-levels?

Yes. A BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM–DDD (112–144 points) or the IB at strong Higher Level grades can meet many history offers. Check whether the course wants specific subjects too. See BTEC points or IB points.